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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'don't' with 不要 (búyào)

    HSK 1
    Negation
    Obligation & Necessity

    Structure

    不要 + Verb

    Explanation

    不要 is used to tell someone not to do something, equivalent to "don't" in English. It is placed directly before a verb to form a negative command or prohibition. For example, 不要说话 means "Don't talk" and 不要走 means "Don't leave."

    Examples

    • 不要在图书馆里大声说话。

      bùyào zài túshūguǎn lǐ dàshēng shuōhuà.

      Don't talk loudly in the library.

    • 不要担心，一切都会好的。

      bùyào dānxīn, yīqiè dōu huì hǎo de.

      Don't worry, everything will be fine.

    • 上课的时候不要玩手机。

      shàngkè de shíhòu bùyào wán shǒujī.

      Don't play with your phone during class.

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