Using 除非...否则 to Say

This pattern has two main parts. The first part is 除非. This word introduces your special condition. It is the "unless" part of the deal. The second part is 否则. This word introduces the consequence. It means "otherwise" or "or else." You are saying: "If A doesn't happen, then B will." It is like a logic gate. It connects a requirement to a result. If you don't meet the requirement, the result happens. It is very common in negotiations. You will hear it in movies and markets. It sounds more formal than just saying "if."

1. 1Using this pattern is like building a bridge. You need two strong pillars. Here is how you build it:
2. 2Start with 除非 (chúfēi).
3. 3Add your required condition right after it.
4. 4Add a comma to take a breath.
5. 5Start the next part with 否则 (fǒuzé).
6. 6End with the result that happens if the condition fails.
7. 7Structure: 除非 + [Condition] + 否则 + [Result].
8. 8Example: 除非 + [you pay] + 否则 + [I don't go].

Use this when you have a strict requirement. Use it for ultimatums. Imagine you are ordering food with a friend. You hate spicy food. You say: "Unless it is not spicy, I won't eat." This is a perfect time for 除非. Use it when you are at work. You tell your boss: "Unless I get a raise, I quit." It shows you are serious. Use it for warnings too. "Unless you drive slowly, we will crash." It is great for setting rules. Parents use it with children all the time. "Unless you finish homework, no video games." It is the ultimate "deal-maker" grammar.

Do not use this for simple, happy "if" sentences. If you just want to say "If it's sunny, I'm happy," don't use 除非. That is too dramatic. 除非 feels heavy. It feels like a threat or a firm rule. Don't use it for things that happen often. Don't use it if there are many ways to do something. This grammar is for the only way. If you use it for small things, you might sound a bit like a diva. Keep it for when the condition really matters.

Many people forget the second part. They say 除非 but forget 否则. This leaves the listener waiting. It is like saying "Unless you come..." and then stopping. Another mistake is using the wrong result. The part after 否则 must be the "bad" or "negative" outcome. If the condition is NOT met, what happens? That is what goes there. Don't say: "Unless you study, otherwise you pass." That makes no sense! You should say: "Unless you study, otherwise you fail." Also, don't mix it up with 如果. 如果 is just a possibility. 除非 is a requirement.

You might know 如果不...就.... This means "If not... then...". It is very similar. But 除非 is much stronger. 如果不 is like a suggestion. 除非 is like a law. There is also 除非...才.... This is a popular variation. 才 means "only then." If you use 才, you don't use 否则.

• 除非你来，否则我不去。 (Unless you come, I won't go.)
• 除非你来，我才去。 (Only if you come will I go.)

Both mean the same thing. But 否则 focuses on the negative result. 才 focuses on the positive requirement.