Chinese word

别想

Pronunciation

Pinyinbié xiǎng

Meaning

  • verbdon't expect it

Example

别想了，他不会回来了。bié xiǎng le tā bú huì huí lái le

Don't expect it; he won't come back.

Illustration for 别想 (don't expect it)

More examples

别想了，放下他吧。bié xiǎng le fàng xià tā ba

Don't expect it; give up on him.

Core concept

A door shut on a hoped-for or imagined outcome.

Common phrases

  • 别想了bié xiǎng le

    don't expect it

  • 别想太多bié xiǎng tài duō

    don't expect too much

Similar words

指望zhǐ wàng: To count on someone or something to bring about an expected result.
期望qī wàng: To want a particular result or action to happen.
希望xī wàng: To wish for better circumstances or a better future.
期待qī dài: To hope that something good will happen later.

Definition in Chinese

作为动词短语，用来制止对方继续设想、想象或等待某个结果，语气可以很生硬或带有讽刺意味，属于口语用法。zuò wéi dòng cí duán yǔ yòng lái zhì zhǐ duì fāng jì xù shè xiǎng xiǎng xiàng huò děng dài mǒu gè jié guǒ yǔ qì ké yǐ hěn shēng yìng huò dài yǒu fěng cì yì wèi shǔ yú kóu yǔ yòng fǎ

Word origin

别 (bié, "do not") + 想 (xiǎng, "think or imagine") forms a direct spoken command that shuts down a thought, expectation, or imagined outcome.

Usage tips

  • Its bluntness can sound dismissive, so everyday speakers often choose a softer expression when preserving the other person's feelings matters.

Other meanings

  • don't think about itverb
  • don't imagine itverb

Word lists with this word