Difference between revisions of "Comparing "bu" and "mei""

 
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Both [[不|不 (bù)]] and [[没|没 (méi)]] can be placed in front of a verb or adjective to negate its meaning.  However, 不 (bù) and 没 (méi) are not usually interchangeable, so it's important to learn when you must use 不 (bù) as opposed to 没 (méi), and vice versa.
 
Both [[不|不 (bù)]] and [[没|没 (méi)]] can be placed in front of a verb or adjective to negate its meaning.  However, 不 (bù) and 没 (méi) are not usually interchangeable, so it's important to learn when you must use 不 (bù) as opposed to 没 (méi), and vice versa.
  
== 不 is for negating in the present and future ==
+
== 不 (bù) Negates in the Present and Future ==
  
 
不 (bù) is generally used to negate an action that you ''do not want to do'' or ''do not intend to do'' (in the future).  So expressing things like "I don't want to go" or "I'm not going" would be uses of 不 (bù).
 
不 (bù) is generally used to negate an action that you ''do not want to do'' or ''do not intend to do'' (in the future).  So expressing things like "I don't want to go" or "I'm not going" would be uses of 不 (bù).
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</div>
 
</div>
  
===Examples===
+
=== Examples ===
  
 
Whether it's "don't wanna do it"  or "not gonna do it," use 不 (bù):
 
Whether it's "don't wanna do it"  or "not gonna do it," use 不 (bù):
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<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
  
* 我 今天 晚上 <em>不</em> 喝酒。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ jīntiān wǎnshang <em>bù</em> hējiǔ. </span> <span class="trans">Tonight I'm not going to drink. </span>
+
* 我 今天 晚上 <em>不</em> 喝酒。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ jīntiān wǎnshang <em>bù</em> hējiǔ.</span><span class="trans">Tonight I'm not going to drink.</span>
* 爸爸  <em>不</em> 回来 吃 晚饭。<span class="pinyin">Bàba <em>bù</em> huílái chī wǎnfàn. </span> <span class="trans">Dad is not coming back to eat dinner. </span>
+
* 爸爸  <em>不</em> 回来 吃 晚饭。<span class="pinyin">Bàba <em>bù</em> huílái chī wǎnfàn.</span><span class="trans">Dad is not coming back to eat dinner.</span>
* 老板 明天 <em>不</em> 来 公司。<span class="pinyin">Lǎobǎn míngtiān <em>bù</em> lái gōngsī. </span> <span class="trans">The boss won't come to work tomorrow. </span>
+
* 老板 明天 <em>不</em> 来 <span class="pinyin">Lǎobǎn míngtiān <em>bù</em> lái.</span><span class="trans">The boss won't come tomorrow.</span>
* 我 知道 这 个 周末 <em>不</em> 下雨。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ zhīdao zhè ge zhōumò <em>bù</em> xiàyǔ. </span> <span class="trans">I know it's not going to rain this weekend. </span>
+
* 我 知道 这 个 周末 <em>不</em> 下雨。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ zhīdào zhège zhōumò <em>bù</em> xiàyǔ.</span><span class="trans">I know it's not going to rain this weekend.</span>
* 你女朋友 <em>不</em> 跟 你 一起 去 吗?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ nǚ péngyǒu <em>bù</em> gēn nǐ qù ma? </span> <span class="trans">Is your girlfriend not going together with you? </span>
+
* 你 女朋友 <em>不</em> 跟 你 一起 去 吗?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ nǚpéngyou <em>bù</em> gēn nǐ yīqǐ qù ma? </span><span class="trans">Is your girlfriend not going with you? </span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
== 不 is used to negate habitual actions ==
+
== 不 (bù) Negates Habitual Actions ==
 +
 
 
不 (bù) can be used to negate habitual actions, to express what you just aren't in the habit of doing, such as eating meat, or watching TV, or drinking alcohol.  This is simply done by placing 不 (bù) in front of the verb.  
 
不 (bù) can be used to negate habitual actions, to express what you just aren't in the habit of doing, such as eating meat, or watching TV, or drinking alcohol.  This is simply done by placing 不 (bù) in front of the verb.  
  
 
===Structure===
 
===Structure===
 +
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
Subj. + 不 + Verb + Obj.
 
Subj. + 不 + Verb + Obj.
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===Examples===
 
===Examples===
 +
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 我 <em>不</em> 吃 肉。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em>bù</em> chī ròu. </span> <span class="trans">I don't eat meat. </span>
+
* 我 <em>不</em> 吃 肉。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em>bù</em> chī ròu.</span><span class="trans">I don't eat meat.</span>
* 你们 都 <em>不</em> 喝酒 吗?<span class="pinyin">Nǐmen dōu <em>bù</em> hē jiǔ ma?</span> <span class="trans">Do you all not drink alcohol?</span>
+
* 你们 都 <em>不</em> 喝酒 吗?<span class="pinyin">Nǐmen dōu <em>bù</em> hējiǔ ma?</span><span class="trans">Do you all not drink alcohol?</span>
* 他 <em>不</em> 喜欢 说话。<span class="pinyin">Tā <em>bù</em> xǐhuan shuōhuà. </span> <span class="trans">He doesn't like to speak. </span>
+
* 他 <em>不</em> 喜欢 说话。<span class="pinyin">Tā <em>bù</em> xǐhuan shuōhuà.</span><span class="trans">He doesn't like to speak.</span>
* 你 <em>不</em> 用 手机 看书 吗?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>bù</em>  yòng shǒujī kànshū ma?</span> <span class="trans">Do you not use your phone to read books? </span>
+
* 你 <em>不</em> 用 手机 看书 吗?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>bù</em>  yòng shǒujī kàn shū ma?</span><span class="trans">Do you not use your phone to read books? </span>
* 这 个 国家 的 人 吃饭 以前 <em>不</em> 洗手 吗?<span class="pinyin">Zhè ge guójiā de rén chīfàn yǐqián <em>bù</em> xǐshǒu ma? </span> <span class="trans">Do the people in this country not wash their hands before they eat food? </span>
+
* 你 晚上 <em>不</em> 洗澡 吗?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ wǎnshang <em>bù</em> xǐzǎo ma? </span><span class="trans">Don't you shower at night?</span>
  
 
</div>
 
</div>
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Please note that, while it is grammatically correct to use 没 (méi) in all the sentences above, 没 (méi) does not negate any ''habitual'' actions. The sentences above, if they contained 没 (méi) instead of 不 (bù), would express that the speaker ''didn't do'' the named activity (at one particular point ''in the past'').  So it would not be about ''habitual actions''.
 
