PolyLingo

Negation: saying ‘not’ the natural way

Learn the main negative pattern and two phrases you’ll use constantly.

How negation works

Start with one common negative sentence and reuse it.

  • 不 (bù) negates habits/general present.
  • 没 (méi) is common for past/non-existence: 我没有钱。
我不懂。
Wǒ bù dǒng
I don't understand.
我没有钱。
Wǒ méiyǒu qián
I don't have money.

Practice tip

Say positive and negative back‑to‑back to train your ear.

  • I understand → I don’t understand
  • I know → I don’t know

Mini‑quiz

Mini-quiz
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Which sentence matches “I don't understand.”?