# How to say “no way” in Chinese

> The mildest way to say “no way” in Chinese is 不行 (bù xíng), “no, that won't work”. The strongest is 没门 (méi mén), “not a chance (lit. no door)”. Here are all 5, ranked mild to strong, with pinyin and when to use each one.

Source: https://lanlanchinese.com/how-to-say/no-way-in-chinese (updated 2026-10-18)

1. **不行** (bù xíng) (strength 1/5): no, that won't work. The everyday no. Safe anywhere.
   Heard in a real video: 不行，你必须报名的。 "No, you have to sign up." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmqNdIIPsMs&t=84s)
   Heard in a real video: 不行，妈，你受不了， "No, Mom, you can't handle it. I definitely can." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxqUIHQ4vHU&t=6s)
2. **不可能** (bù kě néng) (strength 2/5): impossible. Firm, but nobody is offended.
   Heard in a real video: 螺珠不可能在里面啊。 "The pearl can't possibly be in there." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pgGagfMhmI&t=470s)
3. **想得美** (xiǎng de měi) (strength 3/5): you wish (lit. thinking pretty). A smug, teasing no.
4. **做梦** (zuò mèng) (strength 4/5): in your dreams. 做梦吧! = keep dreaming.
   Heard in a real video: 你做梦。 "Dream on." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA066GyKIB0&t=133s)
5. **没门** (méi mén) (strength 5/5): not a chance (lit. no door). The door is closed. Forever (beijing: 没门儿).

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