HSK 2
没 V result
méi V result
(result complements)
Structure
Subject + 没(有) + Verb + Result Complement + Object
How it works
To express that a specific result was not achieved in the past, use '没' (or '没有') before the verb. Unlike the general negative past, this focuses on the failure to reach a state or complete an action's objective, so never use '了' in these sentences.
Examples
我没听懂他说的话。
Wǒ méi tīngdǒng tā shuō de huà.
I didn't understand what he said.
他没买到去北京的火车票。
Tā méi mǎidào qù Běijīng de huǒchēpiào.
He didn't manage to buy the train ticket to Beijing.
我没看见你的手机。
Wǒ méi kànjiàn nǐ de shǒujī.
I didn't see your cell phone.
Common mistakes
Adding '了' at the end of the sentence (e.g., '我没看到他了' is incorrect).
Tip
Think of '没 + Verb + Result' as 'I tried to do it, but the result didn't happen.' Use '到' for 'obtaining' and '见' for 'perceiving' (seeing/hearing).
More HSK 2 grammar
See 没 V result in real Chinese
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