假如 · 万一
if (written) · in case, if by any chance
Structure
假如 条件 ，（就）结果 · 万一 A ，（就）B
What it means
假如 is a written “if”, the same as 如果. 万一 means “in case, if by any chance”, for something unlikely and unwanted.
How it is built
假如 + condition，(就) + result: 假如你下个月来北京，一定要告诉我. 万一 + A，(就) + B: 万一航班推迟了，我们就坐高铁去 (If the flight is put back, we’ll take the high-speed train).
When to use it
Use 假如 in writing or careful speech, 如果 anywhere. 万一……呢？ on its own asks “what if…?”: 带上伞吧，万一下雨呢？ (Take an umbrella. What if it rains?)
Watch out
Don’t use 万一 for things you hope for: ✗ 万一有时间，我就去 ✓ 如果有时间，我就去.
Examples
假如你下个月来北京，一定要告诉我。
If you come to Beijing next month, be sure to let me know.
万一航班推迟了，我们就坐高铁去。
If the flight is put back, we’ll go by high-speed train.
带上伞吧，万一下雨呢？
Take an umbrella. What if it rains?
Learn this in HSK 4 · Lesson 1: 国庆去哪儿 (Booking a trip)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
Open the lesson →