The Vietnamese phrase "nếu không" translates to "if not" or "otherwise" in English. It is used to express a condition or alternative scenario, often introducing a statement that depends on the first part being true.
Usage Instructions:
Examples:
"Bạn phải học bài, nếu không bạn sẽ không thi đậu."
(You have to study, if not you will not pass the exam.)
"Chúng ta cần phải đi sớm, nếu không chúng ta sẽ bị muộn."
(We need to leave early, otherwise we will be late.)
Advanced Usage:
Word Variants:
"Nếu" means "if," and "không" means "not." Together they form "nếu không."
You might also encounter "nếu không thì" which means "if not then" to make the conditional statement clearer.
Different Meanings:
While "nếu không" primarily means "if not" or "otherwise," in some contexts, it can imply a sense of urgency or necessity regarding the condition mentioned.
Synonyms:
"Nếu không thì" (if not then)
"Nếu không có" (if there is not)
"Nếu không có gì khác" (if there is nothing else)
Summary:
In summary, "nếu không" is a versatile phrase that helps you express conditions and alternatives in Vietnamese.