Definition
不曾 (bù céng) is a formal/literary adverb meaning 'never (in the past)'. It is similar to 从未 (cóng wèi) but 不曾 is slightly less emphatic and more common in written narrative. Unlike 从不 (cóng bù), which refers to habitual never, 不曾 refers to specific past experiences and is often used with 过.
adverb
never (in the past)has never / hasn't ever
Examples
- 不曾。Wǒ bù céng jiàn guò zhème měi de rìluò.I have never seen such a beautiful sunset.
- 不曾。Tā bù céng duì rènhé rén tí qǐ guò nà jiàn shì.He has never mentioned that matter to anyone.
- 不曾。Wǒmen bù céng huáiyí guò tā de nénglì.We have never doubted his ability.
Browse more HSK 6 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.