〜ものなら

With a potential verb it sets up a wish that is hard to realize: if only I could. With the volitional it becomes a challenge or warning (if you dare). Used in speech and writing.

実現が難しいことを仮定し、願望や挑発を表す。

Formation: V-potential-dict + ものなら（願望）／V-volitional + ものなら（挑発）

Example sentences

  1. 戻れるものなら、学生時代に戻りたい。

    もどれるものなら、がくせいじだいにもどりたい。

    If I could go back, I'd return to my student days.

  2. 休めるものなら、一週間ゆっくり休みたい。

    やすめるものなら、いっしゅうかんゆっくりやすみたい。

    If I could take time off, I'd like a full week of rest.

  3. 会えるものなら、もう一度あの人に会いたい。

    あえるものなら、もういちどあのひとにあいたい。

    If it were possible, I would like to meet that person once more.

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