不
no; not; negative particle
Meanings
8 senses · 40 examplesadverb
used before verbs/adjectives/adverbs to negate
neutralThe most common negative marker in Mandarin, used to express negation of an action, state, or degree.
I won't go to the library today.
This cake is not very sweet.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
He might not come to the party.
This method is not cost-effective.
He didn't do well on this exam.
prefix
forms adjectives when added to nouns/noun morphemes
neutralCreates negative adjectives by attaching to noun or noun-like roots.
This old-fashioned mobile phone is very non-standard.
His idea is a bit unrealistic.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
This report is very logically unsound.
The design of this product is far too impractical.
His behavior looks very impolite.
interjection
used alone to give a negative reply
neutralUsed as a standalone response to reverse the meaning of a yes-no question.
Have you seen this movie? — No, I haven't.
Will he help us? — No, he won't.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Do you know the answer? — No, I don't.
Have they arrived yet? — No, not yet.
Do you like spicy food? — No, I can't handle spicy food well.
sentence-final particle
used at end of sentence to express question (colloquial)
dialectColloquial regional usage, common in northern Chinese dialects, equivalent to using a repeated verb for yes-no questions.
Is he in good health now?
Have you eaten yet?
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Is it hot today?
Are you going shopping?
Is this movie good?
adverb
used between verb and complement to indicate impossibility
neutralFollows the verb and precedes the result complement to show that the action cannot achieve the intended result.
This box is too heavy, I can't lift it.
This math problem is too hard, I can't solve it well.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
This bag is too small, it can't hold all these things.
I can't tell that he has something on his mind.
This bottle is too short, I can't reach the top shelf.
particle
used with repeated word to indicate indifference
informalOften preceded by '什么' to emphasize that the matter is unimportant or irrelevant.
What about being tired? If you have a job, you just have to do it.
What about being expensive? Buy it if you like it.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
What about the trouble? It's okay to help you out.
He always talks about being busy, but he just doesn't want to come.
What about being far? It only takes half an hour to drive there.
adverb
used with '就' to express choice
neutralUsed before '就' to present two mutually exclusive options, typically describing a consistent daily routine.
In the evening, he either reads books or writes articles.
On weekends, I either go hiking or go swimming.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
This restaurant either serves Sichuan cuisine or Cantonese cuisine.
On weekends, he either sleeps at home or goes shopping.
This holiday, I will either visit my relatives in the countryside or stay in the city to rest.
exclamation/particle
used in polite set phrases to mean don't/need not
formalOnly used in fixed polite expressions to decline offers or dismiss thanks.
Thank you for your help — You're welcome.
I'll walk you to the station — No need, I can get there on my own.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Please don't stand on ceremony, help yourself.
I won't disturb you anymore, I'll head back first.
Sorry to trouble you — It's no trouble at all.