How to Say ‘Not spicy’ in Simplified Chinese
不辣
bù là
[bù lah]
💬 Usage Tip: 不 stays (bù) here because 辣 (là) has a falling tone. The rule actually works the other way: 不 only shifts to (bú) before a falling tone, and 辣 is falling, so it's (bú là).
🇨🇳 In China: Some Sichuan dishes can't really be made without chili, so ordering 不辣 may get you a puzzled look. In that case, choosing a different dish is the better move.
Phrase Breakdown
不
bù
[bù]
not
Used to form the negative of verbs.
他不想参与。
He does not want to participate.
辣
là
[lah]
spicy
Characteristic hotness due to spices or peppers.
这个菜很辣。
This dish is very spicy.
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