How to say “no” in Chinese
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
「你是老师吗？」「不是。」
“Nǐ shì lǎoshī ma?” “Bú shì.”
“Are you a teacher?” “No.”
Hear it and say it right
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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.
See all the phrases on the how to say things in Chinese index.