Definition
要不然 is a conjunction that connects two clauses, presenting an alternative or consequence if the first condition is not followed. It is equivalent to 'otherwise' or 'or else' in English. Use it to warn, suggest, or state what will happen if current action doesn't change — it always introduces the result or alternative after a negative or cautionary statement.
conj.
otherwiseor else
Examples
- ，要不然。Nǐ děi zǎo diǎn chūfā, yào bù rán gǎn bù shàng huǒchē.You need to leave early, otherwise you'll miss the train.
- ，要不然。Zánmen xiànzài jiù zǒu ba, yào bù rán yíhuìr xià yǔ jiù máfan le.Let's go now, or else it'll be a problem if it rains later.
- ，要不然。Nǐ yào hǎohǎo xuéxí, yào bù rán kǎoshì huì bù jígé de.You must study hard, otherwise you'll fail the exam.
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