HOW TO USE 别 IN CHINESE

In Mandarin Chinese, negative commands (prohibitions) are commonly formed using the word 别 (bié), which is equivalent to “don’t” in English.

This word is placed before the verb to indicate that the action should not be performed.

BASIC STRUCTURE

The basic structure of a negative command with 别 is:

This structure simply means “Don’t do [something].” Below are more detailed sections, including examples in table format.

SIMPLE COMMANDS

In simple commands, you use 别 followed by a verb to tell someone not to perform a specific action.

COMMANDS WITH AN OBJECT

When you include an object, the structure becomes 别 + Verb + Object, indicating not to perform the action on that specific object.

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS

Chinese commands with “别” are often used in daily life.

In formal or polite contexts, however, people might avoid direct commands and use softer suggestions instead, such as “不要”, which also means don’t but is more formal than “别”.

“最好不要”… , means “It’s best not to…”, and “尽量不要” means “try not to”.

These expressions are more polite and appropriate for more formal situations.

不要 (bú yào) – “Don’t”

最好不要 (zuìhǎo búyào) – “It’s best not to”

尽量不要 (jìnliàng búyào) – “Try not to”

不要 (bú yào) – “Don’t”

不要 is the standard way to politely tell someone not to do something.

Its tone is neutral so it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it’s more formal than “别“ but it’s more direct than other polite forms.

It’s equivalent to “do not” in English and can be used for commands or prohibitions that are clear but not overly harsh.

最好不要 (zuìhǎo búyào) – “It’s best not to”

最好不要 is a more polite and indirect way to tell someone not to do something.

It expresses a suggestion or advice rather than a direct command, without sounding as forceful as 不要.

尽量不要 (jìnliàng búyào) – “Try not to”

尽量不要 translates to “try not to,” indicating that the action should be avoided if possible, but it’s not an absolute rule.

This phrase is frequently used when flexibility is allowed, or when you don’t want to sound too strict.

别 vs 不要 vs 最好不要 vs 尽量不要

SUMMARY

别 (bié): The most common and informal way to tell someone not to do something, often used in everyday, casual conversation.

不要 (bú yào): More formal than 别, appropriate for both casual and formal situations, with a stronger emphasis on prohibition.

最好不要 (zuìhǎo búyào): Polite and softer, often used to suggest avoiding an action rather than forbidding it.

尽量不要 (jìnliàng búyào): The most polite and flexible form, suggesting a recommendation with room for choice, making it ideal for diplomatic or gentle advice.

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