否则

fǒu zé

HSK 2.0 Level 4 HSK 3.0 Level 4 Conjunction Very common

Definitions

1. otherwise; if not; or (else)

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

2 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.

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