auxiliary verb / adverb HSK 2
don't · must not · to not want
Meaning
不要 is a negative imperative that tells someone not to do something, or expresses that one does not want something. It's a combination of 不 (not) and 要 (want/will), creating a strong prohibition or refusal. It's more emphatic than 别 (bié) in formal contexts.
Usage
Commonly used in commands, warnings, and requests. In spoken Mandarin, it often contracts to 别 (bié) in casual speech. When expressing personal desire ("I don't want"), it's less forceful than when giving commands. Native speakers frequently use it with 了 at the end (不要...了) to soften the prohibition.
Examples
- 01不要担心，一切都会好的。, .Don't worry, everything will be fine.
- 02我不要喝咖啡，谢谢。, .I don't want to drink coffee, thanks.
Characters
Common collocations
- 不要紧it doesn't matter, never mind
- 不要...了...don't... anymore
- 不要脸shameless
- 不要客气don't be polite, you're welcome
Antonyms
Origin
Compound formed from the negative 不 and the verb 要. The combination literally means 'not want' but grammaticalized into a prohibition marker.