否则
fǒuzé
The English word "otherwise" can be translated into Chinese as 否则 (fǒuzé).
否则 is an adverb used to express that something will happen if a certain condition is not met. It is often used to introduce a negative consequence that follows a requirement or a specific action.
Meaning: differently, in another way (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 否则 is composed of 否, meaning "not" or "no" and 则, meaning "then" or "consequently".
Which one should you use?
While 否则 is standard and suitable for formal writing, 不然 is a more colloquial alternative used in spoken Chinese to mean "otherwise".
Is it said differently in some regions?
否则 is frequently used in Cantonese, primarily spoken in Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong province in southern China. In Mandarin Chinese, spoken in mainland China, Taiwan and other Mandarin-speaking regions, the term 要不然 is commonly used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, 否则 is typically used to introduce a negative consequence that will occur if the preceding condition is not met.
How do you pronounce it?
fǒuzé
Did you know?
- In high-pressure business or legal contexts in China, using the formal 否则 instead of the casual 要不然 can signal a shift from a friendly suggestion to a stern ultimatum.
- The character 否 is used in the term 否决 to mean 'veto'. This connects the idea of 'otherwise' to the formal act of rejecting a proposal entirely.
- Chinese grammar allows 否则 to start a sentence to link it to the previous one, whereas English usually requires 'otherwise' to be preceded by a semicolon or comma in a single sentence.
Examples in context
- 否则，用左手传递食物会被认为是不礼貌的，因为左手是用来洗澡的。Otherwise, it is considered impolite to pass food with the left hand, because the left hand is used for bathing.This sentence is useful for showing how 否则 introduces a consequence regarding social etiquette.Tatoeba #742974 by GlossaMatik, translation #742958 by eastasiastudent
- 这个进程必须立即停止，否则服务器会故障。This process must be stopped immediately, otherwise the server will break down.This sentence shows how 否则 introduces a negative consequence regarding a server failure.Tatoeba #2915555 by vicch, translation #2915556 by vicch
- 不能过度运动，要量力而行，否则反而对身体造成负面影响。One can't go beyond one's limits with exercising and stay within the bounds of what one can do. Otherwise, it can have negative effects on the body.This sentence illustrates using 否则 to warn about the negative effects of over-exercising.Tatoeba #3537587 by trieuho, translation #3537588 by trieuho
- 他们必须加快推进工作，要不然会错失良机。(Tāmen bìxū jiākuài tuījìn gōngzuò, yào bù rán huì cuòshī liángjī.)They must accelerate the progress of their work, otherwise they will miss a great opportunity.
- 你最好早点到，要不然的话，我们会迟到的。(Nǐ zuì hǎo zǎo diǎn dào, yào bù rán de huà, wǒmen huì chídào de.)It would be better if you arrive earlier, otherwise, we will be late.
- 我们需要赶快完成报告，不然的话老板会不高兴的。(Wǒmen xūyào gǎnkuài wánchéng bàogào, bù rán de huà lǎobǎn huì bù gāoxìng de.)We need to finish the report quickly, otherwise, the boss won't be happy.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are discussing their travel plans.
- 伟 Wei我们得现在出发，否则会堵车的。Wǒmen děi xiànzài chūfā, fǒuzé huì dǔchē de.We have to leave now, otherwise there will be a traffic jam.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没问题，我马上准备好。Méi wèntí, wǒ mǎshàng zhǔnbèi hǎo.No problem, I'll be ready in a moment.
- 伟 Wei记得带上雨伞，否则下雨就麻烦了。Jìdé dài shàng yǔsǎn, fǒuzé xiàyǔ jiù máfan le.Remember to bring an umbrella, otherwise it'll be a problem if it rains.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen放心吧，我已经拿在手里了。Fàngxīn ba, wǒ yǐjīng ná zài shǒu lǐ le.Don't worry, I already have it in my hand.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