Please note that, while it is grammatically correct to use 没 (méi) in all the sentences above, 没 (méi) does not negate any ''habitual'' actions. The sentences above, if they contained 没 (méi) instead of 不 (bù), would express that the speaker ''didn't do'' the named activity (at one particular point ''in the past'').  So it would not be about ''habitual actions''.
  
== 不 is normally used with adjectives ==
+
== 不 (bù) Is Normally Used with Adjectives ==
  
 
When it comes to a simple negation of an adjective (such as "not cold"), use 不 (bù).
 
When it comes to a simple negation of an adjective (such as "not cold"), use 不 (bù).
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</div>
 
</div>
  
===Examples===
+
=== Examples ===
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
  
* 我们 <em>不</em> 饿。<span class="pinyin">Wǒmen <em>bù</em> è. </span> <span class="trans">We're not hungry. </span>
+
* 我们 <em>不</em> 饿。<span class="pinyin">Wǒmen <em>bù</em> è.</span><span class="trans">We're not hungry.</span>
* 你 <em>不</em> 胖。<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>bù</em> pàng. </span> <span class="trans">You are not fat. </span>
+
* 你 <em>不</em> 胖。<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>bù</em> pàng.</span><span class="trans">You are not fat.</span>
* 今天 <em>不</em> 冷。<span class="pinyin">Jīntiān <em>bù</em> lěng. </span> <span class="trans">Today it isn't cold. </span>
+
* 我 家 <em>不</em> 远。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ jiā <em>bù</em> yuǎn.</span><span class="trans">My home is not far.</span>
* 我 觉得 Starbucks 的 咖啡 <em>不</em> 贵。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ juéde Starbucks de kāfēi <em>bù</em> guì. </span> <span class="trans">I think the coffee at Starbucks isn't expensive. </span>
+
* 今天 <em>不</em> 冷。<span class="pinyin">Jīntiān <em>bù</em> lěng.</span><span class="trans">Today it isn't cold.</span>
* 我家 离 公司 <em>不</em> 远。<span class="pinyin">Wǒjiā lí gōngsī <em>bù</em> yuǎn. </span> <span class="trans">My house is not far away from the office. </span>
+
* 我 觉得 Starbucks 的 咖啡 <em>不</em> 好喝。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ juéde Starbucks de kāfēi <em>bù</em> hǎohē.</span><span class="trans">I think the coffee at Starbucks isn't good.</span>
  
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
== 不 is used to ask questions ==
+
== 不 (bù) Is for Asking Questions ==
  
There are couple ways to use 不 (bù) to ask questions. One such way is through [[affirmative-negative questions]]. This is done by stating a verb and then immediately repeating that verb in a negative state (with 不 (bù)):
+
There are couple ways to use 不 (bù) to ask questions. One such way is through [[Affirmative-negative_question|affirmative-negative questions]]. This is done by stating a verb and then immediately repeating that verb in a negative state (with 不 (bù)).
  
 
===Structure===
 
===Structure===
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<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 你 <em>是 不 是</em> 我的 老师?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>shì bù shì</em> wǒ de lǎoshī? </span> <span class="trans">Are you my teacher or not? </span>
+
* 你 是 不<em>是</em> 我 的 老师?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ shì <em>bu</em> shì wǒ de lǎoshī? </span><span class="trans">Are you my teacher or not? </span>
* 她 <em></em> 来?<span class="pinyin">Tā <em>xiǎng bù xiǎng</em> lái? </span> <span class="trans">Does she want to come? (Literally: Does she want-not want to come?)</span>
+
* 她 <em>不 </em> 来?<span class="pinyin">Tā xiǎng <em>bu</em> xiǎnglái? </span><span class="trans">Does she want to come?</span>
* 你 <em></em> 我?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>ài bù ài</em> wǒ? </span> <span class="trans">Do you love me or not? </span>
+
* 你 <em>不</em> 我?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ ài <em>bu</em> ài wǒ? </span><span class="trans">Do you love me or not? </span>
* 你们 周末 <em></em> 班?<span class="pinyin">Nǐmen zhōumò <em>shàng bù shàng</em> bān? </span> <span class="trans">Do you go to work on weekends? </span>
+
* 你们 周末 <em>不</em> 上班?<span class="pinyin">Nǐmen zhōumò shàng <em>bu</em> shàngbān? </span><span class="trans">Do you all go to work on weekends? </span>
* 你的 老外朋友们 <em>喜欢</em> 吃 中国菜?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ de lǎowài péngyoumen xǐ xǐhuan chī Zhōngguó cài? </span><span class="trans">Do your foreign friends like to eat Chinese food or not? (Literally: Do your foreign friends like-not like Chinese food?)</span>
+
* 你 的 外国 朋友们 喜 <em>不</em> 喜欢 吃 中国菜?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ de wàiguó péngyoumen xǐ <em>bu</em> xǐhuan chī Zhōngguó cài? </span><span class="trans">Do your foreign friends like to eat Chinese food? </span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
不 (bù) can also be used to form [[Tag questions with "bu"|tag questions]].  Tag questions use the positive-negative question form, but are placed at the end of the sentence. Tag questions are used to seek approval or acceptance for a statement, very similar to the English "OK?" or "right?"  You can't use 没 (mèi) for this.
+
不 (bù) can also be used to form [[Tag questions with "bu"|tag questions]].  Tag questions use the positive-negative question form, but are placed at the end of the sentence. Tag questions are used to seek approval or acceptance for a statement, very similar to the English "OK?" or "right?"  You can't use 没 (méi) for this.
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
<li class="o">我们 去 吃饭,<em>好 不 好</em><span class="pinyin"> Wǒmen qù chīfàn, <em>hǎo bù hǎo</em>? </span><span class="trans">Let's go eat, is that OK? </span></li>
+
<li class="x">我们 去 吃饭 ,好 <strong></strong> 好?<span class="pinyin"> Wǒmen qù chīfàn, hǎo <strong>méi</strong> hǎo? </span></li>
<li class="o">你们 是 好 朋友,<em></em><span class="pinyin">Nǐ shì hǎo péngyou, <em>duì bù duì</em>? </span><span class="trans">You are good friends, right? </span></li>
+
<li class="o">我们 去 吃饭 ,好 <em>不</em> 好?<span class="pinyin"> Wǒmen qù chīfàn, hǎo <em>bu</em> hǎo? </span><span class="trans">Let's go eat, is that OK? </span></li>
<li class="x">我们 喝 咖啡,<strong></strong><span class="pinyin">Wǒmen hē kāfēi, <strong>hǎo méi hǎo? </strong></span><span class="trans">Let's drink coffee, OK does not have OK? </span></li>
+
<li class="x">你们 是 好 朋友 ,对 <strong>没</strong> 对?<span class="pinyin">Nǐmen shì hǎo péngyou, duì <strong>méi</strong> duì? </span></li>
<li class="x"> 你 应该 去 上 课,<strong>对 没 对</strong><span class="pinyin">Nǐ děi shàngkè, <strong>duì méi duì</strong>? </span><span class="trans">You should go to class, right not have right? </span></li>
+
<li class="o">你们 是 好 朋友 ,对 <em></em> 对?<span class="pinyin">Nǐmen shì hǎo péngyou, duì <em>bu</em> duì? </span><span class="trans">You are good friends, right?</span></li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
== 没 is used to negate past actions ==
+
== 没 (méi) Negates Past Actions ==
  
