bù: 不 - Not, No

• Keywords: 不, bù, bu, not in Chinese, Chinese negation, Chinese for no, say no in Chinese, Chinese grammar, difference between bu and mei, Mandarin negative, HSK 1 vocabulary
• Summary: Learn how to use “不” (bù), the most common and essential word for “not” and “no” in Mandarin Chinese. This comprehensive guide covers its core meaning, the crucial tone change rule, and the critical difference between “不” (bù) and “没” (méi). Perfect for beginners, this entry provides dozens of practical examples, cultural insights into saying “no” politely, and common mistakes to avoid, helping you master Chinese negation.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): bù
• Part of Speech: Adverb
• HSK Level: HSK 1
• Concise Definition: “Not” or “no”; the primary adverb for negating verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
• In a Nutshell: “不” (bù) is your fundamental tool for negation in Chinese. Think of it as the direct equivalent of “not” in English. You place it before a verb to say you don't do something (我不喝咖啡 - I don't drink coffee) or before an adjective to say something isn't a certain way (他不高 - He is not tall). It generally refers to the present, the future, or habitual actions.

• 不 (bù): This character is one of the oldest and most fundamental in Chinese. Its ancient pictograph is often said to represent a bird flying up towards the sky but being unable to come back down, symbolizing a negation or an inability. Whatever its true origin, for thousands of years it has simply meant “not.”

While “不” (bù) is a direct translation of “no” or “not,” its usage is deeply influenced by Chinese cultural values of harmony (和谐, héxié) and saving face (面子, miànzi). In many Western cultures, especially American culture, a direct “no” is often seen as clear and efficient. In China, however, directly refusing a request with a stark “不” or “不要” (bù yào - don't want) can be perceived as blunt, impolite, and potentially damaging to the relationship. It can cause the other person to lose face. Therefore, Chinese speakers often employ more indirect and softer ways to refuse. Instead of saying “No, I can't help you,” one might say:

• 我考虑一下 (Wǒ kǎolǜ yīxià) - “Let me think about it.” (Often a polite “no”)
• 可能不太方便 (Kěnéng bù tài fāngbiàn) - “It might not be very convenient.” (A very common soft refusal)

Learning to recognize these indirect refusals is as important as learning to use “不” itself. It demonstrates cultural awareness and helps in navigating social situations smoothly.

“不” is incredibly versatile. Here are its main functions:

This is the most common use. It's placed directly before the word it negates.

• Negating a verb: 我不吃肉。 (Wǒ bù chī ròu.) - I don't eat meat.
• Negating an adjective: 这个不贵。 (Zhège bù guì.) - This is not expensive.

“不” is used to form simple yes-no questions by creating a `Verb/Adjective + 不 + Verb/Adjective` pattern. This is a very natural and common way to ask questions in conversation.

• 你吃不吃？ (Nǐ chī bu chī?) - Are you eating (or not)?
• 他高不高？ (Tā gāo bu gāo?) - Is he tall (or not)?

This is a mandatory rule you must learn. “不” is originally the 4th tone (bù).

• When “不” is followed by another 4th tone character, it changes to the 2nd tone (bú).
• Example: 是 (shì) is 4th tone. So “not is” becomes bú shì.
• Example: 会 (huì) is 4th tone. So “cannot” becomes bú huì.
• In all other cases, it remains the 4th tone (bù).
  • bù chī (1st tone)
  • bù lái (2nd tone)
  • bù hǎo (3rd tone)

