Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • Otherwise; or else; if not: Used to introduce the negative consequence that will likely occur if the preceding advice, command, or condition is not heeded. It functions as a warning about an undesirable outcome.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Nhanh lên, chẳng nữa lại chậm đấy! (Hurry up, otherwise you'll be late!)
  • Mặc áo ấm vào, chẳng nữa lại bị cảm. (Put on warm clothes, or else you'll catch a cold.)
  • Con phải cố gắng học tập, chẳng nữa lại thi hỏng. (You must try to study, otherwise you might fail the exam.)

Advanced Usage

• "chẳng nữa thì": A slightly more formal or emphatic variant with the same meaning.
  • Hãy kiểm tra kỹ, chẳng nữa thì sẽ có sai sót. (Check carefully, otherwise there will be mistakes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nếu không: Conjunction meaning "if not" or "otherwise." It is more common and neutral than "chẳng nữa."

  • Đi ngay đi, nếu không sẽ muộn. (Go now, otherwise you'll be late.)

• Bằng không: Conjunction meaning "otherwise" or "or else," often used in written or formal warnings.

  • Hãy tuân thủ quy định, bằng không bạn sẽ bị phạt. (Please comply with the rules, or else you will be penalized.)

Synonyms

• Otherwise: Introducing an alternative, typically negative, possibility.
• Or else: Used to warn about the consequences of not doing something.
• If not: Introducing a result that occurs if the condition is not met.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Chẳng nữa thì...": This structure is itself idiomatic, serving as a fixed phrase to express a warning. It is less common in modern daily speech than "nếu không" but retains a colloquial, advisory tone.
  • Ăn đi, chẳng nữa thì đồ ăn nguội hết. (Eat, otherwise the food will get completely cold.)

1. Otherwise
   • Nhanh lên, chẳng nữa lại chậm đấy!
     Hurry up, otherwise you may be late!