What is double negation in Chinese?

Double negation occurs when two negative words cancel each other out, creating an affirmative meaning.

What structures that use double negation?

Structures like 不是不 , 不能不 , and 没有不 are frequently used in Chinese double negation.

How is Chinese double negation different from English?

Unlike English, where double negatives can sometimes imply negation (e.g., "I don't know nothing"), in Chinese, they always lead to an affirmative meaning.

Can double negation be used in both formal and informal speech?

Yes! It appears in daily conversation as well as formal writing, such as 不能不承认 ("One cannot deny...").

Is double negation always a strong affirmation?

Not always. While it often reinforces affirmation, it can sometimes indicate hesitation or politeness, depending on context.

Can I learn Chinese with LTL?

Yes! We offer Chinese courses in 8 destinations across Asia. Have a look at all of our language courses here .

HSK 5

Grammar Point	Pattern	Example
Double negation in Chinese	[Subject] + 不得不 + [Verb]	我不得不去上班。
How to use 再	Subject + 再 + Verb / Verb Phrase	不要再偷懒了。
Difference betwen 向 and 往	向 + Direction/Place + Verb	请向右走。
How to use 终于	Subject + 终于 + Predicate + 了	飞机终于起飞了。
How to use 曾经	Subject + 曾经 + Verb + Object	我曾经住在北京。
How to use 全	全 + Noun	全世界的人都知道
Expressing "almost" with 差点	Subject + 差点 (就) + Predicate + (了)	我差点就赢了。
Expressing various aspects with 一方面	一方面 + [Reason/Aspect A]，另一方面 + [Reason/Aspect B]	一方面学习可以增加知识，另一方面还可以锻炼思维能力。
Adjectival Complement 得很	[Subject] + [Adjective] + 得很	天气好得很。
Expressing "anyway" with 反正	反正 + [Clause]	反正今天下雨，我们就不出门了。
Expressing "after all" with 毕竟	毕竟 + [Reason/Characteristic]	他毕竟还是个孩子
Expressing "almost" using 差点没	[Subject] + 差点没 + [Outcome]	我差点没掉进水里。