• Example 1:
• 我不是美国人。
• Pinyin: Wǒ bú shì Měiguó rén.
• English: I am not American.
• Analysis: A classic example of the tone change rule. Because 是 (shì) is 4th tone, 不 (bù) changes to the 2nd tone (bú).
• Example 2:
• 他今天不来上班。
• Pinyin: Tā jīntiān bù lái shàngbān.
• English: He is not coming to work today.
• Analysis: Here, “不” negates a future action (“will not come”). It remains 4th tone because 来 (lái) is 2nd tone.
• Example 3:
• 这个菜不好吃。
• Pinyin: Zhège cài bù hǎochī.
• English: This dish is not tasty.
• Analysis: “不” is used to negate an adjective (好吃 - delicious). This is a statement of quality.
• Example 4:
• 你去不去银行？
• Pinyin: Nǐ qù bu qù yínháng?
• English: Are you going to the bank or not?
• Analysis: This shows the “A-not-A” question format. Note that when “不” is in the middle of this structure, it often becomes a neutral tone (bu) in natural, fast speech.
• Example 5:
• 我不知道。
• Pinyin: Wǒ bù zhīdào.
• English: I don't know.
• Analysis: One of the most essential phrases for any learner. “不” negates the verb 知道 (zhīdào - to know).
• Example 6:
• 对不起，我不会说中文。
• Pinyin: Duìbuqǐ, wǒ bú huì shuō Zhōngwén.
• English: Sorry, I can't speak Chinese.
• Analysis: Another tone change example. “不” (bù) + “会” (huì, 4th tone) becomes “bú huì”. This means “cannot” or “not able to.”
• Example 7:
• 别担心，问题不大。
• Pinyin: Bié dānxīn, wèntí bù dà.
• English: Don't worry, the problem is not big.
• Analysis: “不” is used with 大 (dà) to mean “not big” or “minor”. A very common and reassuring phrase.
• Example 8:
• 我不喜欢冬天，因为太冷了。
• Pinyin: Wǒ bù xǐhuān dōngtiān, yīnwèi tài lěng le.
• English: I don't like winter because it's too cold.
• Analysis: Negating a feeling or preference (喜欢 - to like). This is a subjective statement.
• Example 9:
• 他的普通话不标准。
• Pinyin: Tā de Pǔtōnghuà bù biāozhǔn.
• English: His Mandarin is not standard.
• Analysis: “不” negates the adjective 标准 (biāozhǔn - standard), making a comment on its quality.
• Example 10:
• 这件事不是他做的。
• Pinyin: Zhè jiàn shì bú shì tā zuò de.
• English: This was not done by him. / He didn't do this.
• Analysis: Using “不是…的” (bú shì…de) is a common structure to emphasize the negation of a fact or detail about a past event.

The most significant point of confusion for learners is the difference between 不 (bù) and 没 (méi). They are not interchangeable. Rule of Thumb:

• 不 (bù) negates the present, future, habits, and inherent states/qualities. It's about refusal, opinion, or a state of being.
• 没 (méi) / 没有 (méiyǒu) negates past actions (something *did not happen*) and possession (*do not have*).

| Context | Use 不 (bù) - Correct | Use 没 (méi) - Correct | Common Mistake |

False Friend Alert: While “不” means “no,” you generally don't answer a yes/no question with a single “不”.

• Question: 你是中国人吗？ (Nǐ shì Zhōngguó rén ma?) - Are you Chinese?
• Correct Answer: 不是 (Bú shì) - I am not.
• Incorrect Answer: 不 (Bù) - This sounds abrupt and incomplete, like just saying “Not” in English. You should repeat the negated verb.

• 没 (méi): The other primary negator. Used for past actions (“didn't”) and possession (“don't have”).
• 别 (bié): “Don't” (imperative). Used to tell someone not to do something. e.g., `别走！` (Bié zǒu!) - Don't go!
• 不是 (bú shì): Specifically “is not,” “am not,” “are not.” Used to negate nouns and facts.
• 不要 (bù yào): A strong “don't want” or a command “don't.” Can sound forceful. e.g., `我不要这个` (Wǒ bù yào zhège) - I don't want this.
• 不行 (bù xíng): “Not okay,” “won't do,” “not allowed.” A common and direct way to say something is not permissible.
• 不必 (bú bì): “Need not,” “unnecessary.” A softer negation than `不要`. e.g., `你不必担心` (Nǐ bú bì dānxīn) - You don't need to worry.
• 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi): “Excuse me” or “to feel embarrassed.” Often used to politely preface a refusal to soften the blow.
• 不客气 (bú kèqi): “You're welcome.” Literally “not a guest/stranger,” meaning be at ease, don't be so formal.