没 (méi) and 没有 (méiyǒu) can both be used to [[negation of past actions|negate actions that occurred in the past]], or to say that something has not happened yet.
+
没 (méi) and 没有 (méiyǒu) can both be used to [[Negation of past actions with "meiyou"|negate actions that occurred in the past]], or to say that something has not happened yet.
  
 
===Structure===
 
===Structure===
 +
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
Subj. + 没(有) + Verb + Obj.
 
Subj. + 没(有) + Verb + Obj.
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<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
<li class="o">他 <em>没有</em> 打 电话 给 我。<span class="pinyin">Tā <em>méiyǒu</em> dǎ diànhuà gěi wǒ. </span><span class="trans">He did not give me a call. </span></li>
+
<li class="o">他 <em>没有</em> 打 电话 给 我 。<span class="pinyin">Tā <em>méiyǒu</em> dǎ diànhuà gěi wǒ.</span><span class="trans">He did not give me a call.</span></li>
<li class="o"> 你 <em>没</em> 去 上班 吗?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>méi</em> qù shàngbān ma? </span><span class="trans">Did you not go to work? </span></li>
+
<li class="o"> 你 <em>没</em> 去 上班 吗 ?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>méi</em> qù shàngbān ma? </span><span class="trans">You didn't go to work? </span></li>
<li class="o">我 昨天 <em>没</em> 喝 酒。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ zuótiān <em>méi</em> hē jiǔ. </span><span class="trans">I did not drink wine yesterday. </span></li>
+
<li class="o">我 昨天 <em>没</em> 喝酒。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ zuótiān <em>méi</em> hējiǔ.</span><span class="trans">I did not drink alcohol yesterday.</span></li>
<li class="o">妈妈 <em>没有</em> 做 晚饭。<span class="pinyin">Māma <em>méiyǒu</em> zuò wǎnfàn. </span><span class="trans">Mom did not cook dinner. </span></li>
+
<li class="o">妈妈 <em>没有</em> 做 晚饭。<span class="pinyin">Māma <em>méiyǒu</em> zuò wǎnfàn.</span><span class="trans">Mom did not cook dinner.</span></li>
<li class="o">他们 吃 完 饭 以后 <em>没</em> 付钱。<span class="pinyin"> Tāmen chī wán fàn yǐhòu <em>méi</em> fùqián. </span><span class="trans">They didn't pay after they finished eating food. </span></li>
+
<li class="o">他们 吃 完 饭 以后 <em>没</em> 付 钱。<span class="pinyin"> Tāmen chī wán fàn yǐhòu <em>méi</em> fù qián.</span><span class="trans">They didn't pay after they finished eating.</span></li>
<li class="x">我 昨天 <strong>不</strong> 喝 酒。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ zuótiān <strong>bù</strong> hē jiǔ.</span><span class="trans">I not drink wine yesterday.</span></li>
+
<li class="x">我 昨天 <strong>不</strong> 喝酒。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ zuótiān <strong>bù</strong> hējiǔ.</span><span class="trans">I not drink wine yesterday.</span></li>
<li class="x">你 昨晚 <strong>不</strong> 回 家 吗?<span class="pinyin"> Nǐ zuówǎn <strong>bù</strong> huíjiā ma? </span><span class="trans">Did you not come home last night? </span></li>
+
<li class="x">我 上个 周末 <strong>不</strong> 跟 他 见面。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ shàng gè zhōumò <strong>bù</strong> gēn tā jiànmiàn.</span><span class="trans">I not meet with him last weekend.</span></li>
<li class="x">我 上个 周末 <strong>不</strong> 跟 他 见面。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ shàng gè zhōumò <strong>bù</strong> gēn tā jiànmiàn. </span><span class="trans">I didn't see him last weekend. </span></li>
+
<li class="x"> 上个月 你  <strong>不</strong>  去 北京 吗? <span class="pinyin"> Shàng gè yuè nǐ <strong>bù</strong> qù Běijīng? </span><span class="trans">You not go to Beijing last month?</span></li>
<li class="x">  上周 我们  <strong>不</strong> 开会。<span class="pinyin">Shàngzhōu wǒmen <strong>bù</strong> kāihuì. </span><span class="trans">We didn't have a meeting last week. </span></li>
 
