otherwise; or else; if not
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 5 examplesconjunction
otherwise; if not; or else
formalIntroduces a negative consequence that will occur if the previous condition is not met. Often used in formal or written contexts. Can be followed by '的话' for emphasis.
Shǒu首
xiān先
bì必
xū须
bǎ把
chǎng场
dì地
qīng清
lǐ理
hǎo好
，
fǒu否
zé则
wú无
fǎ法
shī施
gōng工
。
First, we must clean up the site; otherwise, construction cannot proceed.
Kàn看
wèn问
tí题
bì必
xū须
quán全
miàn面
，
fǒu否
zé则
de的
huà话
，
jiù就
nán难
miǎn免
yǐ以
piān偏
gài概
quán全
。
You must look at problems comprehensively; otherwise, you'll inevitably make sweeping generalizations.
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Nǐ你
děi得
kuài快
diǎn点
chū出
fā发
，
fǒu否
zé则
yào要
chí迟
dào到
le了
。
You need to leave quickly, otherwise you'll be late.
Bì必
xū须
zūn遵
shǒu守
guī规
zé则
，
fǒu否
zé则
huì会
shòu受
dào到
chǔ处
fá罚
。
You must obey the rules, or else you will face penalties.
Tā他
yīng应
gāi该
xiàng向
tā她
dào道
qiàn歉
，
fǒu否
zé则
tā他
men们
de的
yǒu友
yì谊
kě可
néng能
jiù就
jié结
shù束
le了
。
He should apologize to her; if not, their friendship might be over.