Standard negation with "bu"

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How to use 不 to negate verbs.

Structure for Verbs

The standard way to negate verbs in Chinese is with 不. To negate a verb, simply place 不 before it:

Subject + 不 + Verb + Object

Examples

  • 是 德国人。I am not a German.
  • 喜欢 你。He does not like you.
  • 喝酒。She doesn't drink beer.

Almost all verbs can be negated with 不. The only verb that can never be negated with 不 is 有.

Structure for Adjectives

Adjectives are also negated with 不 in the same way:

Subject + 不 + Adjective

Examples

  • 饿I'm not hungry.
  • He is not hot.
  • 这 个 This is not enough.

See also

Sources and Further Reading

Books