01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
我平时不带现金。
I do not normally carry cash.
不 describes the usual habit, and 平时 makes that context clear.
今天我没带现金。
I did not bring cash today.
没 reports what did not happen on this occasion.
我现在没有零钱。
I do not have any change now.
没有 negates possession even though the time is the present.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
A useful first distinction is meaning, not a simple past-versus-present rule. 不 often negates habits, preferences, intentions, and descriptions. 没 or 没有 often denies that a particular event happened or has happened. “I do not take taxis” and “I did not take a taxi today” therefore use different negative forms.
Time words help establish the situation, but they do not select the negative on their own. A sentence about yesterday can still use 不 if it describes someone’s unwillingness. A present sentence can use 没有 when someone does not have a ticket. Identify the verb and the intended message before choosing.
Possession is especially dependable: the ordinary negative of 有 is 没有. For a completed event that did not happen, use 没 before the verb and usually leave out verb-following 了. When you review a sentence, compare the positive version with the negative and check whether you are changing the event, the intention, or the availability of something.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid我现在不有车票。
Use我现在没有车票。
现在 does not make 不 the correct choice. To say that you do not have a ticket now, use the standard negative of 有: 没有.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 平时 | píngshí | usually; at ordinary times |
| 现金 | xiànjīn | cash |
| 面包 | miànbāo | bread |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
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Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
