Definition
无 (wú) is a formal, literary verb meaning 'to not have' or 'to lack'. It is common in written Chinese and fixed expressions, whereas 没有 (méi yǒu) is the everyday spoken word for the same meaning. Unlike 不 (bù) or 未 (wèi), 无 functions as a verb, not an adverb.
verb
to not haveto lack
Easily confused
- 舞wǔsound-alike(noun) dance (as an art form or specific dance)
- 五wǔsound-alikefive
- 雾wùsound-alikefog, mist
- 误wùsound-aliketo mistake (in understanding or action); to mis-
- 勿wùsound-alikedo not (formal, literary, used in signs and written prohibitions)
- 捂wǔsound-aliketo cover (with the hand), e.g., eyes, ears, or mouth
Examples
- 。Jiàoshì lǐ wú rén.There is no one in the classroom.
- 无。Tā wú qián mǎi chē.He has no money to buy a car.
- 无。Wǒ duì zhè jiàn shì wú xìngqù.I have no interest in this matter.
Grammar
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