<li class="x"> 上个月 你  <strong>不</strong>  去 北京 吗? <span class="pinyin"> Shànggèyuè nǐ <strong>bù</strong> qù Běijīng? </span><span class="trans">Did you not go to Beijing last month?</span></li>
 
 
 
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
There are a few things worth noting in these examples. For one, it is still grammatically correct to leave out the 有 (méiyǒu) in the sentences using 没有 (méiyǒu).  Also, the sentence using 不 (bù) ''would be'' grammatically correct, if not for the 昨天 (zuótiān) ("yesterday") telling us that it is definitely the '''past''' we're talking about. That incorrect sentence using 不 (bù) would translate into: "I don't drink wine yesterday" as opposed to "I ''didn't'' drink wine yesterday."
+
There are a few things worth noting in these examples. For one, it is still grammatically correct to leave out the 有 (yǒu) in the sentences using 没有 (méiyǒu).  Also, the sentences using 不 (bù) ''would be'' grammatically correct, if not for the time words telling us that it is definitely the '''past''' we're talking about.
  
== Only 没 is used to negate 有 ==
+
== Only 没 (méi) Negates (yǒu) ==
  
[[Negation of "you"|没 (méi) can be used to negate the verb 有 (yǒu)]] ("to have") to mean "do not have." You can only use 没 (méi) to convey this meaning. It is grammatically incorrect to use 不 (bù) to negate 有 (yǒu).  
+
[[Negation of past actions with "meiyou"|没 (méi) can be used to negate the verb 有 (yǒu)]] ("to have") to mean "do not have." You can only use 没 (méi) to convey this meaning. It is grammatically incorrect to use 不 (bù) to negate 有 (yǒu).  
  
 
=== Structure ===
 
=== Structure ===
 +
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
<div class="jiegou">
Subject + 没有 + Object
+
Subj. + 没有 + Obj.
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
 
=== Examples ===
 
=== Examples ===
 +
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
<li class="o">我 <em>没有</em> 钱。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em>méiyǒu</em> qián. </span><span class="trans">I don't have money. </span></li>
+
<li class="x">我 <strong>不 有</strong> 钱。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <strong>bù yǒu</strong> qián.</span></li>
<li class="x">我 <strong>不 有</strong> 钱。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <strong>bù yǒu</strong> qián. </span><span class="trans">I not have money. </span></li>
+
<li class="o"><em>没有</em> 钱。<span class="pinyin"><em>méiyǒu</em> qián.</span><span class="trans">I don't have money.</span></li>
<li class="o"><em>没有</em> 女朋友。<span class="pinyin"><em>méiyǒu</em> nǚpéngyou. </span><span class="trans">He doesn't have a girlfriend. </span></li>
+
<li class="x">他 <strong>不 有</strong> 女朋友。<span class="pinyin">Tā <strong>bù yǒu</strong> nǚpéngyou.</span></li>
<li class="x">他 <strong>不 有</strong> 女朋友。<span class="pinyin">Tā <strong>bù yǒu</strong> nǚpéngyou. </span><span class="trans">He not have girlfriend. </span></li>
+
<li class="o">他 <em>没有</em> 女朋友。<span class="pinyin">Tā <em>méiyǒu</em> nǚpéngyou.</span><span class="trans">He doesn't have a girlfriend.</span></li>
<li class="o">我 妈妈 <em>没有</em> iPhone。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ māma <em>méiyǒu</em> iphone. </span><span class="trans">My mom doesn't have an iPhone. </span></li>
 
<li class="x">我 妈妈 <strong>不 有</strong> iPhone。<span class="pinyin"> Wǒ māma <strong>bù yǒu</strong> iPhone. </span><span class="trans"> My mom doesn't have an iPhone. </span></li>
 
<li class="o"> 他 爸爸 <em>没有</em> 工作。<span class="pinyin">Tā bàba <em>méiyǒu</em> gōngzuò. </span><span class="trans">His dad doesn't have a job. </span></li>
 
<li class="x"> 他 爸爸 <strong>不 有</strong> 工作。<span class="pinyin">Tā  bàba <strong>bù yǒu</strong> gōngzuò. </span><span class="trans"> His dad doesn't have a job. </span></li>
 
<li class="o"> 他们 <em>没有</em> 孩子。<span class="pinyin">Tāmen <em>méiyǒu</em> háizi. </span><span class="trans">They don't have children. </span></li>
 
<li class="x"> 他们 <strong>不 有</strong> 孩子。<span class="pinyin">Tāmen <strong>bù yǒu</strong> háizi. </span><span class="trans"> They don't have children. </span></li>
 
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
There are times when you can leave out 有 (yǒu) entirely while still expressing 没有 (méiyǒu) (meaning "to not have" or "there is no"). One well-known example of this is [[Inability with "mei banfa"|没办法 (méi bànfǎ)]] ("there is no way" [that's gonna happen]).  Both 没 (méi) and 没有 (méiyǒu) are correct, however.
+
There are times when you can leave out 有 (yǒu) entirely while still expressing 没有 (méiyǒu), (meaning "to not have" or "there is no"). One well-known example of this is [[Inability with "mei banfa"|没办法 (méi bànfǎ)]] ("there is no way" [that's gonna happen]).  Both 没 (méi) and 没有 (méiyǒu) are correct, however.
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
*我 <em>没</em> 办法。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em>méi</em> bànfǎ.</span> <span class="trans">I don't have a way.</span>
+
*我 <em>没</em> 办法。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em>méi</em> bànfǎ.</span><span class="trans">I don't have a way.</span>
*我 <em>没有</em> 办法。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em>méiyǒu</em> bànfǎ. </span> <span class="trans">I don't have a way. </span>
+
*我 <em>没有</em> 办法。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em>méiyǒu</em> bànfǎ.</span><span class="trans">I don't have a way.</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
 
(You can also [[Inability with "mei banfa"|use 没办法 (méi bànfǎ)]] to express other meanings.)
 
(You can also [[Inability with "mei banfa"|use 没办法 (méi bànfǎ)]] to express other meanings.)
  
