ParticlesHSK 3
Expressing "not anymore" with 了
Use 不 + verb phrase + 了 to express that you no longer do something or something is no longer the case, indicating a change. Without 了, the sentence simply negates without the sense of 'anymore'.
Structure
Subj. + 不 + [Verb Phrase] + 了
The 了 is what adds the meaning of "anymore" (change of state); without it, the sentence is just a simple negation.
Examples
- 我不想吃了。Wǒ bù xiǎng chī le .I don't want to eat anymore.
- 你不喜欢我了吗？Nǐ bù xǐhuan wǒ le ma?You don't like me anymore?
- 你们不能打了。Nǐmen bù néng dǎ le .You can't fight anymore.