紧缩句
two ideas squeezed into one: “if A, B”; 不 A 也 B: “even without A, still B”
Structure
（主语） A （主语） B · 不 A 也 B
What it means
Two clauses squeezed into one, with no 如果 or 虽然 and often no comma: “if A, B”. 不 A 也 B means “even without A, still B”.
How it is built
(Subject) A + (subject) B: 你不想去我去 (If you don’t want to go, I’ll go). For “even without”: 不 A + subject + 也 + verb: 你不说我也知道 (Even if you don’t tell me, I know).
When to use it
Typical of quick, everyday speech. In writing or careful speech, spell the link out with 如果……就 or 即使……也. The listener gets the “if” from context, so keep both halves short.
Watch out
也 comes after the second subject, in front of the verb (and of 能 or 会): ✗ 你不说也我知道。 ✓ 你不说我也知道。
Examples
你不想去我去。
If you don’t want to go, I’ll go.
不信你自己看。
If you don’t believe me, look for yourself.
你不告诉我我也猜得到。
Even if you don’t tell me, I can guess.
这个词不查词典也能明白。
You can understand this word even without looking it up.
Learn this in HSK 4 · Lesson 23: 你是什么样的人 (Personality)
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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