Negating verbs in Mandarin Chinese requires knowing the difference between 不 (bù) and 没 (méi).

These two words both translate to “no” or “not” in English.

Their usage depends entirely on the tense of the sentence and the specific verb you want to negate.

Many beginners mix them up, but the rules are actually very straightforward.

I’ll explain exactly when to use each word below.

The main difference between bù and méi

The easiest way to remember the difference is by looking at time.

We use 不 (bù) to negate things in the present and the future.

We use 没 (méi) to negate actions that didn’t happen in the past.

There are a few exceptions to this time rule, which mostly involve specific verbs.

Here’s a quick summary table before we look at examples.

Using bù for present and future actions

You must use 不 (bù) to say that you won’t do something in the future.

You also use it to express that you don’t do something as a general habit.

It indicates a direct refusal or a lack of intention to perform an action.

In both examples, the negation applies to a future plan or an ongoing present habit.

Using bù with state verbs and adjectives

Some verbs describe a state of being rather than a physical action.

The most common state verb in Mandarin is 是 (shì), which translates to “to be”.

You must always use 不 (bù) to negate 是 (shì), regardless of whether you’re talking about the past, present, or future.

You also use 不 (bù) to negate adjectives.

If you want to say something isn’t hot, isn’t cold, or isn’t good, 不 (bù) is always the correct choice.

Using méi for past actions

To say that an action didn’t happen in the past, you must use 没 (méi).

This is an objective statement of fact about something that failed to occur.

You can’t use 不 (bù) to negate a completed past action.

Notice how 没 (méi) simply states that the event didn’t take place.

Using méi to mean do not have

The verb 有 (yǒu) means “to have” in Mandarin.

You must always use 没 (méi) to negate 有 (yǒu).

It’s grammatically incorrect to ever say 不有 (bù yǒu).

You can say 没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu) to express that you lack something entirely.

This specific rule applies across all tenses.

Whether you didn’t have money yesterday or don’t have money today, you’ll always use 没 (méi).