HSK 6
反之
fǎnzhī
on the contrary
Structure
Condition A + Result A, 反之 + (Result B)
How it works
"反之" (fǎnzhī) is a formal conjunction used to present the opposite side of a situation or premise. It is frequently used in written Chinese or formal speeches to contrast two results stemming from different conditions, often shortening the phrase "if it is the opposite case."
Examples
保持愉悦的心情能促进健康，反之，长期焦虑则会损害身体。
Bǎochí yúyuè de xīnqíng néng cùjìn jiànkāng, fǎnzhī, chángqī jiāolǜ zé huì sǔnhài shēntǐ.
Maintaining a cheerful mood promotes health; conversely, long-term anxiety will damage the body.
如果需求大于供给，价格就会上涨；反之，价格则会下跌。
Rúguǒ xūqiú dàyú gōngjǐ, jiàgé jiù huì shàngzhǎng; fǎnzhī, jiàgé zé huì xiàdiē.
If demand exceeds supply, prices will rise; on the contrary, prices will fall.
勤奋的人往往能成功，反之，懒惰者注定会失败。
Qínfèn de rén wǎngwǎng néng chénggōng, fǎnzhī, lǎnduò zhě zhùdìng huì shībài.
Diligent people often succeed; conversely, the lazy are destined to fail.
Common mistakes
Do not use '反之' to contrast simple nouns or adjectives (like 'but'); use it to contrast entire logical propositions or causal relationships.
Tip
Think of '反之' as a shorthand for '如果情况相反的话' (if the situation is the opposite). It is almost always preceded by a comma or semicolon and followed by a comma.
More HSK 6 grammar
See 反之 in real Chinese
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