Definition
否则 (fǒu zé) is a formal conjunction meaning 'otherwise, or else' — it introduces the negative consequence if the preceding condition isn't met. It's more common in writing and formal speech than the everyday 不然 (bù rán) or 要不 (yào bù). Unlike 要不, 否则 cannot be used to make a suggestion ('how about...').
conjunction
otherwiseif notor else
Examples
- ，否则。Nǐ bìxū ànshí wánchéng gōngzuò, fǒu zé jiù huì bèi jiěgù.You must finish the work on time, otherwise you will be fired.
- ，否则。Kuài bǎ yào chī le, fǒu zé bìng hǎo bù liǎo.Take the medicine quickly, otherwise you won't get better.
- ，否则。Nǐ xiànzài chūfā, fǒu zé jiù huì chídào.Leave now, otherwise you'll be late.
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