In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe negative or serious results of an action.
- Functions as a logical bridge between cause and effect.
- Carries a cautionary tone, often used as a warning.
Meaning
This is a straightforward way to point out the result of an action, usually implying a negative or serious outcome. It's like saying 'The fallout is...' or 'The end result will be...'
Key Examples
3 of 6Warning a friend about staying up late
如果你每天熬夜，后果是身体会变差。
If you stay up late every day, the consequence is your health will decline.
Discussing a business risk in a meeting
如果我们现在放弃，后果是失去所有客户。
If we give up now, the consequence is losing all our clients.
Texting a roommate about chores
你不洗碗的后果是厨房会有味道！
The consequence of you not washing dishes is the kitchen will smell!
Cultural Background
Used frequently in educational and professional settings to emphasize discipline. Similar usage, often heard in news reports regarding political or social issues. Often used in Cantonese-influenced Mandarin to warn about social behavior. Used in formal government campaigns to warn against breaking laws.
Negative Only
Always check if the outcome is bad before using this phrase.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe negative or serious results of an action.
- Functions as a logical bridge between cause and effect.
- Carries a cautionary tone, often used as a warning.
What It Means
后果是 (hòuguǒ shì) is your go-to phrase for pointing out the inevitable results of a choice. In Chinese, 后果 usually carries a negative weight. While the English word 'consequence' can sometimes be neutral, in Chinese, it almost always sounds like a warning. It is the 'bad' version of a result. Think of it as the dark cloud following a specific action.
How To Use It
Using it is simple: [Action/Situation] + 后果是 + [The Result]. You can use it to warn a friend about a bad habit. You can use it in a meeting to discuss risks. It acts as a bridge between a cause and its unfortunate effect. It often follows a 'if you do this' scenario. It makes your statement sound logical and firm.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound serious. It works great when discussing health, finances, or work projects. If your roommate leaves the milk out, tell them the 后果. If a colleague misses a deadline, discuss the 后果. It is perfect for setting boundaries. It also works well when watching a movie and predicting a character's doom.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for happy surprises. If you win the lottery, don't say the 后果 is being rich. Use 结果 (jiéguǒ) for neutral or positive results instead. Avoid using it with elders unless you are being very respectful. It can sound like you are lecturing them. Also, don't use it for tiny, trivial things like dropping a pen.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places a high value on 'cause and effect' (因果). This phrase reflects a mindset of looking ahead to avoid trouble. It is deeply rooted in the idea of taking responsibility for one's actions. Parents often use this to teach children about social harmony. It’s about maintaining the balance by avoiding negative outcomes.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more serious, use 严重的后果是 (yánzhòng de hòuguǒ shì). This means 'the serious consequence is.' For a more formal tone, you might hear 其后果将是 (qí hòuguǒ jiāng shì). In casual texting, people might just say 后果自负 (hòuguǒ zìfù). This means 'bear the consequences yourself,' which is a classic 'tough love' warning.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral in formality but carries a negative semantic prosody. Use it when discussing risks, errors, or warnings. In professional settings, pair it with 'possible' to avoid sounding overly blunt.
Negative Only
Always check if the outcome is bad before using this phrase.
Examples
6如果你每天熬夜，后果是身体会变差。
If you stay up late every day, the consequence is your health will decline.
A common way to give health advice to friends.
如果我们现在放弃，后果是失去所有客户。
If we give up now, the consequence is losing all our clients.
Used here to emphasize the severity of a professional decision.
你不洗碗的后果是厨房会有味道！
The consequence of you not washing dishes is the kitchen will smell!
A lighthearted but direct way to complain via text.
吃这么多辣椒，后果是你明天会后悔的。
Eating this much chili, the consequence is you'll regret it tomorrow.
Using the phrase to joke about the 'morning after' a spicy meal.
如果你继续撒谎，后果是我们会分手。
If you keep lying, the consequence is we will break up.
Used in a high-stakes emotional context to set a boundary.
违反规定的后果是罚款。
The consequence of violating the rules is a fine.
Standard phrasing for rules and regulations.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
如果你不努力，____是失败。
Since failure is negative, '后果' is the correct choice.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises如果你不努力，____是失败。
Since failure is negative, '后果' is the correct choice.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it sounds very strange.
Related Phrases
结果是
contrastThe result is...
后果自负
specialized formBear the consequences yourself.
