How to Say 没有 (méi yǒu) in Chinese? Guide with Real Examples

Introduction

Ever wondered how to say “no,” “not yet,” or “I don’t have it” in Mandarin Chinese? Ever wondered how to say “no,” “not yet,” or “I don’t have it” in Mandarin Chinese? Imagine you’re at a Beijing café and ask for a drink, but the barista shakes their head and just says 没有 (méi yǒu). That’s it—short, natural, and understood instantly. This is how native speakers often use it in everyday life.

In this guide, we will break down what “没有” （méi yǒu）means, how it is pronounced, and how native speakers use it in real-life situations.

What Does “没有”（mei you) Mean in Chinese?

没有（méi yǒu） literally means “not have” or “there is not.” It is commonly used to express:

• Not having something
• Something not existing
• An action not happening in the past
• A polite or neutral “no”

Pronunciation Breakdown

• Méi (méi) – rising tone (second tone)
• Yǒu (yǒu) – dipping tone (third tone)

Simple English Comparison

In American English, we often change verb tense. In Chinese, 没有（méi yǒu） stays the same, which makes it easier for beginners once understood.

How to say mei you in Sentences

1. Saying You Don’t Have Something

Structure: Subject + “没有” + object

Examples:

• 我没有时间。 I don’t have time.
• 他没有手机。 He doesn’t have a phone.

2. Saying Something Didn’t Happen (Past)

Chinese does not change verbs for past tense. Instead, 没有 （méi yǒu）shows that something did not occur.

Examples:

• 我昨天没有去学校。 I didn’t go to school yesterday.
• 她没有看电影。 She didn’t watch the movie.

3. Answering Questions Simply

“没有” is often used alone as a natural response.

• A: 你有作业吗？ Do you have homework?
• B: 没有。 No.

This is one reason “没有”（méi yǒu） in Chinese feels so natural and flexible in conversation.

Differences Between “没有” and “不”

Many beginners confuse méi yǒu (没有) with bù (不). Understanding the difference is key.

Quick Comparison

Examples:

• 我没有吃饭。 I didn’t eat.
• 我不吃米饭。 I don’t eat rice (habit).

For learners, think of mei you as connected to what didn’t happen, and 不 as connected to what you don’t do in general.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Using “bù yǒu”

不有钱 ×

没有钱 √

There is no such phrase as “不有” in correct Mandarin.

Mistake 2: Forgetting Time Context

Learners sometimes use “不” when talking about the past.

我不去学校了（when meaning yesterday）×

我昨天没有去学校 √

Mistake 3: Overusing English Logic

In English, we say “didn’t + verb.” In Chinese, remember:

Past = “没有” + verb

Structured learning environments, such as Wukong Education’s Chinese courses, help learners avoid these errors through guided practice and teacher feedback.

Practical Tips to Master “没有” Faster

• Practice answering daily questions using “没有”
• Listen for “没有” in Chinese in videos and conversations
• Compare each sentence with English meaning
• Record yourself speaking and check tones
• Use it in short dialogues, not isolated words

Conclusion: Start Using “没有” with Confidence

“没有” is one of the most practical and frequently used expressions in Mandarin Chinese. It helps you say “no,” describe the past, and communicate clearly in everyday situations. By understanding its meaning, grammar, and differences from “不”, you can avoid common mistakes and sound more natural.

With consistent practice and structured guidance, you can master “没有” in Chinese faster than you think. Enroll in Wukong Education’s Chinese courses to practice real conversations, improve pronunciation, and build a strong foundation in Mandarin. You may also enjoy exploring related topics like basic Chinese sentence order or common beginner verbs to continue your learning journey.

FAQ

Jasmine | WuKong Chinese Teacher

With over a decade of dedication to the education sector, I specialize in educational innovation and practice, deeply researching the construction of the basic education ecosystem and the cultivation of students’ core competencies. Holding a Doctorate in Education from Beijing Normal University, I integrate theoretical research with frontline teaching, excelling in stimulating students’ internal learning motivation through interdisciplinary teaching methods. Guided by the mission of “enabling every child to embrace suitable education”, I promote educational equity and personalized development, helping students unlock infinite possibilities in their growth. I am committed to injecting vitality into the high – quality development of education with professional expertise.