if it were possible, if only

Intermediate

20-25 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses hypothetical desire for something difficult or impossible.

[Verb potential form] + ものなら

できるものなら、会いたい。

Dekiru mono nara, aitai.

If it were possible, I would like to meet.

戻れるものなら、あの日に戻りたい。

Modoreru mono nara, ano hi ni modoritai.

If only I could go back, I'd like to return to that day.

Often implies impossibility or difficulty.

～ものだ / ～ものではない

should (moral), used to, naturally

～に違いない

must be ~, no doubt that ~, undoubtedly

～に関して/関する

regarding ~, concerning ~, about ~

～について/つい

about ~, concerning ~

～に伴って/伴い/伴う

along with ~, as ~ (changes)

Use for expressing wishes.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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