How to say “don’t do something” in Chinese with 不要 (búyào)
不要 (búyào) + Verb
不要 (bù yào) — negative commands
不要 (búyào) + Verb
HSK 2Verb phrases不要 (bù yào) — negative commands
Rule structure
不要 (búyào) is a formal and strong way to form negative commands, meaning “do not.” It is more emphatic than 别 (bié) and often used in written warnings or serious instructions. In real pronunciation, 不 (bù) changes to bú before the fourth-tone 要 (yào), so this row uses 不要 (búyào).
Rule structure
不要 (búyào) is a formal and strong way to form negative commands, meaning “do not.” It is more emphatic than 别 (bié) and often used in written warnings or serious instructions. In real pronunciation, 不 (bù) changes to bú before the fourth-tone 要 (yào), so this row uses 不要 (búyào).
Examples
不要说话！
Búyào shuōhuà!
Do not talk!
Examples
不要说话！
Búyào shuōhuà!
Do not talk!
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “negative commands” in Chinese with 不要?
Use the structure: 不要 (búyào) + Verb. For example: 不要说话！ — “Do not talk!”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
不要说话！ — “Do not talk!”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
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