14[✐all] Speak natural Japanese!

[✐all levels] 「(N)なら、(N)です」: in the case of, then, in the event that, if it is, if so〜, when it comes to
[00:07]
Hello, everyone.
“Sushi nara Wasabi desu” would be; “If it is Sushi, you eat with Wasabi (not with Ketchup)”, for example. This translation is just one of many.

“〜nara,〜desu” means;  in the case of, in the event that, if so, when it comes to etc, and the meaning varies with different contexts. We use only nouns to construct this pattern today. So it’s easy.

Repeat the sentence and think about the meaning. Then check my sample translation.  I say “sample”, because there could be more possibile translations.  Here we go.

(There may be different translations depending on the context or background. )

Repeat after me
[00:59]
1.  If you want to visit Japan, you should go in Spring.
My favourite season in Japan is Spring.
If you want to know when is the best season in Japan, it is Spring.
2.  If you want to visit Japan, you should go to Kyoto.
When it comes to Japan, Kyoto is the most popular city.
If you go to Japan, you should visit Kyoto.
3.  If you are in Tokyo, you should go to Asakusa.
If I were asked which area in Tokyo to visit, I would say Asakusa.
One of the most popular touristic area in Tokyo is Asakusa.
4.  If it is Anime,  (I recommend) Doraemon.
5.  If you ask me which movie I like, it is French movies.
In case you want to watch a film, I recommend a french film.
6.  If it rains on weekend, the barbecue will be cancelled.
7.  If it is tomorrow, I have time.
8.  In terms of alcohol, if it is a little bit, I’m OK. (=I can drink a little alcohol).
9.  When it comes to smartphone, this model should be the one. (= I recommend
this model. )
10.  If it is only Hiragana, it is fine.  (=I can read/manage if it is written only in
Hiragana.)
[02:31]
Now, make a sentence.
For example;
Sushi, toro(tuna)
→ If you eat Sushi, try Toro(Tuna).
(Again, those are sample translations.)
Are you ready?
[02:40]
1.→ If you eat Sushi, eat with Soy source and wasabi.
2.→ If you want to know where to go skiing, I’d say Hokkaido.
3.→ When it comes to shopping, I suggest to go to Shinjuku.
4. → If it rains heavily, I will take a taxi.
5.  → If asked who will be the next prime minister, I’d say Tabe san.

Dialogue (Plain Style)
[04:02]
A:  ah I’m hungry.
B:  If you are thinking of a packed lunch, you should try department store’s basement food floor. It’s amazing. Lots of choices!
A:  But I feel like eating Ramen, though.
B:  ah, Ramen?.  If it’s Ramen, the Ramen shop in front of the station is good.  If my memory is correct, the name of the shop is…..

Repeat after me (in Masu Style)
[04:25]
1.  → I’m hungry.
2.  → If you like a packed lunch, try a department store’s basement food floor.
3.  → I feel like eating Ramen.
4.  → If it’s Ramen, the ramen shop in front of the station is good/delicious/worth going.
[05:13]
That’s all for today.  It was fun, ne.
If it is Podcast, you can practice speaking in the bed, right?
See you again!

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Note: English translations might sound occasionally unnatural as English, as I try to preserve the structure and essence of the original Japanese.