不用
bù yòng
No need
不用 (bù yòng) is a common and versatile way to express 'no need' or 'don't need to' in Mandarin Chinese. It's used to decline an offer, state that something is unnecessary, or reassure someone that an action isn't required.
What does 不用 (bù yòng) mean?
不用 (bù yòng) means “no need” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “not use / not need.”
When to use it
Neutral and polite. It's often used when declining an offer (e.g., 'No need, thank you'). When someone thanks you, you can also say 不用谢 (bù yòng xiè), meaning 'no need to thank' (you're welcome). For a more formal or stronger sense of 'unnecessary,' you might use 没必要 (méi bìyào).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “boo YONG.” Both syllables have falling tones, so it's a firm, downward sound for each.
Other ways to say it
- 没必要méi bìyàono necessity / unnecessary
- 不用谢bù yòng xièno need to thank (you're welcome)
- 不必bù bìno need (more formal)
Examples
不用了，谢谢你。
bù yòng le, xièxie nǐ.
No need, thank you.
你不用担心，一切都会好的。
nǐ bù yòng dānxīn, yīqiè dōu huì hǎo de.
You don't need to worry, everything will be fine.
我不用帮忙，我自己可以。
wǒ bù yòng bāngmáng, wǒ zìjǐ kěyǐ.
I don't need help, I can do it myself.
Pro tip: Be careful not to confuse 不用 (bù yòng, 'no need to') with 不要 (bù yào, 'don't want to' or 'don't do'). 不用 expresses a lack of necessity, while 不要 expresses a lack of desire or a prohibition.
Related phrases
闭嘴 · Shut up达成和平 · Sign peace坐 · Sit
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