后果是...
The consequence is...
Wörtlich: After-effect/Consequence is...
Use `后果是` to warn others about the negative fallout of their specific actions or decisions.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to describe negative or serious results of an action.
- Functions as a logical bridge between cause and effect.
- Carries a cautionary tone, often used as a warning.
Bedeutung
This is a straightforward way to point out the result of an action, usually implying a negative or serious outcome. It's like saying 'The fallout is...' or 'The end result will be...'
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Warning a friend about staying up late
如果你每天熬夜，后果是身体会变差。
If you stay up late every day, the consequence is your health will decline.
Discussing a business risk in a meeting
如果我们现在放弃，后果是失去所有客户。
If we give up now, the consequence is losing all our clients.
Texting a roommate about chores
你不洗碗的后果是厨房会有味道！
The consequence of you not washing dishes is the kitchen will smell!
Kultureller Hintergrund
The concept of 'Houguo' is tied to the traditional Chinese belief in causality. Unlike the neutral 'result,' this term specifically highlights the 'after-fruit' of a negative seed planted earlier. It is frequently used in legal, parental, and cautionary contexts to emphasize personal accountability.
Negative Vibes Only
Avoid using this for positive results. If you say 'The consequence of studying hard is an A,' it sounds very sarcastic or strange to a native speaker.
The 'Face' Factor
When using this with colleagues, try adding '可能' (kěnéng - possibly) to soften the blow so they don't feel like you are attacking them directly.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to describe negative or serious results of an action.
- Functions as a logical bridge between cause and effect.
- Carries a cautionary tone, often used as a warning.
What It Means
后果是 (hòuguǒ shì) is your go-to phrase for pointing out the inevitable results of a choice. In Chinese, 后果 usually carries a negative weight. While the English word 'consequence' can sometimes be neutral, in Chinese, it almost always sounds like a warning. It is the 'bad' version of a result. Think of it as the dark cloud following a specific action.
How To Use It
Using it is simple: [Action/Situation] + 后果是 + [The Result]. You can use it to warn a friend about a bad habit. You can use it in a meeting to discuss risks. It acts as a bridge between a cause and its unfortunate effect. It often follows a 'if you do this' scenario. It makes your statement sound logical and firm.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound serious. It works great when discussing health, finances, or work projects. If your roommate leaves the milk out, tell them the 后果. If a colleague misses a deadline, discuss the 后果. It is perfect for setting boundaries. It also works well when watching a movie and predicting a character's doom.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for happy surprises. If you win the lottery, don't say the 后果 is being rich. Use 结果 (jiéguǒ) for neutral or positive results instead. Avoid using it with elders unless you are being very respectful. It can sound like you are lecturing them. Also, don't use it for tiny, trivial things like dropping a pen.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places a high value on 'cause and effect' (因果). This phrase reflects a mindset of looking ahead to avoid trouble. It is deeply rooted in the idea of taking responsibility for one's actions. Parents often use this to teach children about social harmony. It’s about maintaining the balance by avoiding negative outcomes.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more serious, use 严重的后果是 (yánzhòng de hòuguǒ shì). This means 'the serious consequence is.' For a more formal tone, you might hear 其后果将是 (qí hòuguǒ jiāng shì). In casual texting, people might just say 后果自负 (hòuguǒ zìfù). This means 'bear the consequences yourself,' which is a classic 'tough love' warning.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is neutral in formality but carries a negative semantic prosody. Use it when discussing risks, errors, or warnings. In professional settings, pair it with 'possible' to avoid sounding overly blunt.
Negative Vibes Only
Avoid using this for positive results. If you say 'The consequence of studying hard is an A,' it sounds very sarcastic or strange to a native speaker.
The 'Face' Factor
When using this with colleagues, try adding '可能' (kěnéng - possibly) to soften the blow so they don't feel like you are attacking them directly.
The 'Self-Responsibility' Phrase
If you see a sign saying '后果自负', it means 'Proceed at your own risk.' It's a very common sight at swimming pools or construction sites!
Beispiele
6如果你每天熬夜，后果是身体会变差。
If you stay up late every day, the consequence is your health will decline.
A common way to give health advice to friends.
如果我们现在放弃，后果是失去所有客户。
If we give up now, the consequence is losing all our clients.
Used here to emphasize the severity of a professional decision.
你不洗碗的后果是厨房会有味道！
The consequence of you not washing dishes is the kitchen will smell!
A lighthearted but direct way to complain via text.
吃这么多辣椒，后果是你明天会后悔的。
Eating this much chili, the consequence is you'll regret it tomorrow.
Using the phrase to joke about the 'morning after' a spicy meal.
如果你继续撒谎，后果是我们会分手。
If you keep lying, the consequence is we will break up.
Used in a high-stakes emotional context to set a boundary.
违反规定的后果是罚款。
The consequence of violating the rules is a fine.
Standard phrasing for rules and regulations.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct word to complete the warning about a missed deadline.
不按时交作业的___是被扣分。
`后果` refers to a negative consequence like losing points, while `成果` is for positive achievements and `糖果` means candy.
Complete the sentence to warn someone about driving too fast.
开车太快的___可能是出车祸。
`后果是` correctly links the dangerous action (speeding) to the negative result (accident).
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'Houguo'
Used with friends to warn about small mistakes.
后果很严重哦！
Standard daily use for cause and effect.
后果是我们要迟到了。
Used in business or legal warnings.
违约的后果是将承担法律责任。
Where to use 后果是
Health Warnings
Not sleeping enough.
Work Risks
Missing a project deadline.
Social Rules
Being late to a dinner party.
Financial Choices
Spending too much money.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, you should use 结果是 (jiéguǒ shì). 后果 is almost exclusively for negative or undesirable outcomes.
It can be. To be safer, use 可能会导致... (kěnéng huì dǎozhì - might lead to...) which sounds more like an analysis than a threat.
结果 is neutral (like 'result'), while 后果 is negative (like 'consequence' or 'aftermath').
You say 严重的后果 (yánzhòng de hòuguǒ). This is a very common pairing in Chinese.
Yes! Villains often say 你知道后果吗？ (Do you know the consequences?) to sound threatening.
Absolutely. It’s common when telling a friend what will happen if they don't show up on time.
Usually, yes. It acts as the subject or the connector between the action and the result.
In formal writing, you might see 其结果是 or 由此产生的后果为.
Yes, you can say 后果是你会淋湿 (The consequence is you'll get soaked). It adds a bit of dramatic flair.
Not exactly slang, but 后果自负 (hòuguǒ zìfù) is a very punchy, common idiom meaning 'you're on your own if things go wrong.'
Verwandte Redewendungen
结果是
The result is... (neutral/general)
导致
To lead to / To cause (often negative)
后果自负
Bear the consequences yourself
严重的后果
Serious consequences
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