后果严重

Using it is actually quite simple. You can use it as a standalone warning. You can also attach it to a condition. For example, 'If you do X, 后果严重.' It often follows the word 否则 (otherwise). It sounds punchy and authoritative. It does not need fancy grammar. Just drop it at the end of a cautionary sentence. It carries a lot of weight on its own.

Use it when you need to sound serious. It works great in a workplace when discussing a major project error. It is perfect for parents lecturing a teenager about breaking curfew. You will see it on warning signs near high-voltage power lines. It is also common in news reports about international relations. If the situation feels like a movie climax, this is the phrase.

Do not use this for trivial things. If you forget to buy milk, the 后果 is not 严重. Using it for small stuff makes you sound like a drama queen. Avoid it in lighthearted banter unless you are being very sarcastic. It is too heavy for a casual 'oops' moment. Keep it in your pocket for the big stuff. Otherwise, people will stop taking your warnings seriously.

Chinese culture places a high value on foresight and considering the 'end game.' There is a traditional emphasis on the 'cause and effect' relationship. This phrase reflects that mindset perfectly. It is about looking three steps ahead. It often implies a sense of responsibility to the group or family. If you mess up, everyone suffers. That is why the consequences are so 'heavy.'

If you want to sound even more intense, use 后果不堪设想. That means the consequences are 'unimaginable.' For a more formal legal vibe, you might hear 承担法律后果. That means 'bearing legal consequences.' In casual texting, people might just say 完蛋了 (I'm finished). But for a clear, stern warning, 后果严重 remains the classic choice. It is the gold standard of warnings.