没 méi

“(negative prefix for verbs) have not; not”

adverb, verbHSK 1 · 2021 list level 1Traditional 沒

新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level

No exact written-form entry for 没 was found in our transcription of the 2025 exam syllabus. This does not establish a level for compounds, variants or unlisted uses.

Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.

用法How to use 没

没 means "not have" or "didn't". It is used before 有 to say someone or something does not have or there is not, and before a verb to say an action did not happen in the past. Typical patterns are 没有 + noun and 没 + verb.

例句Example sentences

我没有钱。wǒ méi yǒu qián.I don't have money.
他今天没来。tā jīn tiān méi lái.He didn't come today.
我昨天没看电视。wǒ zuó tiān méi kàn diàn shì.I didn't watch TV yesterday.

易混词Easily confused

没vs不

不 negates present or future actions and adjectives (我不去, 不忙); 没 negates 有 and past actions (我没有, 没去).

深度指南Grammar & comparison guides

义项All meanings

méi: (negative prefix for verbs) have not; not
mò: drowned; to end; to die; to inundate