HSK 7, d, 4 strokes, radical 勹, rank #8334, Very Hard
勿
wù
must not, do not; without, never
HSK 7, d, 4 strokes, radical 勹, rank #8334, Very Hard
wù(wu4) T4
1do not
2must not, do not; without, never
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March 24, 2026
勿wù(wu4)
The character 勿 (wù) means 'do not' or 'must not.' It is commonly used in prohibitive contexts, such as signs or instructions, to indicate something that should not happen. Its usage conveys a strong sense of caution or restriction.
Strokes4Radical勹Frequency#8334DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the character 勿 appears in many proverbs and texts, emphasizing discipline and caution. It's often found in historical documents and moral teachings, reflecting the value placed on self-restraint.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big 'NO' sign made of two characters: the left part (戈) resembles a weapon, suggesting danger, while the right part (勿) looks like a person waving their hands in refusal. Together, they remind you to 'not do' something dangerous.
Meanings of 勿
wù(wu4)
1do not
2must not, do not; without, never
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 勿
勿Simplified
4Strokes
勹Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#8334Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 勿
Podcast: 勿
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AI Study Notes for 勿
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 勿 with 不是 (bù shì) when expressing negation. Remember that 勿 is more formal and is usually found in written contexts, such as signs. Avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler negations like 不 (bù) are more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 5, 勿 connects to other negative forms like 不 (bù) and 没 (méi). Focus on recognizing its formal usage in texts and signs, as well as its role in showing prohibitions.
Common Mistakes
Learners might incorrectly use 勿 in casual conversation, thinking it is synonymous with 不. For example, saying 勿去 (wù qù, 'do not go') in everyday speech is awkward; instead, use 不去 (bù qù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 勿
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Depicts a knife (刀) cutting things apart, based on the original meaning "to cut apart", now written as 刎.
1The giveawayA knife 勹 cutting fragments 丿 off
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 勿? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 勿?
Decomposition of 勿
IDS Structure⿹勹⿰丿丿
勿Full Character
=
勹bao1
enclosing
丿pie3
left
丿pie3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 勿?
How to say do not in Chinese
“do not” in Chinese is勿wù
The character 勿 (wù) means 'do not' or 'must not.' It is commonly used in prohibitive contexts, such as signs or instructions, to indicate something that should not happen. Its usage conveys a strong sense of caution or restriction.
When to use 勿
Learners often confuse 勿 with 不是 (bù shì) when expressing negation. Remember that 勿 is more formal and is usually found in written contexts, such as signs. Avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler negations like 不 (bù) are more appropriate.
What learners get wrong
Learners might incorrectly use 勿 in casual conversation, thinking it is synonymous with 不. For example, saying 勿去 (wù qù, 'do not go') in everyday speech is awkward; instead, use 不去 (bù qù).
Write 勿
勿
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Practice writing 勿 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 勿
勿 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 2 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.
