～ば～のに (〜ba 〜noni)
Explanation
Expresses regret or dissatisfaction; 'if only', 'wish'.
Formation
Verb-ば form + ～のに, い-Adjective-ば form + ～のに, な-Adjective + であれば + ～のに, Noun + であれば + ～のに
Detailed Explanation
The ～ば～のに grammar point is used to express regret or dissatisfaction about a situation that didn't happen or to express a contrary view of the actual situation. It can be translated as 'if only' or 'wish' in English. The formation differs depending on whether it is used with a verb, い-adjective, な-adjective, or noun.
Examples
もっと早く来れば、電車に間に合ったのに。
Motto hayaku kureba, densha ni maniatta noni.
If only I had come earlier, I would have made it to the train.
もっと勉強すれば、試験に合格したのに。
Motto benkyou sureba, shiken ni goukaku shita noni.
I wish I had studied more, I would have passed the exam.
彼女がもっと優しければ、彼と上手くいくのに。
Kanojo ga motto yasashikereba, kare to umaku iku noni.
If only she were kinder, she would get along with him.
日本語が上手であれば、この本が読めるのに。
Nihongo ga jouzu de areba, kono hon ga yomeru noni.
I wish I were good at Japanese, then I could read this book.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.