AdverbsHSK 3

Comparing 不 and 没

不 is used to negate present and future actions, as well as adjectives and states. 没 negates the verb 有 (to have) and past actions. Avoid using 不 to say something didn't happen — use 没 instead.

Structure

Subj. + 不 + Verb / Adj.
negates present/future actions, habits, and adjectives
Subj. + 没 + 有 (+ Obj.)
negates possession or past actions (没 + Verb for past)

Examples

  • 我今天晚上喝酒。
    Wǒ jīntiān wǎnshang bù hējiǔ.
    Tonight I'm not going to drink.
  • 爸爸回来吃晚饭。
    Bàba bù huílái chī wǎnfàn.
    Dad is not coming back to eat dinner.
  • 老板明天来。
    Lǎobǎn míngtiān bù lái.
    The boss won't come tomorrow.
  • 我知道这个周末下雨。
    Wǒ zhīdào zhège zhōumò bù xiàyǔ.
    I know it's not going to rain this weekend.
  • 你女朋友跟你一起去吗?
    Nǐ nǚpéngyou bù gēn nǐ yīqǐ qù ma?
    Is your girlfriend not going with you?

Words that use this