反之
conversely; if not; in the opposite case
Structure
条件 ，结果 ； 反之 ，（相反的条件） ，相反的结果
What it means
“Conversely; if not”: it turns round the condition just stated and gives the opposite result (= 如果相反, 如果不是这样).
How it is built
Condition, result；反之，opposite result: 坚持锻炼，身体就会越来越好；反之，就会越来越差 (keep exercising and you get fitter; if not, worse).
When to use it
Written and formal: it opens a clause after a semicolon or full stop and takes a comma after it. In speech say 要不然 or 反过来. 反之亦然 = “and vice versa”.
Watch out
Only for opposite condition → opposite result. For a simple contrast between two people or things, use 而 or 相反: ✗ 哥哥高，反之弟弟矮 ✓ 哥哥高，而弟弟矮.
Examples
父母尊重孩子的选择，孩子也更愿意听父母的意见；反之，孩子只会越走越远。
When parents respect their children’s choices, the children are more willing to listen; if they do not, the children will only drift further away.
坚持锻炼，身体就会越来越好；反之，身体就会越来越差。
Keep exercising and your health will get better and better; if not, it will get worse and worse.
城市的发展离不开农村，反之亦然。
Cities cannot develop without the countryside, and vice versa.
Learn this in Lesson 46 · HSK 5–6: 孝与顺 (Filial piety)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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