才不是
cái bù shì
The English phrase "nuh uh" can be translated into Chinese as 才不是 (cái bù shì).
才不是 is an informal way to strongly deny something or disagree with a statement.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 才 (cái) is used here as an adverb to emphasize the negation, adding a sense of 'not at all' or 'definitely not' to the phrase.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 才不是 is informal and is often used in a playful, stubborn or childish way to deny an accusation or a statement.
How do you pronounce it?
cái bù shì
Did you know?
- In romantic relationships, partners may use 才不是 as a form of 'spoiling' or acting cute, known as 撒娇 (sājiāo), to elicit a positive reaction from the other person.
- Using 才不是 in a professional setting or toward a superior is considered extremely rude because it mimics the way a child argues with a parent.
- While 才不是 is a strong denial, adding the particle 呢 to the end as 才不是呢 can make the refusal sound more like a playful pout or a teasing contradiction.
Examples in context
- 我才不是小孩子。Wǒ cái búshì xiǎo háizi.I am not a child.
- 他才不是坏人。Tā cái búshì huàirén.He is not a bad person.
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing about who forgot the keys.
- 伟 Wei肯定是你忘了拿钥匙。Kěndìng shì nǐ wàngle ná yàoshi.I bet you forgot to bring the keys.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen才不是！在你包里呢。Cái bù shì! Zài nǐ bāo lǐ ne.Nuh uh! They're in your bag.
- 伟 Wei咦，真的在我的包里。Yí, zhēnde zài wǒ de bāo lǐ.Oh, they really are in my bag.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我就说不是我的错。Wǒ jiù shuō bù shì wǒ de cuò.I told you it wasn't my fault.
