HSK 2
没有 V 过
méiyǒu V guò
haven't V'ed
Structure
Subject + 没有 + Verb + 过 + Object
How it works
This structure is used to express that an action has never happened in the past, emphasizing a lack of experience. '没有' negates the action, while '过' is an aspect particle indicating past experience. You can omit '没' and just use '没有', or vice versa, but '过' must remain after the verb.
Examples
我没有去过中国。
Wǒ méiyǒu qùguo Zhōngguó.
I haven't been to China.
他没看过这个电影。
Tā méi kànguo zhège diànyǐng.
He hasn't seen this movie.
我从来没有喝过咖啡。
Wǒ cónglái méiyǒu hēguo kāfēi.
I have never drunk coffee before.
Common mistakes
Do not use '不' (bù) or '了' (le) with this structure; experience negation specifically requires '没(有)' and '过'.
Tip
If you want to say 'never' with even more emphasis, add '从来' (cónglái) before '没有'.
More HSK 2 grammar
See 没有 V 过 in real Chinese
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