HSK 4
否则
fǒuzé
otherwise
Structure
Condition/Instruction + 否则 + Result
How it works
Otherwise or 'if not'. It is a formal conjunction used to indicate that if the previously mentioned condition is not met, a certain result will follow. It often appears in the second clause of a sentence to show a negative consequence.
Examples
我们得快点儿出发，否则会迟到的。
Wǒmen děi kuàidiǎnr chūfā, fǒuzé huì chídào de.
We need to set off a bit faster, otherwise we will be late.
你应该多运动，否则身体会越来越差。
Nǐ yīnggāi duō yùndòng, fǒuzé shēntǐ huì yuèláiyuè chà.
You should exercise more, otherwise your health will get worse and worse.
幸亏你提醒我，否则我一定会忘记。
Xìngkuī nǐ tíxǐng wǒ, fǒuzé wǒ yīdìng huì wàngjì.
Fortunately you reminded me, otherwise I would have definitely forgotten.
Common mistakes
Using '否则' and '不然' together in the same clause is redundant; they mean the same thing.
Tip
Think of '否则' as the formal version of '不然' (bùrán). In spoken Chinese, '要不然' is more frequent, while '否则' is preferred in writing and formal speeches.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 否则 in real Chinese
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