====== bù: 不 - Not, No ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **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.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **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.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **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."
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
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.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
"不" is incredibly versatile. Here are its main functions:
=== 1. Negating Verbs and Adjectives ===
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.
=== 2. The "A-not-A" Question Structure ===
"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)?
=== 3. The Tone Change Rule (Crucial!) ===
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 Sentences =====
  * **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.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
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 |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Past Action** | (Incorrect) | 我昨天**没**去学校。(Wǒ zuótiān **méi** qù xuéxiào.) - I **didn't** go to school yesterday. | 我昨天**不**去学校。 (Incorrect) |
| **Habitual Action** | 我**不**喝酒。(Wǒ **bù** hē jiǔ.) - I **don't** drink alcohol (in general). | (Incorrect) | 我**没**喝酒。 (Means "I **didn't** drink alcohol" on a specific occasion, not a habit). |
| **Possession** | (Incorrect) | 我**没**有钱。(Wǒ **méi**yǒu qián.) - I **don't have** money. | 我**不**有钱。 (Incorrect) |
| **State/Quality**| 他**不**高兴。(Tā **bù** gāoxìng.) - He is **not** happy. | (Incorrect, unless it means "He hasn't become happy yet") | 他**没**高兴。 (Incorrect for describing a current state). |
**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.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  *   [[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.