别

• Pinyin: bié
• Hanzi breakdown: 别 = 另 (another) + 刂 (knife) — to separate, extended to 'don't'

Meaning

Don't; do not. Used before a verb to form negative commands or prohibitions.

The primary way to say 'don't' in Chinese. Always placed before the verb: 别走 (don't go), 别说 (don't say). Softer than 不要, though both are common in spoken Chinese. Also has a separate meaning of 'other' (别的, other things).

Examples

1. 别走，等一下。 Don't go, wait a moment.
2. 别说话，老师来了。 Don't talk, the teacher is here.
3. 上课的时候别看手机。 Don't look at your phone during class.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: direct

Do Say

• 别着急，慢慢来。(Don't worry, take your time.)
• 别忘了带钥匙。(Don't forget to bring your keys.)

Don't Say

• 别不去 (Awkward double negative — say 一定要去 or 你得去 instead of 'don't not go')

Origin & History

Composed of 另 (another) and 刂 (knife radical), originally meaning 'to separate' or 'to part'. The prohibitive meaning ('don't') developed from the idea of cutting off or stopping an action.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal