Sinon (en. Otherwise)

/si.nɔ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

conjunction

Used to introduce an alternative or a different condition.

You have to come, or else you risk missing something.

Tu dois venir, sinon tu risques de manquer quelque chose.

To express a negative consequence of a situation.

You need to take the bus, or else you will be late.

Il faut prendre le bus, sinon tu vas être en retard.

To introduce a correction or clarification.

He is not a doctor, or else he is a nurse.

Il n'est pas médecin, sinon il est infirmier.

From Latin 'sine' meaning 'without', with the suffix 'non'.

or rather

expression used to introduce an alternative to what has been said.

sinon dit

or nothing

to indicate that another option is of no interest.

sinon rien

or else

used to introduce an alternative subject.

sinon ça

other

Indicating a difference or an alternative.

autre

alternative

Relating to a different alternative or option.

alternatif

Informal alternative

If you don’t want to come to the cinema, or else.

Si tu veux pas venir au cinéma, sinondeux.

To emphasize a choice

Do it now, or else you’re screwed.

Fais-le maintenant, sinon' t'es foutu.