Comparison Negation: 没有 (méiyǒu)

This pattern works by comparing two subjects, A and B. You are stating that Subject A does not possess the same degree of a quality as Subject B. In English, we say "A is not as tall as B." In Chinese logic, we say "A does not have B's tallness." It feels very direct once you get used to it. The word 没有 literally means "to not have." So, you are literally saying A doesn't have the level of B. It is like a grammar traffic light. It stops the first subject from reaching the level of the second. You don't need complex conjugation here. Just place the words in the right order and you are set.

1. 1Building this sentence is like stacking blocks. Follow these steps:
2. 2Start with Subject A (the thing that is "less").
3. 3Add the negation word 没有.
4. 4Add Subject B (the standard you are comparing to).
5. 5(Optional) Add 那么 (nàme) or 这么 (zhème) for emphasis.
6. 6Finish with the Adjective (the quality being compared).
7. 7Structure: Subject A + 没有 + Subject B + (那么/这么) + Adjective.
8. 8Example: 我的手机 (A) + 没有 + 你的 (B) + 贵 (Adj).
9. 9Translation: My phone is not as expensive as yours.

Use this pattern whenever you want to show a gap between two things. It is perfect for daily life scenarios.

• Weather: Comparing today's heat to yesterday's. 今天没有昨天热。 (Today isn't as hot as yesterday.)
• Shopping: Comparing prices or quality. 这件衣服没有那件漂亮。 (This piece of clothing isn't as pretty as that one.)
• People: Comparing heights, ages, or skills. 我没有他高。 (I am not as tall as him.)
• Travel: Comparing speeds or distances. 坐公交没有坐地铁快。 (Taking the bus isn't as fast as taking the subway.)
• Feelings: Comparing how much you like things. 这个电影没有那个好看。 (This movie isn't as good as that one.)

Do not use this pattern if the two things are equal. If they are the same, use 一样 (yíyàng) instead. Also, avoid using it with specific numerical differences. You cannot say "I am not 5cm as tall as him" with this structure. That requires a different math-based sentence. Another tip: try not to use it with "negative" adjectives like "ugly" or "bad." It sounds more natural to say "not as pretty" than "not as ugly." Yes, even native speakers find that a bit clunky! Think of it like a compliment in reverse. We usually compare the positive traits.

One big trap is adding 很 (hěn) before the adjective. In English, we might say "not very tall." In Chinese, 没有 already handles the intensity. Adding 很 makes the sentence feel crowded and wrong. Another mistake is using 不 (bù) instead of 没有. While 不比 exists, it means something different. Stick to 没有 for "less than." Lastly, don't forget the adjective at the end. You can't just say "A 没有 B." Without the adjective, people won't know if you mean A doesn't have B, or if A isn't as [something] as B. Context is king, but the adjective is the crown.

You likely know the 比 (bǐ) pattern for "more than." 没有 is its natural opposite. However, many learners get confused by 不比 (bù bǐ). Here is the secret: 没有 strictly means "less than." 不比 is more like "not more than." If you say "A 不比 B tall," it could mean A is shorter OR exactly the same height. It is often used in arguments to say "I'm just as good as you!" If you just want to state a simple fact that something is less, 没有 is your best friend. It is cleaner and more common in casual speech.