Definition
若 (ruò) is a formal, literary conjunction meaning 'if' — it's used in writing and set phrases, not everyday speech. For 'if' in spoken or general written Chinese, use 如果 (rúguǒ); 若 is more classical and concise. As 'as if', it appears in fixed expressions like 若有所思 (lost in thought).
conjunction
ifsupposing that(in fixed phrases) as iflike
Easily confused
- 惹rělook-aliketo provoke, to irritate, to anger
- 弱ruòsound-alikeweak, feeble (physically)
- 苦kǔlook-alikebitter (taste)
Examples
- 若，。ruò yǒu jīhuì, wǒ yí dìng qù.If I have the opportunity, I will definitely go.
- ，。Tā ruò yǒu suǒ sī, chénmò le hěn jiǔ.He seemed lost in thought and was silent for a long time.
- 若若，。Liǎng àn zhījiān ruò jí ruò lí, guānxì wēimiào.The relationship between the two sides seems neither close nor distant — it is delicate.
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