[JLPT N4]When なら cannot be used: Events that are definitely going to happen in the future

 

この投稿をInstagramで見る

 

Chika sensei(@chika_sensei)がシェアした投稿


こんにちは、ちか先生です。

Konnichiwa, it’s Chika Sensei.

Today, I’m sharing a homework correction from my JLPT Course. This one’s for beginners! Can you spot the mistake in the student’s sentence?

 

[Student’s sentence]

 

あの店は、9時になるならオープンします。

あのみせは、9じになるならオープンします。
ano mise wa, kuji ni naru nara oopun shimasu.

 

 

 



 

 

 

[My correction]

 

あの店は、9時になるならオープンします。
→ あの店は、9時になったらオープンします。

ano mise wa, kuji ni nattara oopun shimasu.

That store will open when it becomes 9 o’clock.

 

〜なら (nara) is used to express a hypothetical situation, meaning “if A happens in the future.” It’s for things that are uncertain or hypothetical.

e.g.

あなたが行くなら、私も行きます。

anata ga iku nara, watashi mo ikimasu.

If you go, I go too.

(Not certain if you will go)

 

 

However, in this case, the event (9 o’clock) is not hypothetical; it’s something that will definitely happen. Therefore, なら is not appropriate.

 

For situations that are certain to happen, like time or an event in the future, use 〜たら (tara) instead.

 

 

I hope this explanation helps! 😊