要不 (yào bù) — otherwise; or else (introduces a consequence if the preceding action is not taken); how about...? (used to propose a suggestion or alternative)
Definition
要不 is the casual spoken connector for 'how about…?' (proposing an alternative) and 'otherwise / or else' (warning of a consequence). The written 否则 is more formal; 不然 overlaps but feels heavier.
conjunction
otherwiseor else (introduces a consequence if the preceding action is not taken)how about...? (used to propose a suggestion or alternative)
Examples
- ，要不。Kuài zǒu ba, yào bù nǐ jiù yào chí dào le.Hurry up, otherwise you'll be late.
- 要不？yào bù Wǒ men qù gōng yuán sàn sàn bù?How about we go for a walk in the park?
- ，要不？Nǐ bù xǐ huan zhè ge yán sè, yào bù huàn yí gè kàn kàn?You don't like this color — how about trying another one?
Grammar
Appears in
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