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别

HSK 2
  • Negation

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

别Verb (Object)

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

Use 别 to request or advise someone not to do something.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

Use 别 (bié) to order or advise someone not to do something. This is a very common and natural expression in everyday communication.

You can also use 不要 (bú yào) with the same meaning, but 不要 tends to be slightly more emphatic or formal. In most everyday situations, 别 is the most natural choice.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 别说话。
    繁: 別說話。Bié shuō huà.

    Don't talk.

  2. 你别担心。
    繁: 你別擔心。Nǐ bié dān xīn.

    Don't worry.

  3. 上课别迟到。
    繁: 上課別遲到。Shàng kè bié chí dào.

    Don't be late for class.

  4. 别忘了带伞。
    繁: 別忘了帶傘。Bié wàng le dài sǎn.

    Don't forget to bring an umbrella.

  5. 别客气，多吃点儿。
    繁: 別客氣，多吃點兒。Bié kè qi, duō chī diǎnr.

    Don't be polite, eat more.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:你不说话。
    Correct:别说话。

    不 is used to negate facts ("you are not talking"), while 别 is used to give orders ("don't talk").

  • Wrong:我别去。
    Correct:我不去。

    别 is used to command others, not oneself; use 不 to express negation about oneself.