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How to say “whether or not” in Chinese with 与否 (yǔfǒu)

Verb / Adj. + 与否 (yǔfǒu) — formal "whether or not"

Expressing "whether or not" with "与否 (yǔfǒu)"

HSK 6Particles

Rule structure

与否 (yǔfǒu) is an extremely formal suffix meaning "whether or not". Attached to a verb or adjective. Used in official documents, academic writing, and proverbs.

Examples

成功与否，在此一举。

Chénggōng yǔfǒu, zài cǐ yī jǔ.

Success or failure depends on this one move.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Expressing "whether or not" with "与否 (yǔfǒu)"” in Chinese?

Use the structure: Verb / Adj. + 与否 (yǔfǒu) — formal "whether or not". For example: 成功与否，在此一举。 — “Success or failure depends on this one move.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

成功与否，在此一举。 — “Success or failure depends on this one move.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 6.

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More HSK 6 grammar rules

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Expressing "is or is not" with "是否 (shìfǒu)"

是否 (shìfǒu) + Verb / Adj. (formal "whether")

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Expressing "as well as" with "以及 (yǐjí)"

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Expressing "let alone" with "何况 (hékuàng)"

Clause A, 何况 (hékuàng) + Clause B (even more so)

Indicating contrast with "则 (zé)"

Topic A + 则 (zé) + Comment / Verb

Expressing "all" with "凡是 (fánshì)"

凡是 (fánshì) + Noun Phrase, 都 (dōu) + Verb