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如果 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
如果
rúguǒ
if
HSK 3, c, 14 strokes, rank #60, Medium
如果
rúguǒ
in case
HSK 3, c, 14 strokes, rank #60, Medium
如果
rúguǒ
in the event that
HSK 3, c, 14 strokes, rank #60, Medium
rúguǒ(ru2guo3)ru guo T2
1if
2in case
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March 24, 2026
如果rúguǒ(ru2guo3)
如果 (rúguǒ) means 'if' or 'in case' and is used to introduce conditional clauses. It indicates a hypothetical situation or condition that must be met for something else to occur. This term is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin to express possibilities or contingencies.
Strokes14Frequency#60DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of conditionality often reflects the importance of planning and foresight, especially in decision-making processes. The use of 如果 can be found in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal discussions about future plans.
Memory tip
Imagine a scenario where you’re holding a 'Rug' (sounds like 'ru') that you can only use 'if' (sounds like 'guo') the weather is nice. The character '如' (rú) suggests a resemblance, while '果' (guǒ) means fruit, symbolizing the 'fruit' of possibilities that arise from different conditions.
Meanings of 如果
rúguǒ(ru2guo3)
1if
2in case
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 如果
如果Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#60Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 如果
Podcast: 如果
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AI study notes for 如果
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse 如果 with other conditional phrases like '要是' (yàoshi) or '假如' (jiǎrú), which may convey different nuances. Use 如果 in both formal and informal contexts, but remember it typically precedes the condition in a sentence.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 如果 connects to other conditional expressions and phrases. Students should focus on practicing sentence structures that incorporate 如果 to express hypothetical situations effectively.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to pair 如果 with a suitable result clause, leading to incomplete sentences. For example, saying '如果下雨' (rúguǒ xià yǔ) without adding what will happen next is incorrect. Correct it by saying '如果下雨，我就不去' (If it rains, I won't go).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 如果
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如果 (rúguǒ) means 'if' or 'in case' and is used to introduce conditional clauses. It indicates a hypothetical situation or condition that must be met for something else to occur. This term is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin to express possibilities or contingencies.
When to use 如果
A common mistake is to confuse 如果 with other conditional phrases like '要是' (yàoshi) or '假如' (jiǎrú), which may convey different nuances. Use 如果 in both formal and informal contexts, but remember it typically precedes the condition in a sentence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often forget to pair 如果 with a suitable result clause, leading to incomplete sentences. For example, saying '如果下雨' (rúguǒ xià yǔ) without adding what will happen next is incorrect. Correct it by saying '如果下雨，我就不去' (If it rains, I won't go).
Write 如果
如
果
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Grammar patterns of 如果
如果 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
