对
duì
Correct
How to say "no" in Chinese
不是
bú shì
No
Character breakdown
Grammar and structure
不 (bù) means 'not', and 是 (shì) means 'to be'. Together they mean 'is not' or 'am not', and are used to negate statements.
Variations and politeness
不是吗
bú shì ma
Isn't it? — A rhetorical question form, more colloquial.
不是的
bú shì de
It is not so. — Emphasizes the negation, more formal.
Mini dialogue
A
你喜欢这个吗？
nǐ xǐ huān zhè ge ma?
Do you like this?
B
不是。
bú shì.
No.
When to use it
Appropriate
- To answer a yes/no question negatively.
- To negate a noun or noun phrase with 是 (shì), e.g., 我不是老师 (wǒ bú shì lǎoshī, 'I am not a teacher').
- To correct a mistaken assumption or statement.
Avoid when
- Do not use 不是 (bú shì) to negate a verb other than 是 (shì); use 不 (bù) before the verb, e.g., 我不去 (wǒ bú qù, 'I am not going').
- Do not use 不是 (bú shì) to say 'no' to an offer or request; use 不要 (bú yào) or 不用 (bú yòng) instead.
Frequently asked questions
How do you pronounce 不是?
It is pronounced bú shì, with the second tone on 不 (bú) because it is followed by a fourth tone.
When do you use 不是 instead of 不?
Use 不是 (bú shì) to negate nouns or to answer yes/no questions negatively. Use 不 (bù) before other verbs to say 'not'.
More phrases for this situation
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