How to Say “No” in Chinese

Ways to say it

Chinese uses different words to express negation based on what is being denied. You can use particles to show disagreement or to negate verbs and adjectives. For example, to say something is "is not" a certain way or to negate a noun, use 不是. To express a firm and direct refusal, you can use 不行. If you need to say no because rules or restrictions prevent something, a more polite option is 不可以. To refuse while expressing regret, you might say 抱歉，我不能 or 很遗憾，我没办法 to convey disappointment along with the refusal.

Which one should you use?

The choice of word depends on the tense and the type of negation. Use 不 to negate adjectives or verbs in the present or future tense. Use 没 or 没有 to negate actions that occurred in the past or to indicate that something does not exist (meaning "did not" or "do not have"). Additionally, 沒有 and 没 can function as determiners meaning "not any".

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

The form 否 is highly formal and is used in literary or classical contexts rather than in daily conversation. In casual speech, adding the particle 啦 to 不要 to make 不要啦 makes the refusal sound more friendly and casual.

Related words

Not any (det): 沒有 / 没有, 沒 / 没, 無 / 无.

Not, not properly (det): 不是.

How does it change in a sentence?

When using 不, the tone changes to the second tone (bú) if it is followed by another fourth tone character.

How do you pronounce it?

bù

What mistakes should you avoid?

Avoid using 不 to negate actions that took place in the past. Instead, use 没 or 没有 for past-tense negation.