Meanings of 不要
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 不要
Podcast: 不要
Podcast: 不要
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 不要
When using 不要, learners often forget to apply the correct tone, which can change the meaning. It's generally informal and can be used with friends or in casual settings. Be cautious with tone, as saying '不要' with a rising tone may confuse listeners.
不要 is often encountered in HSK 2 vocabulary, connecting to other negation words like 没有 (méi yǒu) and 不是 (bù shì). Focus on using it in context with verbs to express actions you want to prohibit.
Learners often mistakenly say 不要 (bù yào) with incorrect tones, such as bù yáo, which does not convey the intended prohibition. Always ensure to use the correct tones for clarity.
Pronunciation of 不要
Drill the tone of 不要 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say don't! in Chinese
“don't!” in Chinese is不要
不要 (bù yào) means 'don't' or 'must not' in Mandarin. It is used to express prohibition or to advise against doing something. Commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, it conveys a strong suggestion to refrain from an action.
When to use 不要
When using 不要, learners often forget to apply the correct tone, which can change the meaning. It's generally informal and can be used with friends or in casual settings. Be cautious with tone, as saying '不要' with a rising tone may confuse listeners.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly say 不要 (bù yào) with incorrect tones, such as bù yáo, which does not convey the intended prohibition. Always ensure to use the correct tones for clarity.
Write 不要
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 不要 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions about 不要
It's best to avoid using 不要 in formal contexts; instead, use phrases like 请不要 (qǐng bù yào) for a more polite request.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 不要?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.