How to say “no” in Chinese
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Pinyin colour key: tone 1 (high flat), tone 2 (rising), tone 3 (dipping), tone 4 (falling), neutral.
Word by word
Tone tip
Like 'yes', 'no' depends on the verb. 不 before the fourth tone 是 changes to bú (second tone): bú shì. To negate 有 (to have), use 没 (méi), not 不.
In a sentence
“Nǐ shì lǎoshī ma?” “Bú shì.”
“Are you a teacher?” “No.”
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Start freeFrequently asked questions
How do you say "no" in Chinese?+
"no" in Mandarin Chinese is 不是, pronounced bú shì. Like 'yes', 'no' depends on the verb. 不 before the fourth tone 是 changes to bú (second tone): bú shì. To negate 有 (to have), use 没 (méi), not 不.
What does 不是 mean literally?+
不是 breaks down as 不 (bú) = not, 是 (shì) = to be. Together it means "no".
How do I get the tones right in bú shì?+
Like 'yes', 'no' depends on the verb. 不 before the fourth tone 是 changes to bú (second tone): bú shì. To negate 有 (to have), use 没 (méi), not 不.
More phrases like this
Master the tones behind it
What each tone sounds like and why it matters.
Why some tones change in connected speech.
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See all the phrases on the how to say things in Chinese index, or read how to learn Mandarin tones.