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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing a negative reply with 没有 (méiyǒu)

    Negation

    Structure

    没有

    Explanation

    没有 (méiyǒu) can be used as a standalone response meaning "no" or "there isn't/aren't any," functioning as a complete negative reply to a question. When used this way, it directly negates the existence or possession of something asked about. This is one of the most common ways to give a short negative answer in Chinese conversation.

    Examples

    • 你吃早饭了吗？——没有。

      Nǐ chī zǎofàn le ma? — Méiyǒu.

      Have you eaten breakfast? — No.

    • 家里还有牛奶吗？——没有，喝完了。

      Jiālǐ hái yǒu niúnǎi ma? — Méiyǒu, hē wán le.

      Is there still milk at home? — No, it's all gone.

    • 你见过他吗？——没有，从来没见过。

      Nǐ jiàn guò tā ma? — Méiyǒu, cónglái méi jiàn guò.

      Have you ever met him? — No, never.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing a negative reply with 没有 (méiyǒu) | Chinese Grammar