如果
if; in case
rúguǒ
What does 如果 mean?
如果 (rúguǒ) is the standard conjunction for 'if' — used to introduce a conditional. Two structural points English speakers must learn: first, 如果 almost always pairs with 就 (jiù) in the result clause: 如果...就... ('if A, then B'). The 就 is not optional in most cases — leaving it out sounds incomplete.
Second, the subject can go before OR after 如果: 如果你来 and 你如果来 are both fine. The casual spoken alternative is 要是 (yàoshi); the more formal/written one is 假如 (jiǎrú) or 倘若 (tǎngruò). Often 如果 is followed by 的话 (de huà) at the end of the condition for softening: 如果你不忙的话
Character breakdown
like; as; if
fruit; result; outcome
Memory hook: 如 (as / if) + 果 (result) — 'if such a result' = if.
Example sentences
如果下雨，我们就不去了。
Rúguǒ xiàyǔ, wǒmen jiù bú qù le.
If it rains, we won't go.
spoken
如果你有时间，请帮我一下。
Rúguǒ nǐ yǒu shíjiān, qǐng bāng wǒ yíxià.
If you have time, please help me.
neutral, polite
如果他不来，我们就自己去。
Rúguǒ tā bù lái, wǒmen jiù zìjǐ qù.
If he doesn't come, we'll just go by ourselves.
spoken
如果可以的话，我想多学一点。
Rúguǒ kěyǐ de huà, wǒ xiǎng duō xué yìdiǎn.
If possible, I'd like to learn a bit more.
neutral
如果你累了，就早点睡。
Rúguǒ nǐ lèi le, jiù zǎo diǎn shuì.
If you're tired, go to bed earlier.
spoken
Common phrases with 如果
Synonyms
要是 is the casual spoken equivalent of 如果. In conversation they are interchangeable. In writing, 如果 is more standard; 要是 sounds informal.
假如 is more formal/written and often signals a hypothetical scenario ('suppose / assuming'). 如果 is neutral and works for real or hypothetical conditions.
Don't confuse 如果 with
English 'if' has TWO meanings: conditional ('if it rains') and indirect question ('I don't know if she's coming'). 如果 covers only the FIRST. For the second, use 是否 or 是不是. 我不知道她是否来 = 'I don't know if she's coming.'
Both contain 果. 结果 means 'result / outcome / in the end.' 如果 means 'if.' Easy to mix up visually.