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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 没有 (méiyǒu) as an adverb to negate past actions

    Aspect & Tense
    Negation

    Structure

    没有 + Verb

    Explanation

    没有 (méiyǒu) is used as an adverb before a verb to negate a past action, indicating that something did not happen. Unlike 不 (bù), which expresses habitual negation or refusal, 没有 specifically denies that an action was completed or took place. The 有 can be dropped in casual speech, leaving just 没.

    Examples

    • 我昨天没有去上班，因为生病了。

      Wǒ zuótiān méiyǒu qù shàngbān, yīnwèi shēngbìng le.

      I didn't go to work yesterday because I was sick.

    • 她没看那部电影，所以不知道结局。

      Tā méi kàn nà bù diànyǐng, suǒyǐ bù zhīdào jiéjú.

      She didn't watch that movie, so she doesn't know the ending.

    • 他们没有通知我时间改了。

      Tāmen méiyǒu tōngzhī wǒ shíjiān gǎi le.

      They didn't notify me that the time had changed.

    Similar Grammar

    Using 没有 (méiyǒu) as an adverb to negate past actions | Chinese Grammar