不 (bù)vs没 (méi)
Both mean "not", but one is for present/future and states, while the other is for past actions and "have".
不 (bù)
Used for present, future, habits, states (adjectives), and ALWAYS with 是.
没 (méi)
Used for actions that didn't happen in the past, and ALWAYS with 有.
| Feature | 不 (bù) | 没 (méi) |
|---|---|---|
| Timeframe | Present / Future / Habits | Past |
| Exceptions | Always used with 是 (不是) | Always used with 有 (没有) |
translateCompare Examples
✅
我明天不去。
Wǒ míngtiān bù qù.
I won't go tomorrow.
Future action.
✅
我昨天没去。
Wǒ zuótiān méi qù.
I didn't go yesterday.
Past action.