Meaning
As an adverb, 别 is one of the most common ways to tell someone not to do something, equivalent to 'don't' in English. It appears before verbs to form negative imperatives. As a verb, it means 'to leave' or 'to part from' someone, though this usage is more formal or literary.
Usage
In everyday speech, 别 is the standard way to make negative commands or suggestions. It's softer than 不要 in casual contexts. Native speakers use it constantly: 别走 (don't go), 别说了 (stop talking). When used as a verb meaning 'to part,' it appears in more formal or emotional contexts.
Examples
- 01别紧张，考试很简单。, .Don't be nervous, the exam is very simple.
- 02你别告诉他我在这儿。.Don't tell him I'm here.
Common collocations
- 别客气don't be polite; you're welcome
- 别担心don't worry
- 别忘了don't forget
- 别人other people; others
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 別 shows a knife (刀) component, suggesting the idea of separation or cutting apart, which relates to both the 'parting' meaning and the prohibitive sense of stopping an action.