không
[xəwŋ͡m˧˧]
The English word "not" is translated into Vietnamese as không.
không is the most common word used for negation in Vietnamese, serving to deny that something is true or to express negation in a sentence.
Which one should you use?
While không is the standard way to negate a state or an action, you may encounter chẳng, which is a more emphatic or colloquial way to say "not" used in literary contexts or certain dialects.
How does it change in a sentence?
In simple sentences using adjectives, place không directly before the adjective to negate it. To express that something does not exist or that one does not possess something, use the phrase không có.
Did you know?
- The rise of không as the primary way to say 'not' is linked to the arrival of Western businessmen in the 17th century. This was because the concept of 'zero' was frequently used in trade contexts.
Examples in context
- Nó không đủ to.It's not big enough.This sentence shows how to use không to negate an adjective.Tatoeba #8961808 by dotheduyet1999, translation #6815351 by CK
- Cô ấy không cao.She is not tall.This sentence demonstrates the use of không with an adjective.Tatoeba #13769788 by leucammieuvu, translation #437589 by MikeDee
- Không có đủ cam.There are not enough oranges.This sentence illustrates how to use không có to express non-existence.Tatoeba #13858637 by Anthea_Phan, translation #3385270 by Jesse
- Tôi không hiểuI don't understand.
- Anh ấy không đi làmHe doesn't go to work.
- Chúng tôi không có thời gianWe don't have time.
- Tôi chẳng cần sự giúp đỡ của bạnI don't need your help at all.
- Anh ta không hề biết gì về lịch sửHe knows absolutely nothing about history.
- 591 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are deciding whether to go out for dinner.
- NamEm có đói không?Are you hungry?
- ChiEm không đói.I am not hungry.
- NamVậy chúng ta không đi ăn nhé?So we are not going to eat, right?
- ChiĐúng rồi, anh ơi.That's right, honey.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry không, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries không, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
