もし

• Reading: もし
• Romaji: moshi
• Pronunciation: /mo.ɕi/

Meaning

If; in case; supposing. Introduces a hypothetical or conditional situation.

An adverb that precedes conditional clauses using ～たら, ～ば, or ～なら. もし雨が降ったら (if it rains). While the conditional endings alone can express if, adding もし makes the hypothetical nature more explicit and slightly more formal. Essential at N4 level for building conditional sentences.

Examples

1. もし雨が降ったら、試合は中止です。 If it rains, the game will be canceled.
2. もし時間があったら、映画を見に行きませんか。 If you have time, would you like to go see a movie?
3. もし私があなただったら、そうしないと思う。 If I were you, I don't think I'd do that.

Usage Guide

Context: conditionals, hypotheticals, planning

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Written 若し in kanji, where 若 (jaku/moshi) can mean young or if. The conditional sense comes from the idea of something being uncertain or not yet determined — like the future of youth.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal