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How to Say ‘It means "no"’ in Traditional Chinese

意思是「不要」

yì sī shì bú yào

[ee-suh shr boo yow]

💬 Usage Tip: 不要 literally means "don't want". It's the everyday way to refuse something: 我不要 "I don't want it".

Phrase Breakdown

意思

yì sī

[ee-suh]

meaning; idea; intention

The point or message someone is trying to express.

Example

我知道你的意思。

I know what you mean.

是

shì

[shr]

to be; is

Connects the subject with what is being said about it.

Example

這不是你的錯。

This isn't your fault.

不要

bú yào

[boo yow]

do not want

A direct way to refuse or say you do not want something.

Example

這個我不要,謝謝。

I don’t want this one, thank you.

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