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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing standard negation with 不 (bù)

    HSK 1
    Negation

    Structure

    不 + Verb/Adjective

    Explanation

    不 is the most basic negation word in Chinese, used to negate verbs, adjectives, and habitual or present states. It is placed directly before the word it negates. For example, 我不去 means "I'm not going" and 不好 means "not good."

    Examples

    • 我今天不想出门。

      wǒ jīntiān bù xiǎng chūmén.

      I don't feel like going out today.

    • 这个菜不辣，你试试。

      zhège cài bú là, nǐ shìshi.

      This dish isn't spicy, give it a try.

    • 他不喜欢喝牛奶。

      tā bù xǐhuān hē niúnǎi.

      He doesn't like drinking milk.

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    Often Confused With