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不 (bù): saying "not"

不 negates the present, the future, habits and wishes: 我不喝咖啡 "I do not drink coffee".

Put 不 directly before the verb or adjective you want to negate.

不 is for things in general, now or later, and for what you want or will do. For things that did not happen, use 没 instead.

不 changes to bú before a fourth tone: 不是 bú shì, 不对 bú duì.

Pattern: Subject + 不 + verb / adjective

Practice this lesson

Updated October 21, 2026

Examples

• 我不喜欢茶。 Wǒ bù xǐhuan chá.
  I do not like tea.
• 他明天不来。 Tā míngtiān bù lái.
  He is not coming tomorrow.

In real sentences

• 不！
  No!
  Tatoeba: wzhd
• 不。
  No.
  Tatoeba: musclegirlxyp
• 我不飞
  I don't fly.
  Tatoeba: aye1995
• 不懂。
  Don't understand.
  Tatoeba: shanghainese
• 不急。
  There's no rush.
  Tatoeba: cienias
• 不是。
  No.
  Tatoeba: Kiwi

Before this lesson

This unlocks after: HSK 1 Describing words 1, The four tones.

← 没 / 没有 (méi yǒu): "did not" and "do not have"很 + adjective: "is big", "is good" →