ParticlesHSK 4
Reviewing options with 吧
Used to present a dilemma by mentioning two possible actions each with 吧, followed by their outcomes. It translates to 'If we do A, then X; but if we do B, then Y.' The particle 吧 suggests considering the option. Distinguish from the simple suggestion 吧; here the pattern is 'Option 1 吧, consequence; Option 2 吧, consequence'.
Structure
Option A + 吧 ，…… ； Option B + 吧 ，……
The 吧 presents each option as a possibility, and the following clause states the outcome.
Examples
- 冬天去吧，太冷；夏天去吧，太热。Dōng tiān qù ba, tài lěng; xià tiān qù ba, tài rè.If we go in the winter, it's too cold. If we go in the summer, it's too hot.
- 早点去吧，要等；晚点去吧，会堵车。Zǎo diǎn qù ba, yào děng; wǎn diǎn qù ba, huì dǔ chē.If we go early, we'll have to wait. If we go later, there will be bad traffic.
- 去吧，要给红包；不去吧，他没面子。Qù ba, yào gěi hóng bāo; bú qù ba, tā méi miàn zi.I need to give a red envelope if I go early. If I don't go, he will lose face.
- 不说吧，他还会做错；说吧，他肯定不高兴。Bù shuō ba, tā hái huì zuò cuò; shuō ba, tā kěn dìng bù gāo xìng.If I don't tell him, he will still do it wrong next time. If I do tell him, he will get upset.
- 不说真话吧，老婆不高兴；说真话吧，老婆也不高兴。Bù shuō zhēn huà ba, lǎo po bù gāo xìng; shuō zhēn huà ba, lǎo po yě bù gāo xìng.If I don't speak the truth, my wife will be upset. If I tell her the truth, my wife will also be upset.