không có gì
[xəwŋ͡m˧˧ kɔ˧˦ zi˨˩]
The English phrase 'nothing' is expressed in Vietnamese as không có gì. Wiktionary also lists không có chi.
Meaning: not any thing (pron)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| không có gì | [xəwŋ͡m˧˧ kɔ˧˦ zi˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [kʰəwŋ͡m˧˧ kɔ˨˩˦ jɪj˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
| không có chi | [xəwŋ͡m˧˧ kɔ˧˦ t͡ɕi˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [kʰəwŋ͡m˧˧ kɔ˨˩˦ t͡ɕɪj˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
không có gì is used to indicate the absence of possessions or objects, as in 'I have nothing'. It can also be used as a common way to say 'you're welcome' in response to a thank you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase không có gì is composed of không (not), có (to have) and gì (what/anything).
Which one should you use?
While không có gì can mean 'nothing' in a sentence, it is also a common way to say 'you're welcome' in response to a thank you. In contrast, the expression Chẳng nói chi is an informal way to say 'not saying anything'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding cả to the end of không có gì emphasizes the negation, translating to 'nothing at all'.
Did you know?
- The Vietnamese word không is a linguistic relative of the Korean word 공 (gong), as both stem from the concept of 'empty'.
Examples in context
- Tom không có gì cả.Tom has nothing.This sentence shows how to use không có gì to say someone has nothing.Tatoeba #13640324 by leucammieuvu, translation #2872163 by Amastan
- Tôi không có gì cả.I have nothing.This sentence shows how to use không có gì to say you have nothing.Tatoeba #13861526 by leucammieuvu, translation #1349222 by sacredceltic
- Tôi không có gì để mất.I've got nothing to lose.Tatoeba #3467877 by tucm, translation #1113697 by Scott
- Tôi không nói gìI say nothing
- Tôi chẳng nói chiI'm not saying anything
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mai thanks Tuấn for helping her carry some bags.
- MaiCảm ơn Tuấn nhiều nhé!Thank you so much, Tuan!
- TuấnKhông có gì đâu Mai.It's nothing, Mai.
- MaiTuấn tốt bụng quá.You are so kind.
- TuấnKhông có gì, chuyện nhỏ thôi mà.It's nothing, it's just a small thing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nothing” translations and entries không có gì, không có chi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chi, có, gì, không, không có chi, không có gì, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
