否则

fǒu zé

HSK 2.0 Level 4 HSK 3.0 Level 4 Conjunction Very common

Save to list

Definitions

1. otherwise; if not; or (else)

Stop forgetting what you study.
Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial · $49.99 / year

Sign up with Google

Did Google show an error? Sorry about that. Use your email below instead.

Continue with Email

Lifetime for $119.99 Try a practice session

Word relationships

Related words

2 items

• 如果 rú guǒ 如果 rú guǒ if The conjunction 'if', which appears in the conditional clause that 否则 refers back to.: if
• 假如 jiǎ rú 假如 jiǎ rú if A formal or literary equivalent of 如果 ('if'), pairing with 否则 in conditional sentences.: if

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Don't use 否则 directly after a subject. It starts a new clause: 你必须努力，否则会失败 (✓), not 你否则会失败 (✗).

Formality

否则 is formal and common in writing; in casual speech, 不然 or 要不 are preferred.

Example Sentences

3 shown

除非下雨， 否则 我们会去公园。

Unless it rains, otherwise we will go to the park.

你必须早点起床， 否则 会迟到。

You must get up early, otherwise you'll be late.

必须先核实数据， 否则 结论可能不可靠。

We must verify the data first; otherwise, the conclusion may be unreliable.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 否则

• 则 则 zé: (literary) (conjunction used to express contrast with a previous clause) but; then
• 否 否 fǒu: to negate
• 否 否 pǐ: clogged