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别…了

HSK 2
  • Negation

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

别Verb / Verb phrase了

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

The structure 别…了 is used to request or advise someone to stop an ongoing action.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

The structure 别…了 is used to advise or request that someone stop an ongoing action. It carries a slightly softer tone than using 别 alone.

The 了 at the end of the sentence emphasizes a change in situation, implying that the action should cease now. Think of it as "don't… anymore" in English.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 别看电视了。
    繁: 別看電視了。bié kàn diànshì le.

    Stop watching television.

  2. 你别哭了，好吗？
    繁: 你別哭了，好嗎？nǐ bié kū le, hǎo ma?

    Don't cry anymore, okay?

  3. 别玩儿了，快去写作业。
    繁: 別玩兒了，快去寫作業。bié wánr le, kuài qù xiě zuòyè.

    Stop playing, go do your homework quickly.

  4. 太晚了，别工作了。
    繁: 太晚了，別工作了。tài wǎn le, bié gōngzuò le.

    It's too late, don't work anymore.

  5. 外面下雨了，别出去了。
    繁: 外面下雨了，別出去了。wàimiàn xià yǔ le, bié chūqù le.

    It's raining outside, don't go out anymore.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:你不哭了。
    Correct:你别哭了。

    To give orders or advice, use 别 (don't), not 不 (not).

  • Wrong:别说话。
    Correct:别说话了。

    When requesting that someone stop an ongoing action, adding 了 at the end of the sentence sounds more natural.