I just learned the contraction

なければ➡なきゃ

can be used outside of constructions like ８時までに帰らなきゃいけない

Tobira gives the example: 「たくさん買わなきゃよかった…」

So my question is, in casual speech, do I always have the option to contract
なければ to なきゃ? Are there any rules for when it is and isn't okay to use a
contraction?
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2022-12-22T19:39:11.427
97753
2022-12-23T04:21:43.097
54158
question
grammar
Can I always replace なければ with なきゃ?
Yes, and not only can you abbreviate なければ into なきゃ, it is also common to
abbreviate the entire なければならない into just なきゃ. People will figure out based on
context which one you mean, but as you have noted, this is for casual speech
only.
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2022-12-22T20:02:54.373
97754
2022-12-22T20:02:54.373
39855
97753
answer