そうでなければ
sō de nakereba
The English phrase "if not" can be expressed in Japanese as そうでなければ (sō de nakereba).
そうでなければ is used to introduce a consequence or an alternative that occurs if a previous condition or statement is not met.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "if it is not that way".
Which one should you use?
While そうでなければ is a standard way to express "if not", you may also encounter さもなければ, which is used to mean "otherwise" or "if not" specifically when introducing a warning or a negative consequence.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
そうでなければ is a formal expression suitable for written or formal spoken contexts, such as essays or speeches. For more formal settings, you might use もし～でなければ, whereas もし～じゃなかったら is an informal way to say "if not".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the conditional -ba form of the negative copula to express the condition of the preceding statement being false.
How do you pronounce it?
sō de nakereba
Did you know?
- In highly stylized anime or historical dramas, characters may use さもなくば to deliver an ultimatum, creating a theatrical effect similar to saying 'lest you' in archaic English.
- In spoken Japanese, the phrase もし is often used as a 'discourse marker' to give the listener a few seconds to prepare for a hypothetical scenario before the main condition is stated.
- In Japanese literature or formal speeches, you might see the even more rigid さもなくば. This version sounds highly dramatic and is rarely heard in daily conversation, often reserved for intense or decisive moments.
Examples in context
- もし生命の権利というものがあるなら、死についての権利もあることになる。そうでなければ生命の権利は権利ではなく義務になってしまうだろう。If one has the right to live, then one should also have the right to die. If not, then living is not a right, but an obligation.This sentence is useful for showing how そうでなければ introduces a consequence when a previous condition is not met.Tatoeba #2113420 by Blanka_Meduzo, translation #2114902 by CK
- もし雨でなければ、出かけましょう。If it's not raining, let's go out.
- もし時間がなかったら、明日に延期しましょう。If there is no time, let's postpone it to tomorrow.
- もし疲れていない場合、一緒に遊びに行きましょう。If you're not tired, let's go out together.
- もし忙しくなければ、手伝ってもらえますか。If you're not busy, can you help me?
- もし彼がここに来なかったら、私たちは出発する予定です。If he doesn't come here, we are planning to leave.
- もし日本に行けないなら、日本食レストランで日本の味を楽しみましょう。If you can't go to Japan, let's enjoy the taste of Japan at a Japanese restaurant.
- 彼が電話に出なければ、メールで連絡を取りましょう。If he doesn't answer the phone, let's contact him through email.
- 明日晴れるはずだ。そうでなければ、試合は中止だ。Ashita hareru hazu da. Sōdenakereba, shiai wa chūshi da.It should be sunny tomorrow. If not, the match will be canceled.
- 早めに準備してください。そうでなければ、間に合いません。Hayame ni junbi shite kudasai. Sōdenakereba, maniaimasen.Please prepare early. If not, you won't make it in time.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a plan to go hiking.
- 陽葵 Himari明日は晴れるかな？Ashita wa hareru kana?I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow?
- 大翔 Hiroto晴れるといいけど、そうでなければ、家で過ごそう。Hareru to ii kedo, sōdenakereba, ie de sugosō.I hope it's sunny, but if not, let's stay at home.
- 陽葵 Himariそうだね。大翔君の言う通りにしよう。Sō da ne. Hiroto-kun no iu tōri ni shiyō.That's true. Let's do as you say, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、無理は禁物だよ。Un, muri wa kinmotsu da yo.Yeah, we shouldn't push ourselves.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