== 没 is used to make comparisons ==
+
== 没 (méi) Is for Making Comparisons ==
  
 
没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu) can be used to make [[basic comparisons with "meiyou"|simple comparisons]] meaning "not as... as...":
 
没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu) can be used to make [[basic comparisons with "meiyou"|simple comparisons]] meaning "not as... as...":
Line 176: Line 173:
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
<li class="o">你 <em>没有</em> 我 高。<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>méiyǒu</em> wǒ gāo.</span><span class="trans">You are not as tall as me. (Literally: You do not have me tall.)</span></li>
+
<li class="x">你 <strong>不 有</strong> 我 高。<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <strong>bù yǒu</strong> wǒ gāo.</span></li>
<li class="x">你 <strong>不 有</strong> 我 高。<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <strong>bù yǒu</strong> wǒ gāo. </span><span class="trans">You are not as tall as me. </span></li>
+
<li class="o">你 <em>没有</em> 我 高。<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>méiyǒu</em> wǒ gāo.</span><span class="trans">You are not as tall as me.</span></li>
<li class="o">我 的 手机 <em>没有</em> 他 的 手机 贵。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ de shǒujī <em>méiyǒu</em> tā de shǒujī guì.</span><span class="trans">My cellphone isn't as expensive as his. (Literally: "My cellphone does not have his cellphone expensive.")</span></li>
+
<li class="x">我 的 手机 <strong>不 有</strong> 他 的 手机 贵。 <span class="pinyin">Wǒ de shǒujī <strong>bù yǒu</strong> tā de shǒujī guì.</span></li>
<li class="x">我 的 手机 <strong>不 有</strong> 他 的 手机 贵。 <span class="pinyin">Wǒ de shǒujī <strong>bù yǒu</strong> tā de shǒujī guì. </span><span class="trans">My cellphone isn't as expensive as his. </span></li>
+
<li class="o">我 的 手机 <em>没有</em> 他 的 手机 贵。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ de shǒujī <em>méiyǒu</em> tā de shǒujī guì.</span><span class="trans">My cell phone isn't as expensive as his.</span></li>
<li class="o"> 我们 都 <em>没有</em> 老板 忙。<span class="pinyin"> Wǒmen dōu <em>méiyǒu</em> lǎobǎn máng. </span><span class="trans">We all are not as busy as the boss. (Literally: We all don't have the boss busy.)</span></li>
+
<li class="x"> 我们 都 <strong>不 有</strong> 老板 忙。<span class="pinyin"> Wǒmen dōu <strong>bù yǒu</strong> lǎobǎn máng.</span></li>
<li class="x"> 我们 都 <strong>不 有</strong> 老板 忙。<span class="pinyin"> Wǒmen dōu <strong>bù yǒu</strong> lǎobǎn máng. </span><span class="trans"> We all are not as busy as the boss. </span></li>
+
<li class="o"> 我们 都 <em>没有</em> 老板 忙。<span class="pinyin"> Wǒmen dōu <em>méiyǒu</em> lǎobǎn máng.</span><span class="trans">We all are not as busy as the boss.</span></li>
<li class="o"> 上海 的 冬天 <em>没有</em> 北京 的 冬天 冷。<span class="pinyin"> Shànghǎi de dōngtiān <em>méiyǒu</em> Běijīng de dōngtiān lěng. </span><span class="trans">Winter in Shanghai is not as cold as in Beijing. (Literally: Winter in Shanghai doesn't have winter in Beijing cold.)</span></li>
+
<li class="x">上海 的 冬天 <strong>不 有</strong> 北京 的 冬天 冷。<span class="pinyin"> Shànghǎi de dōngtiān <strong>bù yǒu</strong> Běijīng de dōngtiān lěng.</span></li>
<li class="x">上海 的 冬天 <strong>不 有</strong> 北京 的 冬天 冷。<span class="pinyin"> Shànghǎi de dōngtiān <strong>bù yǒu</strong> Běijīng de dōngtiān lěng. </span><span class="trans"> Winter in Shanghai is not as cold as winter in Beijing. </span></li>
+
<li class="o">上海 的 冬天 <em>没有</em> 北京 的 冬天 冷。<span class="pinyin"> Shànghǎi de dōngtiān <em>méiyǒu</em> Běijīng de dōngtiān lěng.</span><span class="trans">Shanghai winters are not as cold Beijing winters.</span></li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</div>
 
</div>
Line 189: Line 186:
 
You can only use 没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu) for this purpose, and '''not''' 不 (bù).
 
You can only use 没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu) for this purpose, and '''not''' 不 (bù).
  
== 不 is used almost exclusively with some verbs ==
+
== 不 (bù) Is Used Almost Exclusively with Certain Verbs ==
  
 
Certain verbs just don't get negated by 没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu) ever.  These include the verbs 是 (shì) ("to be") and 在 (zài) ("to be (in a place)"), as well as some psychological verbs such as 知道 (zhīdào) ("to know") and 认识 (rènshi) ("to know (a person)").  For these verbs, it's best to just take them on a case-by-case basis.  Being aware of their existence can save you a fair bit of confusion.
 
