HSK 4
⋯⋯，否则⋯⋯
⋯ ⋯ ， fǒu zé ⋯ ⋯
Otherwise (否则)
Explanation
⋯⋯，否则⋯⋯ (fǒuzé) forms a hypothetical compound sentence (a two-clause sentence joined by a correlative conjunction), meaning 'otherwise, or else', stating the bad consequence that will occur if what is in the first clause is not carried out.
[clause 1: the condition/thing to be done] + ，否则 (fǒuzé) (+ 就 jiù) + [clause 2: the bad consequence].
记得带卡，否则进不了办公室 = 'remember to bring your card, otherwise you cannot get into the office'.
when advising or warning: do A, and if you do not do A, the bad consequence B will follow. The clause after 否则 is always something undesirable.
否则 fǒuzé = 'if not (doing what was just said)' — the negative condition is implied in the first clause, DIFFERENT from 如果不...就... rúguǒ bù...jiù... which must state the condition explicitly. 否则 fǒuzé leans more toward written language than 要不然 yàoburán (colloquial, same meaning).
Vietnamese learners often add 如果/要是 to the first clause to supply the 'if' (redundant) — 否则 itself already implies 'if not'. Do not write 如果不...否则. Also remember the clause after 否则 must be a negative result.
Examples
I have to review seriously, otherwise I will fail the exam.
Remember to bring your card, otherwise you won't be able to get into the office.
Before class you must definitely prepare the new words and the text well, otherwise you won't be able to understand what the teacher explains.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “⋯⋯，否则⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “⋯⋯，否则⋯⋯” (Otherwise (否则)) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.