If you've been communicating in Japan for a long time, you've definitely heard this word! 🗣️

In informal conversations, instead of using familiar structures like「よかったら〜」(if you'd like...), the Japanese have a 'secret weapon' to upgrade their suggestions, making them more attractive and proactive. That is 「なんなら」(nannara).

This is a very 'native' word that helps you show enthusiasm and offer a 'better' option to the other person.

How to use「なんなら」? 🤔

It has two main nuances, but in general it is offering another suggestion/option (usually better or more convenient) based on the current situation.

1. Suggesting a more attractive Plan B 🚀

This is the most common usage. You make a suggestion, and then use「なんなら」to 'add' another option that sounds even better.

Example: You are asking a friend to go for a drink.

👤:「この後、お茶しない？」(Wanna go for tea later?)

🗣️:「いいね！なんなら、うちに来てコーヒーでも飲む？」(Sure! Or if you'd like, wanna come over to my place for coffee?)

Here,「なんなら」is not just 'if you can', but it has the nuance of 'Oh, by the way, here's a better option, which is to come over to my place to be more comfortable!'. It's more proactive and intimate than「よかったら」.

2. Offering help proactively ✨

When you see someone who seems to be having a little trouble, you can use「なんなら」to offer help very naturally.

Example: Seeing a colleague carrying a heavy stack of documents.

🗣️:「あれ、それ一人で運ぶの？なんなら半分持つよ。」(Oh, are you carrying all that by yourself? If you need, I can carry half for you.)

Instead of asking politely「手伝いましょうか？」(Shall I help you?), the sentence with「なんなら」has the feeling of 'It's a small thing, let me help you for convenience'.

More examples for you to understand better 😉

• When inviting someone to eat:

  「今夜、ラーメンでもどう？なんなら、すっごい美味しい店知ってるよ。」 (How about ramen tonight? And by the way, I know a super delicious place.)

• When lending something to someone:

  「この傘でいい？なんなら、もっと大きいのがあるけど。」 (Is this umbrella okay? Or if you want, I have a bigger one.)

The Takeaway 📌

「なんなら」is a great filler word to make your conversation more lively, natural and show your enthusiasm. It shows that you are not just making a suggestion for the sake of it, but are actually thinking about the other person and want to give them the best option.

Try using「なんなら」the next time you talk to your Japanese friends, I'm sure they'll be very surprised by how natural you sound!