Negative commands with "bie"

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This is one of the few times that Chinese language seems to have a "contraction." Instead of saying "do not," we can say "don't" by using 别 (bié).

Structure

As well as 不要 (bùyào), negative commands can also be formed with 别 (bié). You could think of 别 (bié) as a contraction of 不要 (bùyào), as the structure is the same for both:

别 + Verb + (Object)

Examples

  • 走。Bié zǒu.Don't go.
  • 说话!Bié shuōhuà!Don't speak!
  • 生气!Bié shēngqì!Don't get mad!
  • 笑!Bié xiào!Don't laugh!
  • 喝 太 多 酒。Bié hē tài duō jiǔ.Don't drink too much alcohol.
  • 喝 酒 以后 开车。Hējiǔ yǐhòu bié kāichē.After drinking alcohol, don't drive.
  • 吃饭 的 时候 看 电视。Chīfàn de shíhòu bié kàn diànshì.When eating, don't watch TV.
  • 哭。Bié kū.Don't cry.
  • 跟 我 说 英文。Bié gēn wǒ shuō Yīngwén.Don't speak English with me.
  • 小心,跑!Xiǎoxīn,bié pǎo!Be careful, don't run!

See also

Sources and Further Reading

Videos

Books