若…则…
HSK 6- Conditionals
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
若…则… is a formal "if...then..." structure, commonly used in written language or speeches.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This is a formal, classical way of expressing "if… then…", commonly found in written language, set phrases, or formal speeches. 若 (ruò) introduces the condition, while 则 (zé) introduces the result or logical conclusion drawn from that condition.
In everyday spoken language, this structure sounds quite stiff and unnatural. Instead, people typically use 如果…就….
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 若不努力，则一事无成。繁: 若不努力，則一事無成。Ruò bù nǔlì, zé yí shì wú chéng.
If one does not make an effort, then one will accomplish nothing.
- 若敌不动，我则不动。繁: 若敵不動，我則不動。Ruò dí bú dòng, wǒ zé bú dòng.
If the enemy does not move, then I will not move.
- 若有疑问，则请及时联系。繁: 若有疑問，則請及時聯繫。Ruò yǒu yíwèn, zé qǐng jíshí liánxì.
If you have any questions, please contact us promptly.
- 若此为真，则彼为假。繁: 若此為真，則彼為假。Ruò cǐ wéi zhēn, zé bǐ wéi jiǎ.
If this is true, then that is false.
- 若能重来，则我必珍惜。繁: 若能重來，則我必珍惜。Ruò néng chóng lái, zé wǒ bì zhēnxī.
If I could do it all over again, I would surely cherish it.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:若你明天来，则我们去看电影。Correct:如果你明天来，我们就去看电影。
若…则… is too formal for everyday situations like dating; use 如果…就… instead to make the sentence sound more natural.
- Wrong:若不努力，就一事无成。Correct:若不努力，则一事无成。
若 usually pairs with 则 to create formality and balance. Using 就 with 如果 is more natural in most cases.