Usage of 别说
The phrase 别说 is commonly used in spoken Mandarin to mean "don't say" or "not to mention." It often introduces a statement emphasizing something that should not be overlooked or to stress a point by negating a possible objection.
Common contexts
- Warning or reminder: 别说 can be used to warn someone not to claim ignorance, e.g., 别说我没提醒你 (Don't say I didn't warn you).
- Emphasizing contribution or fact: It can highlight that something is true despite doubts, e.g., 别说他没帮忙 (Don't say he didn't help).
- Expressing stronger negation: It can precede a stronger negative statement, often paired with 连 (even), e.g., 别说他没来，连电话都没打 (Don't say he didn't come; he didn't even call).
Common collocations
- 别说……，连……都……: Used to emphasize that if the first is true, the second (usually more extreme) is also true.
- 别说我没提醒你: A common phrase to warn someone.
Tone and register
This phrase is informal and frequently used in everyday conversation. It carries a tone of emphasis or mild admonition but is not harsh.
Avoiding confusion
Don't confuse 别说 with just 别 (don't) or 说 (to say). 别说 is a fixed phrase that often introduces a negation or emphasis and is not simply the sum of its parts.
Usage of 别说
The phrase 别说 is commonly used in spoken Mandarin to mean "don't say" or "not to mention." It often introduces a statement emphasizing something that should not be overlooked or to stress a point by negating a possible objection.
Common contexts
- Warning or reminder: 别说 can be used to warn someone not to claim ignorance, e.g., 别说我没提醒你 (Don't say I didn't warn you).
- Emphasizing contribution or fact: It can highlight that something is true despite doubts, e.g., 别说他没帮忙 (Don't say he didn't help).
- Expressing stronger negation: It can precede a stronger negative statement, often paired with 连 (even), e.g., 别说他没来，连电话都没打 (Don't say he didn't come; he didn't even call).
Common collocations
- 别说……，连……都……: Used to emphasize that if the first is true, the second (usually more extreme) is also true.
- 别说我没提醒你: A common phrase to warn someone.
Tone and register
This phrase is informal and frequently used in everyday conversation. It carries a tone of emphasis or mild admonition but is not harsh.
Avoiding confusion
Don't confuse 别说 with just 别 (don't) or 说 (to say). 别说 is a fixed phrase that often introduces a negation or emphasis and is not simply the sum of its parts.
Usage of 别说
The phrase 别说 is commonly used in spoken Mandarin to mean "don't say" or "not to mention." It often introduces a statement emphasizing something that should not be overlooked or to stress a point by negating a possible objection.
Common contexts
- Warning or reminder: 别说 can be used to warn someone not to claim ignorance, e.g., 别说我没提醒你 (Don't say I didn't warn you).
- Emphasizing contribution or fact: It can highlight that something is true despite doubts, e.g., 别说他没帮忙 (Don't say he didn't help).
- Expressing stronger negation: It can precede a stronger negative statement, often paired with 连 (even), e.g., 别说他没来，连电话都没打 (Don't say he didn't come; he didn't even call).
Common collocations
- 别说……，连……都……: Used to emphasize that if the first is true, the second (usually more extreme) is also true.
- 别说我没提醒你: A common phrase to warn someone.
Tone and register
This phrase is informal and frequently used in everyday conversation. It carries a tone of emphasis or mild admonition but is not harsh.
Avoiding confusion
Don't confuse 别说 with just 别 (don't) or 说 (to say). 别说 is a fixed phrase that often introduces a negation or emphasis and is not simply the sum of its parts.