与否 - Expressing "whether or not"

HSK 6

The phrase 与否 (yǔ fǒu) is a formal expression in Chinese, often used in written or formal speech. It means "whether or not" and typically appears after a verb or a verb phrase.

与否 is more formal than the colloquial “是不是” or “会不会”. You will find it in academic, legal and professional context. Unlike “是否”, which can directly precede a verb or noun, 与否 usually follows a verb or verb phrase.

Sample sentences

成功与否，都靠自己。Successful or not, it all depends on yourself.

决定是否合作取决于双方的信任与否。The decision on whether to cooperate depends on the trust between both parties.

产品质量合格与否会直接影响销量。Whether or not the product meets quality standards will directly affect sales.

In a Text

头发、皮肤、眼睛等可以显示身体健康与否。这些外在特征常常是内在健康的反映。如果头发干枯、皮肤暗淡或眼睛无神，可能预示着营养不足、休息不够或某些潜在疾病。相反，健康的身体通常会表现出光泽的头发、柔嫩的皮肤和明亮的眼睛。

• 外在特征 (wài zài tè zhēng) - outward characteristic

• 干枯 (gān kū) - dry and withered

• 暗淡 (àn dàn) - dull, dim

• 无神 (wú shén) - lifeless, lacking spirit

• 营养 (yíng yǎng) - nutrition

• 潜在 (qián zài) - potential, latent

• 光泽 (guāng zé) - luster, shine

• 柔嫩 (róu nèn) - soft and tender

Hair, skin, and eyes can reflect whether or not the body is healthy. These external characteristics are often a reflection of internal health. If the hair is dry, the skin is dull, or the eyes lack vitality, it may indicate insufficient nutrition, inadequate rest, or certain potential illnesses. In contrast, a healthy body is usually characterized by shiny hair, soft and supple skin, and bright eyes.