All meanings
- not so
- no
- or else
- otherwise
- if not
- How about ...?
In context
Example sentences
我们必须努力学习，不然会考不上大学。
Wǒmen bìxū nǔlì xuéxí, bùrán huì kǎo búshàng dàxué.
We must study hard, otherwise we won't get into university.
Keep going
Related words
Grammar notes
HSK levels
不然: HSK 5 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands
New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting of the new exam is announced for 13 December 2026, for HSK 1 to 6. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.
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Frequently Asked Questions
不然 (bù rán) means "not so; no; or else; otherwise; if not; How about ...?" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 5.
不然 is pronounced "bù rán" in Mandarin Chinese. It is made up of 2 syllables.
不然 is an HSK 5 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 5 on both the old and the new exam.
不然 is made up of the characters 不, 然. Each character has its own meaning and can appear in other words.
You can practice writing 不然 using our stroke order tool.
Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.