fau2 zak1否則否则
Jyutpingfau2 zak1
Yalefáu jāk
Definition
Otherwise; or else; if not.
neutralcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
While 否則 is standard and widely understood, it carries a slightly formal or literary tone in spoken Cantonese. In casual conversation, locals overwhelmingly prefer using 如果唔係 or 唔係嘅話 to express the same conditional warning. Using 否則 in a very relaxed setting can sometimes sound like you are reading from a written document or giving a stern lecture.
Examples
Hurry up and leave, otherwise you won't catch the bus.
Related words
Common phrases
if not; otherwise
Common mistake
Learners often use 否則 in the same way as the English word otherwise, but it cannot function as an adverbial modifier in the same way. It must always connect two clauses, specifically functioning as a conjunction to introduce a negative consequence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
