JLPT N2 grammar

それならmeaning and usage

Meaning

If A is the case, then (let's) B

How to form it

  • それなら、+sentence

How it is used

Takes up what the other person just said as a premise and offers a suggestion, judgement or decision: 'in that case, then'. Casual alternatives are 「それじゃ」 and 「だったら」.

Examples

  1. 彼女の誕生日プレゼント？それなら本がいいんじゃないかな。

    A present for her birthday? If that's the case, a book'd be nice, wouldn't it?

  2. 「今日は時間がないんです。」「それなら、明日にしましょう。」

    'I don't have time today.' 'In that case, let's make it tomorrow.'

  3. 「駅まで歩くと三十分かかるよ。」「それなら、バスで行こう。」

    'It takes thirty minutes to walk to the station.' 'Then let's take the bus.'