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)wu 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 It's often found in historical documents and moral teachings, reflecting the value placed on self-restraint.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
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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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How Well Do You Know 勿?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 勿 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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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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.
