非

• Pinyin: fēi
• Hanzi breakdown: 非 = pictograph of two wings spreading apart — symbolizing opposition or negation

Meaning

Not; non-; wrong. A negation prefix used in formal contexts, and also means 'must' in the pattern 非…不可.

As a prefix, it negates nouns and adjectives: 非常 (extraordinary/very), 非法 (illegal), 非正式 (informal). In the spoken pattern 非要/非…不可, it expresses insistence: 'absolutely must.' More literary than 不, and primarily used in compounds rather than standalone in modern Chinese.

Examples

1. 这种行为是非法的，不能这样做。 This kind of behavior is illegal — you can't do this.
2. 他非要自己一个人去，谁也拦不住。 He insisted on going alone, and nobody could stop him.
3. 是非对错，大家心里都清楚。 Right and wrong — everyone knows in their heart.

Usage Guide

Context: written, formal speech, compounds

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 这是非卖品，不能出售。(This is not for sale, it cannot be sold.)
• 她非要今天把事情做完不可。(She insists on finishing the task today.)

Don't Say

• 我非去学校 without 不可 (The 非…不可 pattern needs both parts — say 非去不可 for 'must go,' or simply use 必须 for everyday speech)

Origin & History

An ancient character depicting two wings spreading apart in opposite directions, symbolizing separation or negation — the idea of going against or being contrary to.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal