Comparing "bu" and "mei"

Revision as of 06:31, 8 November 2012 by Oversjw0 (talk | contribs)

都是否定副词,都可以用在动词前面,但是使用时间不一样。 Both “bu” and “mei” can be placed in front of a verb or adverb to negate its meaning. "Bu" and "mei" are some times interchangeable. However, there are times when you must use “bu” as opposed to “mei” and vice versa.

“不”一般是表达不想做的事情。 “Bu” is generally used to express an action that you do not want to do. It can also be used to describe something that you haven't done.

Structure

Subject + 不+ V.

Examples

  • 我 今天 晚上 吃 饭。
  • 去 公园。

“没”用于描述过去,说明动作没有发生。很多时候和“有”一起用,意思和用法不变。 “Mei” is used to describe actions in the past or illustrate an action that hasn’t happened yet. Often times, “mei” is used together with “you” (the meaning and use do not change).

Structure

Subject + 没(有)+ V.

Examples

  • 昨天 晚上 我 吃 饭。
  • 没有 去 公园。

We cannot say:

  • 明天 我 在 家。
  • 明天 我 在 家。
  • 上周 我 和 我 的 朋友 在 一起。
  • 上周 我 和 我 的 朋友 在 一起。

Dialog

  • A: 你 吃 晚饭 了 吗?
  • B: 吃。
  • A: 为什么?
  • B: 因为 想 吃。

See also

Sources and further reading

Books