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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "unless" with 除非 (chúfēi) as a preposition

    HSK 4
    Condition
    Negation

    Structure

    除非 + Condition, 否则/才 + Result

    Explanation

    除非 (chúfēi) means "unless" and introduces the only condition under which something can happen or change. As a preposition, it precedes the exceptional condition. It is often paired with 否则 (fǒuzé, "otherwise") or 才 (cái) in the main clause.

    Examples

    • 除非你亲自去，否则他不会答应的。

      Chúfēi nǐ qīnzì qù, fǒuzé tā bú huì dāying de.

      Unless you go in person, he won't agree.

    • 除非下雨，我们就按计划出发。

      Chúfēi xià yǔ, wǒmen jiù àn jìhuà chūfā.

      Unless it rains, we'll set off as planned.

    • 除非拿到签证，她才能出国。

      Chúfēi nádào qiānzhèng, tā cáinéng chūguó.

      Unless she gets a visa, she won't be able to go abroad.

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    Expressing "unless" with 除非 (chúfēi) as a preposition | Chinese Grammar