不论

• Pinyin: bù lùn
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = negation particle; 论 = 讠(speech) + 仑 (logical order), meaning to discuss or consider

Meaning

Regardless of; no matter. A conjunction introducing a condition that does not affect the outcome.

Interchangeable with 无论 in most contexts. Typically followed by a question word (谁, 什么, 怎么) or paired with 还是. The main clause often ends with 都 or 也 to emphasise that the result is unchanged.

Examples

1. 不论天气怎么样，他每天都去跑步。 No matter what the weather is like, he goes running every day.
2. 不论你做什么决定，我都会支持你。 Regardless of what decision you make, I will support you.
3. 不论是大人还是小孩，都喜欢这个游戏。 Whether adults or children, everyone likes this game.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, formal speech, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 不论结果如何，我们都要努力。(Regardless of the result, we must work hard.)
• 不论谁来了，都要热情接待。(No matter who comes, we should welcome them warmly.)

Don't Say

• 不论，我去跑步 (Don't use 不论 as a standalone sentence starter meaning 'anyway' — it must introduce a conditional clause with a question word or 还是)

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (not) and 论 (to discuss, consider), literally 'not considering' — meaning the stated condition is irrelevant to the outcome.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal