别 · 别……了
don’t … · stop …ing
Structure
别 + 动词 · 别 + 动词 + 了 · 不要 + 动词
What it means
别 + verb tells someone not to do something; with 了 at the end it means “stop doing it” or “drop that plan”.
How it is built
别 + verb: 别动！ (Keep still!). 别 + verb + 了: 别玩儿手机了 (put your phone away). 不要 + verb means the same as 别.
When to use it
Use 别 only to tell people what not to do. 别……了 can also cancel a plan: 外边下雨了，你别走了 (it’s raining, don’t go yet).
Watch out
✗ 他别看手机。 ✓ 他不看手机。 To say that someone doesn’t do something, use 不; 别 is only for telling people not to.
Examples
别说话，张老师来了！
Don’t talk, Teacher Zhang is coming!
别玩儿手机了，吃饭吧！
Stop playing on your phone and eat!
外边下雨了，你别走了。
It’s raining outside. Don’t go yet.
Learn this in HSK 1 · Lesson 20: 你怎么了 (Seeing a doctor)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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