if ~ were possible, if ~ could

Advanced

20-30 min

occasional

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses a hypothetical wish that is difficult to achieve.

[Potential form] + ものなら

行けるものなら、今すぐ行きたい。

Ikeru mono nara, ima sugu ikitai.

If I could go, I would want to go right now.

やり直せるものなら、やり直したい。

Yarinaseru mono nara, yarinaoshitai.

If I could do it over, I would want to.

Implies the action is difficult or impossible in reality.

～ならいざ知らず

~ might be one thing, but; leaving ~ aside

～てやまない

earnestly wish/hope, never stop ~ing

～をものともせずに

not being daunted by ~, in spite of ~

～んがため(に)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~ (formal/literary)

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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