Usage of 别说
The phrase 别说 is commonly used in spoken Mandarin to mean "don't say" or "not to mention." It often introduces a statement emphasizing something that should not be overlooked or to stress a point by negating a possible objection.
Common contexts
- Warning or reminder: 别说 can be used to warn someone not to claim ignorance, e.g., 别说我没提醒你 (Don't say I didn't warn you).
- Emphasizing contribution or fact: It can highlight that something is true despite doubts, e.g., 别说他没帮忙 (Don't say he didn't help).
- Expressing stronger negation: It can precede a stronger negative statement, often paired with 连 (even), e.g., 别说他没来，连电话都没打 (Don't say he didn't come; he didn't even call).
Common collocations
- 别说……，连……都……: Used to emphasize that if the first is true, the second (usually more extreme) is also true.
- 别说我没提醒你: A common phrase to warn someone.
Tone and register
This phrase is informal and frequently used in everyday conversation. It carries a tone of emphasis or mild admonition but is not harsh.
Avoiding confusion
Don't confuse 别说 with just 别 (don't) or 说 (to say). 别说 is a fixed phrase that often introduces a negation or emphasis and is not simply the sum of its parts.