HSK 1
没 在 V (呢)
méi zài V ( ne)
not V-ing
Structure
Subject + 没 (在) + Verb + Object + (呢)
How it works
This structure is used to express that an action is not currently in progress. It is the negative form of the progressive aspect (在 + Verb). The optional particle '呢' can be added at the end of the sentence to soften the tone or emphasize the current state.
Examples
我没在睡觉。
Wǒ méi zài shuìjiào.
I am not sleeping.
妈妈没在做饭呢。
Māma méi zài zuòfàn ne.
Mom isn't cooking right now.
他们没在工作。
Tāmen méi zài gōngzuò.
They are not working.
Common mistakes
Do not use '不' (bù) to negate a continuous action; always use '没' (méi) or '没有' (méiyǒu).
Tip
In casual conversation, you can often omit the '在' and just say '没' + Verb + '呢' (e.g., 我没看书呢) to mean the same thing.
More HSK 1 grammar
See 没 在 V (呢) in real Chinese
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