それなら
🃏 Flashcard
それなら
sore nara
Tap to reveal usage
if that’s the case; if so~
N2
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
sore nara
Post ID
51137
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
if that’s the case; if so~
📖 How to use it
Based on what you just said, offers a conclusion or alternative action.
Attaches to
Used as a sentence-initial conjunction, not attached to any verb form; follows a statement or situation mentioned by the other person.
それなら means 'if that is the case' or 'in that situation'. It refers back to something the other person has just said or to a condition that has become clear. You use it when you accept the new information and then state what you will do or what should happen as a result. It is a natural spoken way to connect the other person's words to your next move or suggestion.
明日は雨だって。それなら、ピクニックはやめよう。
Ashita wa ame datte. Sore nara, pikunikku wa yameyou.
They say it will rain tomorrow. If so, let's cancel the picnic.
この本、もう読み終わったよ。それなら、友達に貸してあげられるね。
Kono hon, mou yomiowattayo. Sore nara, tomodachi ni kashite agerareru ne.
I've already finished reading this book. If that's the case, you can lend it to your friend.
電車が遅れているそうです。それなら、タクシーで行きましょう。
Densha ga okurete iru sou desu. Sore nara, takushii de ikimashou.
I heard the train is delayed. If so, let's go by taxi.
Not なら (after a noun or verb)
なら directly follows a noun or verb (e.g., 行くなら) and means 'if you are going to...'. それなら stands alone at the beginning of a sentence and refers back to the whole previous statement.
Register
Neutral and conversational; used in both speaking and writing, but especially common in everyday spoken Japanese.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
それなら
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat それなら three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using それなら. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns
← Previous
それなのに
and yet; despite this; but even so~
Next →
それにしても
nevertheless; at any rate; even so
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern それなら mean?
▼
If that’s the case; if so~
What JLPT level is それなら?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use それなら in a sentence?
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Attach それなら (sore nara) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is それなら formal or casual Japanese?
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それなら is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember それなら long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.