没有
méiyǒu
do not have / there is not
没有 is used to say that something does not exist, someone does not have something, or an action did not happen.
Example sentences
我没有现金。
Wǒ méiyǒu xiànjīn.
I do not have cash.
这里没有 Wi-Fi。
Zhèlǐ méiyǒu Wi-Fi.
There is no Wi-Fi here.
How to use 没有 in practice
没有 is a useful patterns item that is easiest to learn inside a complete sentence. Read it with the pinyin méiyǒu, then connect it to the meaning “do not have / there is not” before trying to use it from memory. The examples on this page show the phrase in context: 我没有现金。 / 这里没有 Wi-Fi。.
When you practice 没有, do not stop at recognition. Say one example aloud, swap in a new person, place, object, or time word, and then use the phrase in a short answer. This turns a glossary entry into real Mandarin output and exposes word-order or pronunciation mistakes quickly.
Common learner mistake
A common learner mistake is to memorize 没有 only as “do not have / there is not” and then translate word by word from English. Instead, learn the whole chunk with the words around it. Notice which nouns, verbs, measure words, or polite markers appear before and after the phrase, and copy that pattern in your own sentence.
Mini practice prompt
Practice prompt: open Chinese grammar practice, start a short conversation, and use 没有 naturally in your first or second reply. If the sentence feels awkward, compare it with the examples above and try again with a smaller sentence.
Memory tip: review 没有 tomorrow by covering the English meaning, reading only méiyǒu, and producing a sentence before checking the examples. Active recall helps this word survive beyond one reading session.
Practice related pages
FAQ
Do I use 不有?
No. The normal negative form of 有 is 没有.
How can I remember 没有 faster?
Say 没有 inside a full sentence, change one detail, and repeat it in a realistic prompt. The combination of sound, meaning, and context is stronger than memorizing the translation alone.
Can I use 没有 in conversation practice?
Yes. Start with the example sentence, then use 没有 in a short AI conversation so you can see whether the surrounding word order and tone feel natural.
Published by AI Chinese Coach