否则

fǒuzé

otherwise; if not; or (else)

HSK 4

Character Breakdown

Usage of 否则 (fǒuzé)

'否则' is a conjunction used to introduce a negative consequence or alternative condition, similar to 'otherwise' or 'if not' in English. It often appears in conditional sentences where the first clause states a requirement or condition, and '否则' introduces what will happen if that condition is not met.

Common contexts

It is frequently used in everyday speech and writing to warn or advise, emphasizing the importance of the preceding action or condition.

Typical collocations

Important notes

'否则' is more formal than some other alternatives like '要不然' or '不然', and is common in written and spoken Mandarin. It usually connects two clauses and cannot stand alone. Avoid confusing it with '不然', which can sometimes be used more flexibly in casual speech.

Use '否则' to clearly express cause and effect or conditional warnings in conversations or writing.

Example Sentences

你必须按时完成作业,否则老师会批评你。

Nǐ bìxū ànshí wánchéng zuòyè, fǒuzé lǎoshī huì pīpíng nǐ.

You must finish your homework on time, otherwise the teacher will criticize

请先确认信息,否则可能会出错。

Qǐng xiān quèrèn xìnxī, fǒuzé kěnéng huì chūcuò.

Please confirm the information first, otherwise mistakes may occur.

你要么跟我们一起去,要么留下,否则就太晚了。

Nǐ yàome gēn wǒmen yīqǐ qù, yàome liú xià, fǒuzé jiù tài wǎn le.

You either come with us or stay behind, otherwise it will be too late.