Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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#8334DifficultyHard
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 It's often found in historical documents and moral teachings, reflecting the value placed on self-restraint.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
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 勿
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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 It's often found in historical documents and moral teachings, reflecting the value placed on self-restraint.
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 勿 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 勿 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
Avoid deposits in excess of £20,000 in any one account.
5
如果甘蓝闻着或吃着有霉味或酸味，请勿食用。
rú guǒ gān lán wén zháo huò chī zháo yǒu méi wèi huò suān wèi， ， qǐng wù shí。
If the sprouts smell, or taste, mouldy or acidic do not eat them.
6
勿谈政治。
wù tán zhèng zhì。
Keep off the subject of politics.
7
作为摩托车初学者，切勿后座载人。
zuò wéi mó tuō chē chū xué zhě， ， qiē wù hòu zuò zǎi。
As a learner rider you must not carry a pillion passenger.
8
切勿让这种混合物沸腾。
qiē wù ràng zhè zhǒng hùn hé wù fèi téng。
On no account should the mixture boil.
9
切勿在不透气的地方使用此物质。
qiē wù zài bù tòu qì de dì fāng shǐ yòng cǐ wù zhì。
Do not use this substance in an enclosed space.
10
在另行通知前切勿出售.
zài lìng háng tōng zhī qián qiē wù chū shòu.
Do not sell on any account until further advice.
Cultural Notes for 勿
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 勿
Compounds50
场chang2threshing floor
物wu4thing
易Yi4surname Yi
吻wen3kiss
汤shang1surname Tang
黎Li2Li ethnic group of Hainan Province
忽Hu1surname Hu
肠chang2intestines
扬Yang2abbr. for 揚州
畅chang4free
匆cong1hurried
杨Yang2willow, poplar, aspen; surname
疡yang2sore, ulcer; infection
囫hu2entire, whole
殇shang1to die young; national mourning
刎wen3to behead, to cut the throat
笏hu4a tablet held by an overseer
旸
昒
昜yang2bright, glorious; to expand, to open up
朆
棃
歾
沕
炀yang2to scorch, to roast, to melt
犂li2plow
甮
砀dang4a stone veined with brilliant colors
芴hu1an edible wild plant
覅
觞shang1wine cup; to propose a toast; feast
钖
飏
饧tang2syrup, molasses, malt sugar; sticky
伆
剓
匢
匫
圽
岉
曶
玚
睝
粅
肳
虝
錅
魩
鯬
鵹
Words Containing This Character3
勿wùdo not
宁缺勿滥same as 寧缺毋濫|宁缺毋滥[nìngquēwúlàn]寧缺勿濫
姑置勿论to put something aside for the time being (idiom)姑置勿論
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 场 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 勿
No, 勿 is primarily used in written contexts like signs and formal documents, not in everyday conversation.
No, they have different usages; 勿 is more formal and specific to prohibitions, while 不 is a more general negation.
Common phrases include 勿忘 (wù wàng, 'do not forget') and 勿扰 (wù rǎo, 'do not disturb').
