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否则

HSK 4
  • Conjunctions

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Clause 1 (Condition/Suggestion), 否则Clause 2 (Result)

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

否则 is a conjunction meaning 'otherwise' or 'if not', used to indicate the consequence if the stated condition is not followed.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

否则 (fǒuzé) is a conjunction meaning "otherwise" or "if not." It connects two clauses: the first clause states a situation or requirement, while the clause following 否则 indicates the result or consequence (usually negative) that will occur if the condition is not met.

Compared to 要不然 (yàoburán), 否则 carries a slightly more formal tone and is more commonly found in written language or situations requiring a serious register.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 你快点走，否则要迟到了。
    繁: 你快點走，否則要遲到了。Nǐ kuài diǎn zǒu, fǒuzé yào chídào le.

    You'd better walk faster, or you'll be late.

  2. 我们必须努力，否则就会失败。
    繁: 我們必須努力，否則就會失敗。Wǒmen bìxū nǔlì, fǒuzé jiù huì shībài.

    We must make an effort, otherwise we will fail.

  3. 你得多穿件衣服，否则会感冒。
    繁: 你得多穿件衣服，否則會感冒。Nǐ děi duō chuān jiàn yīfu, fǒuzé huì gǎnmào.

    You need to wear an extra layer of clothing, otherwise you'll catch a cold.

  4. 请遵守规则，否则后果自负。
    繁: 請遵守規則，否則後果自負。Qǐng zūnshǒu guīzé, fǒuzé hòuguǒ zìfù.

    Please abide by the rules, or you will bear the consequences yourself.

  5. 你现在就得去，否则来不及了。
    繁: 你現在就得去，否則來不及了。Nǐ xiànzài jiù děi qù, fǒuzé láibují le.

    You have to go right now, or else you won't make it in time.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:你要努力学习，否则能考上大学。
    Correct:你要努力学习，才能考上大学。

    否则 is only used for negative consequences; to indicate positive results under certain conditions, use words like 才 or 就.

  • Wrong:否则下雨，我就不去了。
    Correct:如果下雨，我就不去了。

    否则 means "otherwise" or "if not"; it cannot be used to introduce a conditional clause like 如果 (if).