不
然

About

The word "不然" is formed by directly combining the character for negation, "不" (bù), meaning "not", with the character "然" (rán), which in classical usage means "to be so" or "thus". Conceptually, it fuses these two ideas into a single unit that literally means "not so" or "if it is not so". This creates an inherent sense of contrast or alternative, pointing to a different state or course of action that follows logically from the negation of the preceding statement.

Example Sentences Hide

快点起床，不然要迟到了。

Kuài diǎn qǐchuáng, bùrán yào chídào le.

Get up quickly, otherwise you'll be late.

你得带伞，不然会淋湿。

Nǐ déi dài sǎn, bùrán huì línshī.

You must bring an umbrella, otherwise you'll get wet.

我们应该节约用水，不然水资源会枯竭。

Wǒmen yīnggāi jiéyuē yòngshuǐ, bùrán shuǐ zīyuán huì kūjié.

We should save water, otherwise water resources will be depleted.

除非你道歉，不然我不会原谅你。

Chúfēi nǐ dàoqiàn, bùrán wǒ bù huì yuánliàng nǐ.

Unless you apologize, otherwise I won't forgive you.

我们必须保护环境，不然子孙后代会面临生态危机。

Wǒmen bìxū bǎohù huánjìng, bùrán zǐsūn hòudài huì miànlín shēngtài wēijī.

We must protect the environment, otherwise future generations will face an ecological crisis.

Word Definition - 不然

bù rán not so; no; or else; otherwise; if not; How about ...?

Individual Character Details

不 bù
然 rán