Express an exception with 除非
除非……才…… / 否则……
How it works
除非 identifies an exception or a necessary condition. With 才, it presents that condition as required for the outcome: without it, the outcome will not hold.
With 否则 or 不然, the second clause states what happens if the condition is not met. Check the polarity of both clauses so the intended exception remains clear.
The pattern
Example sentences
除非你同意，我才会公开这张照片。
I will make this photo public only if you agree.
除非下大雨，否则活动照常进行。
The event will go ahead as usual unless it rains heavily.
Pinyin generally shows dictionary tones; tones can change in connected speech.
What to watch for
“Only if” gives a necessary condition, not a guarantee that the outcome will happen whenever that condition is met.
Try it
In the photo example, is agreement required before publication?
Show answer
Yes. Agreement is presented as a necessary condition; the sentence does not promise publication.
Syllabus reference
The topic is listed in the official 2025 syllabus. The explanation, examples and practice on this page are written for SenMandarin.
SenMandarin · Updated 2026-10-22