〜ものなら

Formation

N2ConditionalNeutral
Potential Form
Verb
ものなら
Variations
もんなら
Colloquial

Meaning

Expresses a desire or expectation for something that is difficult or unlikely to be achieved. Often followed by expressions of desire, command, or challenge like '〜たい', '〜みろ', or '〜てほしい'.

Note

Hypothetical condition typically used with the potential form of a verb to describe a situation that is impossible or extremely unlikely. It often conveys a strong emotional desire ('If only I could...'), a challenge ('If you think you can do it, try it!'), or a sense of regret. It is more emphatic and emotionally charged than a simple '〜なら'. The variant 'もんなら' is used in casual spoken language.

Examples

帰れるものなら、今すぐ国へ帰りたい。

If I could return, I would return to my country right now.

やれるもんなら、やってみろ。

If you can do it, try doing it.

忘れられるものなら、あの日のことをすべて忘れてしまいたい。

If I could forget, I would like to forget everything about that day.

直せるもんなら直したいが、この時計はもう動かない。

If I could fix it, I would want to, but this watch no longer works.

戻れるものなら、子供のころに戻りたい。

If I could go back, I would want to go back to my childhood.

買えるものなら買いたいが、高すぎて手が出ない。

If I could buy it, I would want to, but it's too expensive to afford.

Conjugation Reference