The Verb 有 (yǒu) and its Negation in Chinese Grammar

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Introduction: The verb 有 (yǒu) is an essential component of Chinese grammar, meaning “to have” or “to possess.” However, its negation follows a unique pattern compared to other verbs.

Negating 有 (yǒu) with 没 (méi): Instead of using 不 (bù) before 有 (yǒu) to negate it, Chinese grammar requires the use of 没 (méi) as the negating element.

Structure: 没 + 有 (+ Object)

Examples:

1. 我 没有 问题。
   
   (Wǒ méiyǒu wèntí.)
   
   I don’t have any questions.
   
   (मुझे कोई सवाल नहीं है।)
2. 他们 没有 爸爸 妈妈 。
   
   (Tāmen méiyǒu bàba māma.)
   
   They don’t have parents.
   
   (उनके पास माँ-बाप नहीं है।)
3. 你 爸爸 没有 手机 吗？
   
   (Nǐ bàba méiyǒu shǒujī ma?)
   
   Does your dad not have a cell phone?
   
   (क्या आपके पिताजी के पास मोबाइल नहीं है?)

Common Mistake: Using 不 (bù) with 有 (yǒu) is incorrect. Always use 没 (méi) instead.

Short Form: The negation of 有 (yǒu) can be shortened to 没 (méi) without changing its meaning.

Examples:

1. 我 没 钱。
   
   (Wǒ méi qián.)
   
   I don’t have money.
   
   (मेरे पास पैसे नहीं हैं।)
2. 你 没 男朋友 吗？
   
   (Nǐ méi nánpéngyou ma?)
   
   Do you not have a boyfriend?
   
   (क्या तुम्हारे पास बॉयफ्रेंड नहीं है?)

Exception: Never use 不 (bù) with 有 (yǒu).

Conclusion: Negating the verb 有 (yǒu) with 没 (méi) is a unique aspect of Chinese grammar, requiring careful attention to avoid common mistakes. Remembering this rule will enhance your language proficiency.