Meaning
不行 is a versatile negative expression indicating that something is unacceptable, inadequate, or won't work. It can describe a plan that won't succeed, a person who lacks ability in some area, or simply refuse a request. It's one of the most common ways to say 'no' or express disapproval in everyday Mandarin.
Usage
Native speakers use 不行 frequently in casual conversation to reject suggestions ('那不行' - 'that won't work'), describe inability ('我不行' - 'I can't do it'), or comment on poor quality. It's direct but not rude. Often appears in patterns like '这样不行' (this won't do) or '他中文不行' (his Chinese isn't good). Can be softened with 恐怕 or 可能 for politeness.
Examples
- 01这个方案不行，我们得想别的办法。' , .This plan won't work; we need to think of another way.
- 02他游泳不行，但是篮球打得很好。, .He's not good at swimming, but he plays basketball very well.
Characters
Common collocations
- 这样不行this way won't work
- 身体不行body isn't well, in poor health
- 实在不行if it really doesn't work
- 绝对不行absolutely not acceptable
Antonyms
Origin
Combines the negation 不 with 行 (originally 'to go, to walk'), which extended to mean 'to work, to be acceptable.' The phrase literally means 'not able to go/work,' hence 'won't do.'