Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| その場合 | sono baai |
| それなら | sorenara |
その場合 functions as a noun phrase referring to a specific situation, while それなら is used more like a conjunction to mean 'if that is the case' or 'then' during a conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase その場合 is composed of その (that) and baai (case/situation).
Which one should you use?
その場合 is a noun phrase used to describe a specific situation. In contrast, それなら functions more like a conjunction meaning 'if that is so' or 'then' within a conversational flow.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
その場合 is a more formal expression suitable for business or written contexts. それなら is a suitable way to say 'in that case' in a relaxed and informal manner. For a slightly more informal way to say 'in that case', you can use じゃあ、その場合は.
How does it change in a sentence?
In many sentences, その場合 is followed by the particle は to mark the specific situation as the topic of the sentence, resulting in その場合は.
How do you pronounce it?
sono baai
Did you know?
- The word 場合 (baai) in その場合 is the same word used in Japanese to describe 'emergency situations' or 'unforeseen circumstances'.
- The word なら in それなら comes from the classical verb for 'to be', creating a literal meaning of 'if it be that'.
- In casual speech, それなら is frequently shortened to それじゃ or simply じゃあ to mean 'well then' or 'in that case'.
Examples in context
- それなら話は別だよ。In that case, I'll change my mind.This sentence shows how to use それなら to indicate a change of mind.Tatoeba #205710 by small_snow, translation #42955 by CK
- その場合はどうすればいいでしょう？What should I do in that case?This sentence demonstrates how to use その場合 to ask for instructions.Tatoeba #2349428 by abbymae111, translation #11569483 by CK
- 帰宅が遅くなるかもしれない。その場合は電話する。I may have to come home late. In that case, I'll call you.This sentence shows how to use その場合 to state a future action based on a condition.Tatoeba #183304 by Blanka_Meduzo, translation #2004546 by CK
- 申し込み期限が過ぎてしまった場合は、再度お問い合わせください。If the application deadline has passed, please contact us again.
- あそこで待つのは寒いから、それならここで待ちましょう。It's cold waiting over there, so let's wait here instead.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiroto and Misaki are discussing their plans for an outdoor event.
- 大翔 Hiroto明日は晴れるかな？Ashita wa hareru kana?I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow.
- 美咲 Misaki予報では曇りだよ。Yohou dewa kumori dayo.The forecast says it will be cloudy.
- 大翔 Hirotoその場合、イベントは延期だね。Sono baai, ibento wa enki dane.In that case, the event is postponed.
- 美咲 Misakiそうだね、残念だけど。Sou dane, zannen dakedo.That's true, though it's a shame.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in that case” translations and entries それなら, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries それなら, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
