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反之

HSK 6
  • Conjunctions

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Clause 1, 反之, Clause 2

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

Conjunction 反之 is used to introduce a situation or result that is contrary to what was previously stated.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

反之 (fǎnzhī) is a formal conjunction meaning "conversely" or "on the contrary." It is used to connect two clauses, where the second clause expresses a situation or outcome that is the complete opposite of the first.

Commonly found in written language or formal speeches, 反之 strengthens an argument by presenting both sides of an issue. Think of it as a polished, academic way of saying "otherwise..." or "if not..."

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 努力学习会取得好成绩，反之，则会落后。
    繁: 努力學習會取得好成績，反之，則會落後。Nǔlì xuéxí huì qǔdé hǎo chéngjì, fǎnzhī, zé huì luòhòu.

    Studying diligently will result in good grades, conversely, one will fall behind.

  2. 诚实能赢得信任，反之，则会失去朋友。
    繁: 誠實能贏得信任，反之，則會失去朋友。Chéngshí néng yíngdé xìnrèn, fǎnzhī, zé huì shīqù péngyou.

    Honesty can win trust, conversely, it will lose friends.

  3. 有计划地工作效率高，反之，则事倍功半。
    繁: 有計劃地工作效率高，反之，則事倍功半。Yǒu jìhuà de gōngzuò xiàolǜ gāo, fǎnzhī, zé shìbèigōngbàn.

    Working with a plan yields high efficiency, whereas the opposite results in twice the effort for half the results.

  4. 互相理解能加深感情，反之，则会产生矛盾。
    繁: 互相理解能加深感情，反之，則會產生矛盾。Hùxiāng lǐjiě néng jiāshēn gǎnqíng, fǎnzhī, zé huì chǎnshēng máodùn.

    Mutual understanding can deepen affection, whereas the opposite will give rise to conflicts.

  5. 适当的压力是动力，反之，则会让人崩溃。
    繁: 適當的壓力是動力，反之，則會讓人崩潰。Shìdàng de yālì shì dònglì, fǎnzhī, zé huì ràng rén bēngkuì.

    Appropriate pressure is a driving force, but conversely, it can cause a person to collapse.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:你快点儿，反之我们就迟到了。
    Correct:你快点儿，不然我们就迟到了。

    反之 has a formal tone and is not used in intimate speech; 不然 or 否则 should be used instead in this case.

  • Wrong:他的意见跟我的反之。
    Correct:他的意见跟我的相反。

    反之 is used to connect two clauses and cannot follow 跟... to indicate contrast; use the adverb 相反 instead.