Vietnamese Grammar Bank

EXPRESSING INACTION IN VIETNAMESE

In this lesson, we’ll learn how to express inaction or negative actions in Vietnamese using common structures like “đừng” (don’t), “chưa” (not yet), and “không bao giờ” (never).

These expressions are essential for forming negative sentences, giving polite commands, or talking about things that haven’t happened.

KHÔNG… = DON’T

This basic structure is used to negate an action, meaning “not doing” something. It is simple and commonly used in daily conversations.

PATTERN

Không + Verb

For example: 

Tôi không hiểuI do not understand
Cô ấy không muốn điShe does not want to go
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Anh ấy không thích cà phêHe does not like coffee.
Họ không đến hôm nay.They are not coming today.
Tôi không tìm thấy chìa khóa của mìnhI cannot find my keys.
Chúng tôi không sẵn sàng.We are not ready yet.

KHÔNG BAO GIỜ = NEVER

This structure emphasizes never doing something. It’s often used to express strong negation or a habit of avoiding certain actions.

PATTERN

Không bao giờ + Verb

For example: 

Tôi không bao giờ ăn thức ăn nhanhI never eat fast food.
Cô ấy không bao giờ đi tập gym.She never goes to the gym.
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Anh ấy không bao giờ uống soda.He never drinks soda.
Họ không bao giờ nói to.They never speak loudly.
Tôi không bao giờ ngủ muộn.I never sleep late.
Chúng tôi không bao giờ xem phim kinh dị.We never watch horror movies.

CHƯA = NOT YET

This pattern is used to indicate an action has not yet been done or completed, implying potential future action.

PATTERN

Chưa + Verb

For example: 

Tôi chưa hiểuI do not understand yet
Cô ấy chưa muốn điShe does not want to go  yet
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Anh ấy chưa thích cà phêHe does not like coffee  yet
Họ chưa đến hôm nay.They are not coming today  yet
Tôi chưa tìm thấy chìa khóa của mìnhI cannot find my keys  yet
Chúng tôi chưa sẵn sàng.We are not ready yet 

ĐỪNG = DON’T!

This structure is used to express a command, request, or suggestion for someone not to do something.

PATTERN

Đừng + Verb

For example: 

Đừng đi đến đó.Don’t go there.
Đừng nói quá to.Don’t speak too loudly.
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Đừng đến muộn cuộc họp.Don’t be late for the meeting.
Đừng quên mang theo giấy tờ tùy thân.Don’t forget to bring your ID.
Đừng làm ồn trong thư viện.Don’t make noise in the library.
Đừng chạm vào đồ của tôiDon’t touch my things.

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FAQs

What is the difference between “đừng” and “không”?

“Đừng” is used to tell someone not to do something (a command), while “không” simply states that something does not happen or is not true.

Can I use “chưa” and “không bao giờ” interchangeably?

No.

“Chưa” means “not yet” (suggesting the action may happen later), while “không bao giờ” means “never”, indicating the action will not happen at all.

Is it polite to use “đừng” when speaking to someone older or of higher status?

“Đừng” can sound direct or even rude if not softened.

To be polite, add particles like “nhé” or use a gentler phrase, such as “xin đừng.”

Can “chưa” be used with completed actions?

No.

“Chưa” is used to talk about incomplete or unaccomplished actions, often in the present or past.

How do I form negative commands in Vietnamese using “đừng”?

Place “đừng” at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the verb: e.g., “Đừng nói chuyện!” = “Don’t talk!”.

Can I study in Vietnam with LTL?

Yes, you can!

You can study with us in Saigon or Hanoi, in both group or individual classes.

You’ll even have the opportunity to live with a Vietnamese family, thanks to our homestays.

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