Certain verbs just don't get negated by 没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu) ever.  These include the verbs 是 (shì) ("to be") and 在 (zài) ("to be (in a place)"), as well as some psychological verbs such as 知道 (zhīdào) ("to know") and 认识 (rènshi) ("to know (a person)").  For these verbs, it's best to just take them on a case-by-case basis.  Being aware of their existence can save you a fair bit of confusion.
Line 195: Line 192:
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
<li class="o">他 以前 <em></em> 是 我的 老板。<span class="pinyin">Tā yǐqián <em></em> shì wǒ de lǎobǎn. </span><span class="trans">He was not my boss before. </span></li>
+
<li class="x">他 以前 <strong></strong> 是 我的 老板。<span class="pinyin">Tā yǐqián <strong>méi</strong> shì wǒ de lǎobǎn.</span></li>
<li class="x">他 以前 <strong></strong> 是 我的 老板。<span class="pinyin">Tā yǐqián <strong>méi</strong> shì wǒ de lǎobǎn. </span><span class="trans">He did not is my boss before. </span></li>
+
<li class="o">他 以前 <em></em> 是 我的 老板。<span class="pinyin">Tā yǐqián <em></em> shì wǒ de lǎobǎn.</span><span class="trans">He was not my boss before.</span></li>
<li class="o"> 我 <em></em> 知道 他 要 来。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em></em> zhīdào tā yào lái. </span><span class="trans"> I didn't know he was coming. </span></li>
+
<li class="x">我 <strong></strong> 知道 他 要 来 。 <span class="pinyin">Wǒ <strong>méi</strong> zhīdào tā yào lái.</span></li>
<li class="x">我 <strong></strong> 知道 他 要来。 <span class="pinyin">Wǒ <strong>méi</strong> zhīdào tā yào lái. </span><span class="trans">I did not have know he was coming. </span></li>
+
<li class="o"> 我 <em></em> 知道 他 要 来。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em></em> zhīdào tā yào lái.</span><span class="trans">I didn't know he was coming.</span></li>
<li class="o">他 小时候 <em></em> 认识 她。<span class="pinyin">Tā xiǎoshíhou <em></em> rènshi tā.</span><span class="trans">He did not know her when he was young. </span></li>
+
<li class="x">他 小 时候 <strong></strong> 认识 她 。<span class="pinyin">Tā xiǎo shíhou <strong>méi</strong> rènshi tā.</span></li>
<li class="x">他 小时候 <strong></strong> 认识 她。<span class="pinyin">Tā xiǎoshíhou <strong>méi</strong> rènshi tā. </span><span class="trans">He not have know her when he was young.   </span></li>
+
<li class="o">他 小时候 <em></em> 认识 她。<span class="pinyin">Tā xiǎo shíhou <em></em> rènshi tā.</span><span class="trans">He did not know her when he was young.</span></li>
<li class="o">昨天 我 <em></em> 在 家。<span class="pinyin">Zuótiān wǒ <em>bù</em> zài jiā. </span> <span class="trans">I was not home yesterday. </span></li>
+
<li class="q">昨天 我 <strong></strong> 在 家。<span class="expl">Use of 没 with 在 is technically incorrect, but you sometimes hear it.</span><span class="pinyin">Zuótiān wǒ <strong>méi</strong> zài jiā.</span></li>
<li class="q">昨天 我 <strong></strong> 在 家。<span class="expl">(Use of 没 with 在 is technically incorrect, but you sometimes hear it.)</span><span class="pinyin">Zuótiān wǒ <strong>méi</strong> zài jiā. </span><span class="trans">I did not at home yesterday. </span></li>
+
<li class="o">昨天 我 <em></em> 在 家 。<span class="pinyin">Zuótiān wǒ <em></em> zài jiā.</span><span class="trans">I was not home yesterday.</span></li>
 
 
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
 
Note that in non-standard Mandarin you might encounter exceptions to this rule.  It's still useful to know the rule!
 
Note that in non-standard Mandarin you might encounter exceptions to this rule.  It's still useful to know the rule!
 +
 +
== QUIZ TIME! ==
 +
 +
<h3 class="quiz">Ready to Check Your Mastery of 不 and 没?</h3>
 +
<div class="quiz">
 +
 +
If you're pretty clear on the explanations you've read so far and the examples make sense to you, you still need to put your knowledge to the test.
 +
 +
<div class="quiz-link">[https://quizzes.allsetlearning.com/q/bu-vs-mei/ Take the 不 / 没 Quiz!]</div>
 +
 +
</div>
  
 
== Sources and further reading ==
 
== Sources and further reading ==
Line 223: Line 230:
  
 
=== Books ===
 
=== Books ===
* [[Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition]] (pp. 141-4) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0415372615/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0415372615 →buy]
+
{{Source|Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition|141-4}}
* [[Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed)]] (pp. 137-9) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0887276385/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0887276385 →buy]
+
{{Source|Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed)|137-9}}
* [[New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)]] (p. 87) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/7561910401/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=7561910401 →buy]
+
{{Source|New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)|87}}
* [[New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed)]] (pp. 102, 250-1) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/7561926235/ref%3das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=7561926235 →buy]
+
{{Source|New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed)|102, 250-1}}
* [[Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition]] (pp. 54-5) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0415372615/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0415372615 →buy]
+
{{Source|Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition|54-5}}
* [[New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3)]] (pp. 33-4) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/756191251X/ref%3das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=756191251X →buy]
+
{{Source|New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3)|33-4}}
* [[Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition]] (p. 51) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0415372615/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0415372615 →buy]
+
{{Source|Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition|51}}
* [[现代汉语八百词(增订本)]]  (p. 382) [http://www.amazon.cn/%E7%8E%B0%E4%BB%A3%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%E5%85%AB%E7%99%BE%E8%AF%8D/dp/B001198GSW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345693275&sr=8-1 →buy]
+
{{Source|现代汉语八百词(增订本)|382}}
* [[Practicing HSK Grammar (语法精讲精炼)]] (p. 32) [http://www.amazon.cn/mn/detailApp/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&tag=allset-23&linkCode=as2&asin=B001N6R7DI&camp=536&creative=3132&creativeASIN=B001N6R7DI →buy]
+
{{Source|Practicing HSK Grammar (语法精讲精炼)|32}}
* [[现代汉语八百词(增订本)]]  (p. 383) [http://www.amazon.cn/%E7%8E%B0%E4%BB%A3%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%E5%85%AB%E7%99%BE%E8%AF%8D/dp/B001198GSW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345693275&sr=8-1 →buy]
+
{{Source|现代汉语八百词(增订本)|383}}
* [[Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed)]] (p. 31) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0887276385/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0887276385 →buy]
+
{{Source|Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed)|31}}
* [[Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (1st ed)]] (pp. 85-86) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0887276385/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0887276385 →buy]
+
{{Source|Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (1st ed)|85-86}}
* [[New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed)]] (p. 218) [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/7561910401/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=7561910401 →buy]
+
{{Source|New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed)|218}}
*[[Reference:Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级)]](不 没p.156)[http://www.amazon.cn/gp/product/B004WA6JSQ/ref%3das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-23&linkCode=as2&camp=536&creative=3132&creativeASIN=B004WA6JSQ →buy]
+
{{Source|Reference:Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级)|156}}
*[[40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册)]] (p. 157-8)[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FTL8D8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001FTL8D8&linkCode=as2&tag=allset-20 →buy]
+
{{Source|40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册)|157-8}}
  
