がなら (ganara)

Meaning & usage

If someone/something were a really good/appropriate one; if something is right | A structure presenting a counterfactual situation which indicates that things would be better if something were really good or appropriate.

Example sentences 6

1. 世が世なら、こんな情けない生活はしなくても済んだのに。

   If I were living in a really good time, I wouldn't need to live such a miserable life.

2. 友人が友人なら、役に立つ助言をしてくれたかもしれません。

   If your friend were a true friend, he might have given you useful advice.

3. 大学が大学ならもっといい教育が受けられて、いい就職しゅうしょくもできたのだろう。

   If the university had been a really good one, it would have given me a much better education, and I could have gotten a good job.

4. 季節きせつが季節なら、ここは素晴らしい観光地なんですが、今は寒すぎて観光には向いていないんですよ。

   If we were here in the right season, this place would be a wonderful sightseeing spot, but now it's not a good place to take tourists because it is too cold.

5. 時代が時代なら、そんな服装も悪くはないのかもしれないが、今ではおよそ古臭い。

   At the appropriate time, that sort of clothing would not have looked so bad, but now it is too old-fashioned looking.

6. 社が会社ならもう少しましな給料を出してくれるのだろうが。

   If my company were a really good one, it would probably pay a bit better salary, but…