～ば～ものを JLPT N1 Very formal / literary
～ba～mono o
Expresses regret or a missed opportunity: 'if only', 'had I but...'.
Formal, literary - expresses regret with a hint of reproach; "if only... (but you didn't)".
Formation
Verb-ば + Verb-past + ものを, い-Adjective + ければ + ものを, な-Adjective/Noun + であれば + ものを, etc.
Explanation
The ～ば～ものを grammar point shows regret about what could have been, often translated as 'if only...' or 'it would have been better if...'. It can be used with verbs, adjectives, or nouns, usually in a past or conditional form.
Example sentences
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If only I'd woken up early, I wouldn't have been late.
Hayaku okireba, chikoku shinakatta mono o.
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If only I'd tried harder, I would have passed the test.
Motto ganbareba, tesuto ni goukaku shita mono o.
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If only I had the money, I would have bought a new car.
Okane ga areba, atarashii kuruma o katta mono o.
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If only I had a friend, I would have hung out together.
Tomodachi ga ireba, issho ni asonda mono o.