Chinese adverbs

Where do adverbs go in Chinese?

After the subject and right before the verb or adjective: 我也去 (wǒ yě qù, I’m going too), 他常常迟到 (tā chángcháng chídào, he’s often late). Never at the end of the sentence, as “often” can be in English.

What order do 也, 都 and 不 go in?

也 before 都, and both before 不: 我们也都不去 (wǒmen yě dōu bú qù, none of us are going either). The order changes the meaning: 都不 is “none”, 不都 is “not all”.

What is the difference between 不 and 没?

不 says no to the present, habits and the future: 我不喝酒 (I don’t drink). 没 says something didn’t happen, or that you don’t have it: 我没去 (I didn’t go), 我没有钱 (I have no money).

More words

• Chinese adjectives
• Chinese grammar patterns
• The most common verbs