Chinese Grammar | What’s the difference between 不 and 沒？

Summary

In this episode, we discuss the use of two Chinese words 不 and 沒(有). We introduce the main differences between 不 and 沒 and give examples. Come test your knowledge with our quizzes!

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Transcription

【TTC 2 skit】

photo courtesy of APriscilla Du Preez

<繁體中文Traditional Chinese>

L: 妳今天氣色看起來很不錯耶！Did you use the new foundation you bought last week?

M: 喔，我不化妝欸。

L: Oh really? I didn’t know that you never wear make-up. Why did you get the new foundation then?

M: 喔，不是不是。I mean, I’m not wearing any right now.

L: 哦，妳不是「不化妝」，妳是說妳「沒化妝」呀！

M: 對，今天我沒化妝。So, “我不化妝” means I don’t wear makeup, and “我沒化妝” means I’m not wearing any right now?

L: 沒錯沒錯！It is quite confusing, isn’t it?

<简体中文Simplified Chinese>

L: 妳今天气色看起来很不错耶！Did you use the new foundation you bought last week?

M: 喔，我不化妆欸。

L: Oh really? I didn’t know that you never wear make-up. Why did you get the new foundation then?

M: 喔，不是不是。I mean, I’m not wearing any right now.

L: 哦，妳不是「不化妆」，妳是说妳「没化妆」呀！

M: 对，今天我没化妆。So, “我不化妆” means I don’t wear makeup, and “我没化妆” means I’m not wearing any right now?

L: 没错没错！It is quite confusing, isn’t it?

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