不然

• Pinyin: bù rán
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = negative marker; 然 = 月 (meat/flesh) + 犬 (dog) + 灬 (fire) — originally meant 'to burn', extended to 'so, thus'

Meaning

Otherwise; or else. Used to introduce a consequence if a prior action is not taken.

Functions as a conjunction linking two clauses where the second states what will happen if the first is not followed. Often appears at the start of the second clause. Can also mean 'not so' in classical usage, but in modern Chinese it almost always means 'otherwise'.

Examples

1. 你快点出发吧，不然会迟到的。 You'd better leave now, otherwise you'll be late.
2. 多穿点衣服，不然容易感冒。 Wear more clothes, or else you'll easily catch a cold.
3. 我们早点订票吧，不然可能买不到了。 Let's book the tickets early, otherwise we might not be able to get them.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, advice, warning

Tone: cautionary

Do Say

• 赶紧走吧，不然赶不上公交车了。(Let's go quickly, otherwise we'll miss the bus.)
• 你得好好复习，不然考试会很难。(You need to review well, or else the exam will be tough.)

Don't Say

• 把'不然'放在句子开头单独使用 (Don't start a sentence with 不然 as the very first clause — it needs a preceding statement to contrast with, e.g. say 你快走 first, then 不然会迟到)

Origin & History

不 (not) + 然 (so, like that). Literally 'if not so', which naturally extends to 'otherwise'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal