不然 bùrán not so
not so; no; or else; otherwise; if not; How about ...?
How to remember 不然: 不 not + 然 however = not so.
Characters
How it is used
- Otherwise/or else. 快走，不然要迟到了 (kuài zǒu, bùrán yào chídào le) hurry, or else we'll be late.
- Also offers an alternative: 不然你来吧 (bùrán nǐ lái ba) how about you come instead?
- 不然 = 要不然 (yàobùrán); it introduces the consequence of not doing something, or a fresh suggestion (要不…).
Example sentences
- 快点，不然你就要错过火车了。 Kuàidiǎn, bùrán nǐ jiùyào cuòguò huǒchē le.Hurry up, or you will miss the train.
- 快点，不然你吃午饭就要迟到了。 Kuàidiǎn, bùrán nǐ chī wǔfàn jiùyào chídào le.Hurry up, otherwise you'll be late for lunch.
- 快点，不然要赶不上火车了。 Kuàidiǎn, bùrán yào gǎnbúshàng huǒchē le.Be quick, or you will miss the train.