HSK 1 · VERSION 2.0#52
Comparing “bù” and “méi”
不和没
How it works
Both 不 and 没 mean “not,” but they are used differently.
The difference
不 Used for habits, facts, future actions, and adjectives.
没 / 没有 Used for non-possession, actions that did not or have not occurred, and situations described as ‘not yet.’
Example sentences
我不喝咖啡。
I do not drink coffee.
我没喝咖啡。
I did not drink coffee.
我没有弟弟。
I do not have a younger brother.
他今天不忙。
He is not busy today.
Usage note
A simple rule for HSK1 learners: Use 不 for general or habitual negation, many future actions, and adjectives. Use 没 / 没有 for non-possession and for actions that did not or have not occurred.