不要

• Pinyin: bù yào
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 (bù) — not; 要 (yào) — to want, will, need, must

Meaning

Don't; must not. Used for prohibition, warnings, or advice.

Used to tell someone not to do something. Can be a direct command, a warning, or polite advice. Less formal than 禁止 and more direct than 最好不要.

Examples

1. 上课的时候不要玩手机。 Don't play with your phone during class.
2. 不要担心，我来帮你。 Don't worry — I'll help you.
3. 骑自行车时不要忘记戴头盔。 Don't forget to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

Usage Guide

Context: instructions, warnings, advice, parenting

Tone: direct, cautionary

Do Say

• 不要大声说话。(Don't talk loudly.)
• 不要忘了带钥匙。(Don't forget to bring your keys.)

Don't Say

• Avoid confusing 不要 (don't) with 不需要 (don't need to) — 不要 expresses prohibition or discouragement, while 不需要 expresses lack of necessity.

Origin & History

Combination of 不 (bù, not) + 要 (yào, want/will/need). Together they negate the intent or action, forming a prohibition or negative imperative.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal