Grammar Lesson 3 • Level 1
Negation
Không, Chưa, Chẳng, Đừng
Vietnamese has four main ways to negate. Each carries different meaning and usage context.
Không: General "Not"
The most common negation. Use for present facts, states, and general negation.
Tôi không ăn cơm.
I don't eat rice. / I'm not eating rice.
Em không biết.
You don't know.
Đây không phải là sách.
This is not a book.
Chưa: "Not Yet"
Implies the action hasn't happened YET, but might happen later.
Tôi chưa ăn.
I haven't eaten (yet).
Em chưa đi Việt Nam.
You haven't been to Vietnam (yet).
Contrast: Không vs Chưa
Tôi không ăn. = I don't eat. (general fact or present)
Tôi chưa ăn. = I haven't eaten yet. (but will soon)
Chẳng: Emphatic "Not" / "Not at all"
Stronger, more emotional negation. Sounds dismissive or frustrated.
Tôi chẳng biết!
I don't know (at all)! / No idea!
Chẳng có gì.
There's nothing. (dismissive)
Em chẳng hiểu gì cả!
You don't understand anything at all!
Đừng: "Don't" (Command)
Negative imperative. Telling someone NOT to do something.
Đừng đi!
Don't go!
Đừng ăn cái này.
Don't eat this.
Đừng lo!
Don't worry!
Quick Reference
• Không: General "not" (statements, present/future)
• Chưa: "Not yet" (implies future possibility)
• Chẳng: Emphatic "not at all" (emotional, dismissive)
• Đừng: "Don't" (commands, prohibitions)