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