How to Use the Word for “Not” in Chinese: 不 (bù)

If you want to say “no” or “not” in Chinese, 不 (bù) is your best friend.

It’s one of the most common and useful words in Chinese grammar.

Let’s learn how to use it!

📚 What Is 不 (bù)?

不 (bù) = no or not

It’s used to make a sentence negative.

You put 不 (bù) in front of a verb or an adjective.

Structure:

👤 Subject + 不 (bù) + Verb / Adjective

💡 Examples

🟢 Negative Verb

📌 Subject + 不 (bù) + Verb

1. 

我不喝咖啡。

(Wǒ bù hē kāfēi.)

→ I don’t drink coffee.

👉 Let’s break it down:

2.

她不吃肉。

(Tā bù chī ròu.)

→ She doesn’t eat meat.

👉 Let’s break it down:

3.

他们不上班。

(Tāmen bú shàngbān.)

→ They don’t go to work.

📝 Because of tone change rules, 不 (bù) changes to bú before the 4th tone shàng.

👉 Let’s break it down:

🔵 Negative Adjective

📌 Subject + 不 (bù) + Adjective

1.

他不高。

(Tā bù gāo.)

→ He is not tall.

👉 Let’s break it down:

2.

这个地方不远。

(Zhège dìfang bù yuǎn.)

→ This place is not far.

👉 Let’s break it down:

3.

今天不冷。

(Jīntiān bù lěng.)

→ Today is not cold.

👉 Let’s break it down:

❗ Notice:

In Chinese, there are two common ways to say “not.”

1️⃣ 不是 (bú shì) is used with 是 (shì) to say things like:

• He is not a student.

If you want to learn 不是 (bú shì) first, check this blog:

👉 How to Say “Not” in Chinese: Using 不是 (bú shì)

2️⃣ For other verbs and adjectives, just use 不 (bù).

That’s what this blog is about.

🎯 Practice Time!

👉 Rewrite these sentences to make them negative using 不 (bù):

1️⃣ 我喝咖啡。

(Wǒ hē kāfēi.)

I drink coffee.

2️⃣ 她吃肉。

(Tā chī ròu.)

She eats meat.

3️⃣ 他很高。

(Tā hěn gāo.)

He is tall.

✅ Answers:

1️⃣ 我不喝咖啡。

(Wǒ bù hē kāfēi.)

→ I don’t drink coffee.

2️⃣ 她不吃肉。

(Tā bù chī ròu.)

→ She doesn’t eat meat.

3️⃣ 他不高。

(Tā bù gāo.)

→ He is not tall.

❗ Common Mistakes: Don’t Overthink!

Many learners want to add 不是 (bú shì) everywhere because in English we say “am / is / are” before adjectives, like "He is not tall."

But in Chinese, you don’t need 是 (shì) before adjectives.

Just put 不 (bù) directly before the adjective.

✅ Correct (Adjective Sentences):

他不高。

(Tā bù gāo.)

→ He is not tall.

今天不冷。

(Jīntiān bù lěng.)

→ Today is not cold.

❌ Wrong (Don’t add 是):

• 🚫 他不是高。(Tā bú shì gāo.)

• 🚫 今天不是冷。(Jīntiān bú shì lěng.)

💡 Remember:

• 📌 Use 不是 (bú shì) only with 是 (shì) sentences.

• 📌 For adjectives and other verbs, just use 不 (bù).

🎯 Quick Tip to Remember

Just remember this simple pattern:

不 (bù) comes BEFORE the verb or adjective.

It’s easy and doesn’t change!

🚀 Your Turn! Practice in Real Life

Think of 3 things you don’t do or 3 things you are not.

Write them down using 不 (bù).

For example:

• 我不喝酒。 (Wǒ bù hējiǔ.) → I don’t drink alcohol.

• 我不喜欢跑步。 (Wǒ bù xǐhuān pǎobù.) → I don’t like running.

• 我不累。 (Wǒ bú lèi.) → I’m not tired.

Say them aloud or write them in your notebook.

The more you practice, the more natural it becomes!

🌟 Want step-by-step guidance?

👉 Check out my course: Mandarin Chinese Grammar Masterclass for Beginners.

👉 Explore the full blog series: Chinese Grammar Made Easy.