否则 (fǒu zé) — otherwise; if not; or else

Definition

否则 is the standard written connector 'otherwise / or else' used to warn of a bad consequence. It is more formal than the spoken 不然; 或者/或是 introduce alternative options, not consequences.

conjunction
otherwiseif notor else

Examples

  • 否则
    Nǐ bì xū àn shí wán chéng gōng zuò, fǒu zé jiù huì bèi jiě gù.
    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 xiàn zài chū fā, fǒu zé jiù huì chí dào.
    Leave now, otherwise you'll be late.

Grammar

Browse more HSK 4 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.