The conditional particle なら is also called the contextual conditional. It is used to express a conditional or hypothetical situation based on information or assumptions. The English meaning is close to if this is the case, then ... or if you're talking about ..., then ..., so it sets a context and then makes claims from that context. It's often used to suggest things or to give advice.
It follows the plain form of nouns, adjectives and verbs.
| If you’re going to watch a movie, a comedy is good. | 映画 を 観る なら、 コメディ が いい。eiga o miru nara, komedi ga ii. |
| If you're going, I will go too. | 行く なら、 私 も 行きます。iku nara, watashi mo ikimasu. |
| If you went, please show me the photos. | 行った なら、 写真 を 見せて ください。itta nara, shashin o misete kudasai. |
| If you are a teacher, please teach (me). | 先生 なら、 教えて ください。sensei nara, oshiete kudasai. |
The conditional particle なら can also be used for considering counterfactual scenarios. In this case the condition can be in the past tense, but also in the non-past tense if its clear that it's a counterfactual situation.
| If you were a friend, I would help. | あなた が 友達 なら、 手伝います。anata ga tomodachi nara, tetsudaimasu. |
| If I had been younger, I would have (probably) taken that job. | もっと 若かった なら、 あの 仕事 を 受けた でしょう。motto wakakatta nara, ano shigoto o uketa deshou. |
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