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March 24, 2026
没有(沒有)méiyǒu(mei2you3)
The word '没有' (méiyǒu) means 'to not have' or 'does not exist.' It is commonly used to indicate the absence of something, whether it be objects, events, or experiences. This phrase is crucial for expressing negation in Mandarin and is often used in everyday conversations.
Strokes13Frequency#48DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of absence is often expressed directly, and '没有' can be used in various social situations, such as apologizing for not having something available. For example, in a restaurant setting, a waiter might say '没有' when a dish is out of stock.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person searching for their favorite ice cream flavor, but when they open the freezer, they find it '没有' (méiyǒu). The character '没' (méi) resembles a person with arms raised in disappointment, while '有' (yǒu) depicts a hand holding something. Together, they create a vivid image of searching but finding nothing.
Meanings of 没有
méiyǒu(mei2you3)
1haven't
2hasn't
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 没有
没有Simplified
沒有Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#48Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L1HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
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AI Study Notes for 没有
Usage Notes
'没有' is often used in informal contexts but can be used in formal speech as well. A common mistake is to confuse it with '有' (yǒu), which means 'to have,' so be careful to use the correct negation. Additionally, remember that '没有' is often used with the past tense, for example, '我没有吃' (wǒ méiyǒu chī) means 'I did not eat.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, '没有' is foundational for beginners. It connects with other HSK 1 vocabulary by allowing learners to form negative sentences. Focus on practicing its use in different contexts, such as personal experiences or possessions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use '没有' when negating past actions, leading to sentences like '我吃' (wǒ chī) instead of the correct '我没有吃' (wǒ méiyǒu chī). Additionally, some might confuse it with '不' (bù), which is used for negating verbs in the present tense.
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Pronunciation of 没有
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The word '没有' (méiyǒu) means 'to not have' or 'does not exist.' It is commonly used to indicate the absence of something, whether it be objects, events, or experiences. This phrase is crucial for expressing negation in Mandarin and is often used in everyday conversations.
When to use 没有
'没有' is often used in informal contexts but can be used in formal speech as well. A common mistake is to confuse it with '有' (yǒu), which means 'to have,' so be careful to use the correct negation. Additionally, remember that '没有' is often used with the past tense, for example, '我没有吃' (wǒ méiyǒu chī) means 'I did not eat.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often forget to use '没有' when negating past actions, leading to sentences like '我吃' (wǒ chī) instead of the correct '我没有吃' (wǒ méiyǒu chī). Additionally, some might confuse it with '不' (bù), which is used for negating verbs in the present tense.
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Grammar Patterns of 没有
没有 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
