trừ khi
Definition
- Conjunction:
- Unless: Used to introduce the only situation in which a statement is not true or an action will not happen. It specifies an exception to the main clause.
- Except if: Used to exclude a particular condition or circumstance from the general statement.
Usage Examples
- Conjunction:
- Tôi sẽ đi làm, trừ khi trời mưa to. (I will go to work, unless it rains heavily.)
- Chúng tôi tổ chức tiệc ngoài trời, trừ khi thời tiết xấu. (We will have the party outdoors, except if the weather is bad.)
- Anh ấy luôn có mặt đúng giờ, trừ khi xe buýt bị trễ. (He is always on time, unless the bus is late.)
Advanced Usage
- "trừ khi" with implied negation: Often used where the main clause is a negative statement or a warning, creating a conditional exception.
- Đừng gọi cho tôi, trừ khi có việc khẩn cấp. (Don't call me, unless it's an emergency.)
- Bạn không được vào, trừ khi bạn có thẻ. (You may not enter, except if you have a card.)
Variants and Related Words
Trừ phi (conjunction): A near-synonym meaning "unless." It is slightly more formal or literary.
- Tôi không đi trừ phi bạn đi cùng. (I won't go unless you come with me.)
Ngoại trừ (preposition): Meaning "except for" or "excluding." It is used differently, typically followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause.
- Mọi người đều đồng ý, ngoại trừ anh Nam. (Everyone agreed, except for Nam.)
Synonyms
- Unless: If not; except on the condition that.
- Except if: With the exclusion of the case where.
Related Phrases and Structures
- Trừ trường hợp: Meaning "except in the case (that)." This phrase is often used in more formal or written contexts.
- Cửa hàng mở cả tuần, trừ trường hợp ngày lễ. (The shop is open all week, except in the case of a holiday.)