 
[[Category:grammar comparison]]
 
[[Category:grammar comparison]]
{{Basic Grammar|不|A2|不 vs 没|我 今天 晚上 <em>不</em> 吃 饭。昨天 晚上 我 <em>没</em> 吃 饭。|grammar point|ASGRJ1BI}}
+
{{HSK|HSK1}}{{2021-HSK|HSK1}}
 +
{{Used for|Negating}}
 +
{{Used for|Describing actions}}
 +
{{Used for|Denying and refusing}}
 +
{{Basic Grammar|不|A2|不 vs 没|我 今天 晚上 <em>不</em> 吃饭。昨天 晚上 我 <em>没</em> 吃饭。|grammar point|ASGRJ1BI}}
 
{{Rel char|没有}}
 
{{Rel char|没有}}
 
{{Rel char|没}}
 
{{Rel char|没}}
 
{{Similar|Standard negation with "bu"}}   
 
{{Similar|Standard negation with "bu"}}   
{{Similar|Affirmative-negative questions}}
+
{{Similar|Affirmative-negative question}}
 
{{Similar|Tag questions with "bu"}}
 
{{Similar|Tag questions with "bu"}}
{{Similar|Negation of "you"}}   
+
{{Similar|Negation of "you" with "mei"}}   
{{Similar|Negation of past actions}}
+
{{Similar|Negation of past actions with "meiyou"}}
 
{{Similar|Basic comparisons with "meiyou"}}
 
{{Similar|Basic comparisons with "meiyou"}}
{{Used for|Describing actions}}
 
{{Used for|Denying and refusing}}
 
 
{{Translation|not}}
 
{{Translation|not}}
 
{{Comparison|Adverbs}}
 
{{Comparison|Adverbs}}

Latest revision as of 02:55, 31 December 2021

Both 不 (bù) and 没 (méi) can be placed in front of a verb or adjective to negate its meaning. However, 不 (bù) and 没 (méi) are not usually interchangeable, so it's important to learn when you must use 不 (bù) as opposed to 没 (méi), and vice versa.

不 (bù) Negates in the Present and Future

不 (bù) is generally used to negate an action that you do not want to do or do not intend to do (in the future). So expressing things like "I don't want to go" or "I'm not going" would be uses of 不 (bù).

Structure

Subj. + 不 + Verb

Examples

Whether it's "don't wanna do it" or "not gonna do it," use 不 (bù):

  • 我 今天 晚上 喝酒。Wǒ jīntiān wǎnshang hējiǔ.Tonight I'm not going to drink.
  • 爸爸 回来 吃 晚饭。Bàba huílái chī wǎnfàn.Dad is not coming back to eat dinner.
  • 老板 明天 来 。Lǎobǎn míngtiān lái.The boss won't come tomorrow.
  • 我 知道 这 个 周末 下雨。Wǒ zhīdào zhège zhōumò xiàyǔ.I know it's not going to rain this weekend.
  • 你 女朋友 跟 你 一起 去 吗?Nǐ nǚpéngyou gēn nǐ yīqǐ qù ma? Is your girlfriend not going with you?

不 (bù) Negates Habitual Actions

不 (bù) can be used to negate habitual actions, to express what you just aren't in the habit of doing, such as eating meat, or watching TV, or drinking alcohol. This is simply done by placing 不 (bù) in front of the verb.

Structure

Subj. + 不 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

  • 吃 肉。 chī ròu.I don't eat meat.
  • 你们 都 喝酒 吗?Nǐmen dōu hējiǔ ma?Do you all not drink alcohol?
  • 喜欢 说话。 xǐhuan shuōhuà.He doesn't like to speak.
  • 用 手机 看书 吗? yòng shǒujī kàn shū ma?Do you not use your phone to read books?
  • 你 晚上 洗澡 吗?Nǐ wǎnshang xǐzǎo ma? Don't you shower at night?

Please note that, while it is grammatically correct to use 没 (méi) in all the sentences above, 没 (méi) does not negate any habitual actions. The sentences above, if they contained 没 (méi) instead of 不 (bù), would express that the speaker didn't do the named activity (at one particular point in the past). So it would not be about habitual actions.

不 (bù) Is Normally Used with Adjectives

When it comes to a simple negation of an adjective (such as "not cold"), use 不 (bù).

Structure

不 + Adj.

Examples

  • 我们 饿。Wǒmen è.We're not hungry.
  • 胖。 pàng.You are not fat.
  • 我 家 远。Wǒ jiā yuǎn.My home is not far.
  • 今天 冷。Jīntiān lěng.Today it isn't cold.
  • 我 觉得 Starbucks 的 咖啡 好喝。Wǒ juéde Starbucks de kāfēi hǎohē.I think the coffee at Starbucks isn't good.

不 (bù) Is for Asking Questions

There are couple ways to use 不 (bù) to ask questions. One such way is through affirmative-negative questions. This is done by stating a verb and then immediately repeating that verb in a negative state (with 不 (bù)).

Structure

Subj. + Verb + 不 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

  • 你 是 不 我 的 老师?Nǐ shì bu shì wǒ de lǎoshī? Are you my teacher or not?
  • 她 想 想 来?Tā xiǎng bu xiǎnglái? Does she want to come?
  • 你 爱 爱 我?Nǐ ài bu ài wǒ? Do you love me or not?
  • 你们 周末 上 上班?Nǐmen zhōumò shàng bu shàngbān? Do you all go to work on weekends?
  • 你 的 外国 朋友们 喜 喜欢 吃 中国菜?Nǐ de wàiguó péngyoumen xǐ bu xǐhuan chī Zhōngguó cài? Do your foreign friends like to eat Chinese food?

