没
HSK 1- Negation
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Subject没(有)Verb(Object)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The adverb 没 is used to negate actions in the past or to negate possession (with 有).
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The adverb 没 (méi) has two main uses:
- Negating an action that has not yet occurred or did not occur in the past. This is the key difference from
不(bù), which is used for the present, future, or habitual actions. - It is the only way to negate the verb
有(yǒu – to have). One always says没有;不有is never used.
Important note: When using 没 to negate a past action, 了 must never be added after the verb.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 我昨天没去上课。繁: 我昨天沒去上課。Wǒ zuótiān méi qù shàngkè.
I didn't go to class yesterday.
- 他没有手机。繁: 他沒有手機。Tā méiyǒu shǒujī.
He doesn't have a mobile phone.
- 我们没吃饭。繁: 我們沒吃飯。Wǒmen méi chīfàn.
We haven't eaten yet.
- 她没告诉我这件事。繁: 她沒告訴我這件事。Tā méi gàosu wǒ zhè jiàn shì.
She didn't tell me about this matter.
- 桌子上没有书。繁: 桌子上沒有書。Zhuōzi shàng méiyǒu shū.
There are no books on the table.