How do you say "If it's before 3 pm." in Japanese?

"If it's before 3 pm." in Japanese is "午後3時までなら". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘If it's before 3 pm.’ in Japanese

Q: What does "午後3時までなら" mean in English?

"午後3時までなら" means "If it's before 3 pm." in English. Usage tip: [なら] adds an "if/as for that case" meaning: [午後3時までなら] = "if it's by 3 pm" or "as long as it's before 3 pm." You can reuse it with other conditions, like [今日なら] "if today works."

午後3時までなら

gogo 3 ji made nara

[goh-goh san ji mah-deh nah-rah]

💬 Usage Tip: [なら] adds an "if/as for that case" meaning: [午後3時までなら] = "if it's by 3 pm" or "as long as it's before 3 pm." You can reuse it with other conditions, like [今日なら] "if today works."

Phrase Breakdown

午後

gogo

[goh-goh]

afternoon; p.m.

Refers to the afternoon time period, commonly used in schedules and delivery times.

Example

午後に荷物を送ります。

I will send the luggage in the afternoon.

[san]

three

The number 3, used here to indicate a time.

Example

受付は3時までです。

Reception is open until 3 o’clock.

時

[ji]

o'clock; hour

Counter used for hours of the day when telling time.

Example

出発は3時です。

Departure is at 3 o’clock.

まで

made

[mah-deh]

until; up to

Shows a limit in time or place, such as 'until 3 p.m.'

Example

午後3時まで受け付けています。

We accept requests until 3 p.m.

なら

nara

[nah-rah]

if it is; if; as for

Used to set a condition, often meaning 'if it is the case that...'

Example

午後3時までなら今日届けられます。

If it is by 3 p.m., it can be delivered today.

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