What does 再不…就… mean in Chinese?

It means "if (you) don’t do something now, then (a consequence) will happen," often expressing urgency or a last chance to take action.

Can 再不…就… be used in formal writing?

It is mainly used in spoken Chinese and informal writing. For formal writing, other structures like 否则 (fǒuzé, otherwise) or 否则的话 are more appropriate.

Is 再不…就… always negative?

While often used for warnings or consequences, it can also be neutral, depending on the context.

Can 再不 be replaced with 还不?

还不…就… is sometimes interchangeable, but 还不 focuses more on impatience, while 再不 emphasizes urgency or a last warning.

When to use 再不…就…or 要不然?

要不然 is more general and can introduce alternatives, while 再不…就… strictly emphasizes a last opportunity before something happens.

Can I take Chinese classes with LTL?

Yes! We offer Chinese courses in 8 destinations across Asia. Have a look at all of our language courses here .

HSK 5

Grammar Point	Pattern	Example
Expressing a last chance with 再不...就...	[Subject] +再不…… 就 ……（了）	再不写作业，就要挨批评了。
How to use 并 and 并且	[Verb Phrase 1] + 并 + [Verb Phrase 2]	她喜欢工作，并能独立完成任务。
Expressing "even" with 甚至	甚至 + [Verb Phrase]	他太累了，甚至在地铁上睡着了。
Difference between 以来 and 后来	Period of time + 以来	这是销售量自年初以来的第一次增长。
Adjectival complement 得不得了	[Subject] + [Adjective] + 得不得了	他饿得不得了。
Expressing "as much as possible" with 尽量	尽量 + [Verb / Adjective]	请尽量早到。
Expressing "ever since" with 以来	(自/从 +) period of time/event + 以来	三天以来，他都在为了考试做准备。