日本語道場
Nihongo Dojo — N3 → N2
N2· hand-written
~ものなら / ~ものならば
If (it were) possible to ...; If only ... could
When to use it
Hypothetical conditional expressing a wish or near-impossible scenario. Often paired with potential-form verbs (~られる, ~できる) and a follow-up showing what the speaker would do. In business: softening bold proposals, expressing aspiration, or politely flagging a constraint.
Formation
Potential verb: 戻れる (modoreru) → 戻れるものなら → あの判断をやり直したい (modoreru mono nara → ano handan o yarinaoshitai) If I could go back, I'd redo that decision.
Potential verb: できる (dekiru) → できるものなら → 今すぐ着手したい (dekiru mono nara → ima sugu chakushu shitai) If at all possible, I'd like to start immediately.
Polite/written: 叶う (kanau) → 叶うものならば → 来期前に発表したい (kanau mono naraba → raiki mae ni happyō shitai) If it could be granted, I'd like to announce it before next term.
Examples
If at all possible, I'd like to move the announcement up by a month — is that realistic?
With respect, we can't skip the verification phase. If it were possible we'd shorten it, but we can't compromise on quality.
Understood. Then let's narrow the reconsideration to where there's room to negotiate.
If I could go back, I'd redo that decision.
If at all possible, I'd like to start immediately.
If it could be granted, I'd like to announce it before next term.