如果

• Pinyin: rú guǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 如 = 女 (woman) + 口 (mouth) — originally meaning to follow or comply; 果 = pictograph of fruit on a tree

Meaning

If; in case; supposing. Introduces a conditional clause.

The most common and standard word for 'if' in Chinese. Used in both spoken and written language. Often paired with 就 (then) in the result clause: 如果...就... (if...then...). More formal alternatives include 假如 and 倘若, while 要是 is the more casual spoken equivalent.

Examples

1. 如果明天下雨，我们就不去了。 If it rains tomorrow, we won't go.
2. 如果你有问题，可以问我。 If you have questions, you can ask me.
3. 如果我有钱，我想去旅行。 If I had money, I would like to travel.

Usage Guide

Context: conditional statements, everyday conversation, planning

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 如果你不舒服，就在家休息吧。(If you're not feeling well, just rest at home.)
• 如果有时间，我们一起吃饭。(If you have time, let's eat together.)

Don't Say

• 不要在口语中过多使用如果代替要是 (Don't overuse 如果 in casual speech when 要是 is more natural — 如果 can sound stiff in very informal conversation)

Origin & History

如 (rú, like/as) + 果 (guǒ, fruit/result). Literally 'as the result would be' — setting up a hypothetical scenario and its outcome.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal