have not

JLPT N1 7 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage as a Negative Marker for Verbs

The character "" (méi) is primarily used to negate verbs in the past or present perfect context, indicating that an action has not happened or was not done. For example, "" means "I didn't eat breakfast." It is important to note that "" is used with verbs and not adjectives.

Expressing Absence or Non-existence

"" can also be used to express the absence of something, often paired with nouns, as in "" (There is no water here). This usage is similar to "" but "" alone is common in colloquial speech.

Common Collocations

  • (méiyǒu): to not have; there is not
  • 没关系 (méi guānxi): it doesn't matter; no problem
  • 办法 (méi bànfǎ): no way; no solution

Avoid confusing "" with "" (bù), which negates habitual or future actions rather than completed actions.

Example Sentences

I didn't eat breakfast.

He didn't come to school.

There is no water here.