不 (bù) can also be used to form tag questions. Tag questions use the positive-negative question form, but are placed at the end of the sentence. Tag questions are used to seek approval or acceptance for a statement, very similar to the English "OK?" or "right?" You can't use 没 (méi) for this.

  • 我们 去 吃饭 ,好 好? Wǒmen qù chīfàn, hǎo méi hǎo?
  • 我们 去 吃饭 ,好 好? Wǒmen qù chīfàn, hǎo bu hǎo? Let's go eat, is that OK?
  • 你们 是 好 朋友 ,对 对?Nǐmen shì hǎo péngyou, duì méi duì?
  • 你们 是 好 朋友 ,对 对?Nǐmen shì hǎo péngyou, duì bu duì? You are good friends, right?

没 (méi) Negates Past Actions

没 (méi) and 没有 (méiyǒu) can both be used to negate actions that occurred in the past, or to say that something has not happened yet.

Structure

Subj. + 没(有) + Verb + Obj.

Examples

  • 没有 打 电话 给 我 。méiyǒu dǎ diànhuà gěi wǒ.He did not give me a call.
  • 去 上班 吗 ?méi qù shàngbān ma? You didn't go to work?
  • 我 昨天 喝酒。Wǒ zuótiān méi hējiǔ.I did not drink alcohol yesterday.
  • 妈妈 没有 做 晚饭。Māma méiyǒu zuò wǎnfàn.Mom did not cook dinner.
  • 他们 吃 完 饭 以后 付 钱。 Tāmen chī wán fàn yǐhòu méi fù qián.They didn't pay after they finished eating.
  • 我 昨天 喝酒。Wǒ zuótiān hējiǔ.I not drink wine yesterday.
  • 我 上个 周末 跟 他 见面。Wǒ shàng gè zhōumò gēn tā jiànmiàn.I not meet with him last weekend.
  • 上个月 你 去 北京 吗? Shàng gè yuè nǐ qù Běijīng? You not go to Beijing last month?

There are a few things worth noting in these examples. For one, it is still grammatically correct to leave out the 有 (yǒu) in the sentences using 没有 (méiyǒu). Also, the sentences using 不 (bù) would be grammatically correct, if not for the time words telling us that it is definitely the past we're talking about.

Only 没 (méi) Negates 有 (yǒu)

没 (méi) can be used to negate the verb 有 (yǒu) ("to have") to mean "do not have." You can only use 没 (méi) to convey this meaning. It is grammatically incorrect to use 不 (bù) to negate 有 (yǒu).

Structure

Subj. + 没有 + Obj.

Examples

  • 不 有 钱。bù yǒu qián.
  • 没有 钱。méiyǒu qián.I don't have money.
  • 不 有 女朋友。bù yǒu nǚpéngyou.
  • 没有 女朋友。méiyǒu nǚpéngyou.He doesn't have a girlfriend.

There are times when you can leave out 有 (yǒu) entirely while still expressing 没有 (méiyǒu), (meaning "to not have" or "there is no"). One well-known example of this is 没办法 (méi bànfǎ) ("there is no way" [that's gonna happen]). Both 没 (méi) and 没有 (méiyǒu) are correct, however.

  • 办法。méi bànfǎ.I don't have a way.
  • 没有 办法。méiyǒu bànfǎ.I don't have a way.

(You can also use 没办法 (méi bànfǎ) to express other meanings.)

没 (méi) Is for Making Comparisons

没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu) can be used to make simple comparisons meaning "not as... as...":

Structure

Noun 1 + 没有 + Noun 2 + Adj.

Examples

  • 不 有 我 高。bù yǒu wǒ gāo.
  • 没有 我 高。méiyǒu wǒ gāo.You are not as tall as me.
  • 我 的 手机 不 有 他 的 手机 贵。 Wǒ de shǒujī bù yǒu tā de shǒujī guì.
  • 我 的 手机 没有 他 的 手机 贵。Wǒ de shǒujī méiyǒu tā de shǒujī guì.My cell phone isn't as expensive as his.
  • 我们 都 不 有 老板 忙。 Wǒmen dōu bù yǒu lǎobǎn máng.
  • 我们 都 没有 老板 忙。 Wǒmen dōu méiyǒu lǎobǎn máng.We all are not as busy as the boss.
  • 上海 的 冬天 不 有 北京 的 冬天 冷。 Shànghǎi de dōngtiān bù yǒu Běijīng de dōngtiān lěng.
  • 上海 的 冬天 没有 北京 的 冬天 冷。 Shànghǎi de dōngtiān méiyǒu Běijīng de dōngtiān lěng.Shanghai winters are not as cold Beijing winters.

You can only use 没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu) for this purpose, and not 不 (bù).

不 (bù) Is Used Almost Exclusively with Certain Verbs

Certain verbs just don't get negated by 没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu) ever. These include the verbs 是 (shì) ("to be") and 在 (zài) ("to be (in a place)"), as well as some psychological verbs such as 知道 (zhīdào) ("to know") and 认识 (rènshi) ("to know (a person)"). For these verbs, it's best to just take them on a case-by-case basis. Being aware of their existence can save you a fair bit of confusion.

  • 他 以前 是 我的 老板。Tā yǐqián méi shì wǒ de lǎobǎn.
  • 他 以前 是 我的 老板。Tā yǐqián shì wǒ de lǎobǎn.He was not my boss before.
  • 知道 他 要 来 。 méi zhīdào tā yào lái.
  • 知道 他 要 来。 zhīdào tā yào lái.I didn't know he was coming.
  • 他 小 时候 认识 她 。Tā xiǎo shíhou méi rènshi tā.
  • 他 小时候 认识 她。Tā xiǎo shíhou rènshi tā.He did not know her when he was young.
  • 昨天 我 在 家。Use of 没 with 在 is technically incorrect, but you sometimes hear it.Zuótiān wǒ méi zài jiā.
  • 昨天 我 在 家 。Zuótiān wǒ zài jiā.I was not home yesterday.

Note that in non-standard Mandarin you might encounter exceptions to this rule. It's still useful to know the rule!

QUIZ TIME!

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