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
- 我今天晚上不喝酒。Wǒ jīn tiān wǎn shàng bù hē jiǔ.Tonight I'm not going to drink.
- 爸爸不回来吃晚饭。Bà ba bù huí lái chī wǎn fàn.Dad is not coming back to eat dinner.
- 老板明天不来。Lǎo bǎn míng tiān bù lái.The boss won't come tomorrow.
- 我知道这个周末不下雨。Wǒ zhī dào zhè ge zhōu mò bú xià yǔ.I know it's not going to rain this weekend.
- 你女朋友不跟你一起去吗？Nǐ nǚ péng you bù gēn nǐ yì qǐ qù ma?Is your girlfriend not going with you?