In Mandarin Chinese, negation is expressed using different negation words and structures. Here are the common negation rules.

1. Negation with “不” (bù):

• Example: 我不喜欢 (wǒ bù xǐhuān) – “I don’t like”
• Explanation: The negation particle “不” (bù) is placed before the verb to indicate the negative meaning. In this example, “不” is used to negate the verb “喜欢” (xǐhuān), meaning “like.” The sentence translates to “I don’t like.”

2. Negation with “没有” (méiyǒu):

• Example: 我没有时间 (wǒ méiyǒu shíjiān) – “I don’t have time”
• Explanation: The word “没有” (méiyǒu) is used to indicate the absence or lack of something. In this example, “没有” is placed before the noun “时间” (shíjiān), meaning “time.” The sentence translates to “I don’t have time.”

3. Negation with “不是” (bù shì):

• Example: 这不是我的书 (zhè bùshì wǒ de shū) – “This is not my book”
• Explanation: The phrase “不是” (bù shì) is used to negate a statement or deny an assertion. In this example, “不是” is placed before the noun phrase “我的书” (wǒ de shū), meaning “my book.” The sentence translates to “This is not my book.”

4. Negation with “别” (bié):

• Example: 别说话 (bié shuōhuà) – “Don’t speak”
• Explanation: The word “别” (bié) is used to give a command or request for someone not to do something. In this example, “别” is followed by the verb phrase “说话” (shuōhuà), meaning “speak.” The sentence translates to “Don’t speak.”

5. Negation with “无法” (wúfǎ) / “不能” (bùnéng):

• Example: 我无法理解 (wǒ wúfǎ lǐjiě) – “I can’t understand”
• Explanation: The words “无法” (wúfǎ) and “不能” (bùnéng) are used to indicate the inability or impossibility to do something. In this example, “无法” is used before the verb “理解” (lǐjiě), meaning “understand.” The sentence translates to “I can’t understand.”

These are some common negation rules in Mandarin Chinese. Understanding how to use negation words and structures is essential for expressing negative statements or negating actions and assertions in conversations.

Exercise

• Create your own sentence(s) using negation.