Definition
倘若 is a formal, literary conjunction meaning 'if', used almost exclusively in writing or very formal speech. It is a near-synonym of 如果 (rúguǒ, the everyday 'if'), but much more elevated in register — like 'if' vs. 'should it be that'. Among the literary siblings, 倘若 is slightly more common than 假使 or 若是, and less dramatic than 万一 (which implies a remote, cautious possibility).
conjunction
if (literary)supposingin case
Examples
- 倘若，。tǎng ruò nǐ yuànyì chángshì, jiù yǒu kěnéng chénggōng.If you are willing to try, it is possible to succeed.
- 倘若，。tǎng ruò míngtiān xià yǔ, bǐsài jiù huì qǔxiāo.If it rains tomorrow, the match will be cancelled.
- 倘若，。tǎng ruò méiyǒu nǐ de bāngzhù, wǒ wúfǎ wánchéng zhège rènwù.Without your help, I wouldn't be able to complete this task.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.