Don’t! (别)

Don’t! Whatever you do, don’t leave “别” (bié) out of your vocabulary – it’s a powerful word for expressing “don’t” in Chinese. “别” is a versatile and frequently used command that translates directly to “don’t” in English. As a common term, it’s essential for any Chinese learner. It enables you to clearly communicate restrictions or prevent actions with a simple, concise expression. To truly master the use of this word and become comfortable with its everyday application, try reading the accompanying story aloud and repeat it multiple times. This practice will help reinforce how and when to use “别” effectively, making it a natural part of your day-to-day Chinese conversations.

今天，小明 不 高兴。 {Play}

他 妈妈 多次 说 “别”。 {Play}

妈妈 对 他 说：“走， 别 跑。” {Play}

她 说：“别 玩 饭。” {Play}

她 说：“别 吃 太 多。” 吃 太 多 会 去 医院。 {Play}

她 说：“别 和 狗 玩。” {Play}

她 说 他 可以 唱歌 和 跳舞。 {Play}

她 说 他 也 会 读 书。 {Play}

小明 现在 很 高兴。 {Play}

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今天，小明 不 高兴。 {Play}

Jīntiān, Xiǎomíng bù gāoxìng.

Today, Xiaoming is not happy.

他 妈妈 多次 说 “别”。 {Play}

Tā māmā duōcì shuō “bié”.

His mom said “don’t” many times.

妈妈 对 他 说：“走， 别 跑。” {Play}

Māmā duì tā shuō: “Zǒu, bié pǎo.”

Mom told him, “Walk, don’t run.”

她 说：“别 玩 饭。” {Play}

Tā shuō: “Bié wán fàn.”

She said, “Don’t play with your food.”

她 说：“别 吃 太 多。” 吃 太 多 会 去 医院。 {Play}

Tā shuō: “Bié chī tài duō.” Chī tài duō huì qù yīyuàn.

She said, “Don’t eat too much.” Eating too much will lead to the hospital.

她 说：“别 和 狗 玩。” {Play}

Tā shuō: “Bié hé gǒu wán.”

She said, “Don’t play with the dog.”

她 说 他 可以 唱歌 和 跳舞。 {Play}

Tā shuō tā kěyǐ chànggē hé tiàowǔ.

She said he can sing and dance.

她 说 他 也 会 读 书。 {Play}

Tā shuō tā yě huì dú shū.

She said he can also read books.

小明 现在 很 高兴。 {Play}

Xiǎomíng xiànzài hěn gāoxìng.

Xiaoming is very happy now.