Definition
要不 (yào bù) is a spoken conjunction with two common uses: (1) 'otherwise, or else' — warning of a bad consequence if something isn't done, like 否则 (fǒu zé) but more colloquial; (2) 'how about...?' — making a suggestion, similar to 怎么样 (zěn me yàng) in that use. Unlike 要么 (yào me), which presents two clear alternatives ('either…or…'), 要不 is softer and often introduces just one option.
conjunction
otherwiseor else (introduces a consequence if the preceding action is not taken)how about...? (used to propose a suggestion or alternative)
Examples
- ，要不。Kuài zǒu ba, yào bù nǐ jiù yào chídào le.Hurry up, otherwise you'll be late.
- 要不？yào bù wǒmen qù gōngyuán sàn sàn bù?How about we go for a walk in the park?
- ，要不？Nǐ bù xǐhuan zhège yánsè, yào bù huàn yí gè kànkan?You don't like this color — how about trying another one?
Grammar
Browse more HSK 5 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.