Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 8: 18/18

もし

If (For emphasis)

Structure Legend

Structure

もし + Phrase[たら](1)

(1) Phrase[ば]Phrase[と]Phrase[ても]

Details

  • Register

    Standard

  • 使用域

    一般

About もし

もし is an adverb used to emphasize the nuance of 'if', with expressions like , , なら, たら, and ても. Literally, the meaning of もし is close to 'while slight', or 'while small'.
To use もし, simply add it to the beginning of any phrase that uses one of the conditional expressions listed above.
  • もし(かれ)動物(どうぶつ)(たと)(ねこ)()ています
    If we were to compare him to an animal, he resembles a cat. (Even if you only slightly compared him)
  • もし今日(きょう)()れば()
    If you can come today, please do. (If, on the slight chance you can come)
  • もしまだ(あたま)(いた)なら医者(いしゃ)()(ほう)がいい
    If your head still hurts, you should go to the doctors. (If, on the slight chance it does hurt)
  • もし()(もの)()たら、お菓子(かし)()()
    If you go shopping, can you buy some snacks? (If, on the slight chance you do go)
  • もし(あめ)()ても遊園地(ゆうえんち)()ます
    Even if it rains, we will still go to the amusement park. (If, on the slight chance it does rain)
Fun Fact
もし is sometimes seen written as (), a kanji which has the meaning of 'low in (A)', (also seen in the word (わか) 'young'). It is from this kanji that もし gets its meaning of 'while low in (probability, number, age, experience)'.

Examples

  • もしこのパソコン彼女(かのじょ)あげるなら説明書(せつめいしょ)(わた)してね

    If you are going to give this computer to her, (make sure to) give her the manual too.

  • もし(きみ)文法(ぶんぽう)勉強(べんきょう)たら日本語(にほんご)(しゃべ)れるようになるでしょう

    If you study grammar, you will become able to speak Japanese, right?

  • もしコーヒー()ってくれたら(うれ)しい

    If you bought coffee for me, I would be happy.

  • もし(あめ)()たら(くるま)()

    If it rains, I will go by car.

  • もし鉛筆(えんぴつ)()って()(わす)たらテスト()けられなくなる

    If you forget to bring a pencil you will not be able to take the test.

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