chẳng

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The Vietnamese word "chẳng" is an adverb that can be understood in a few different ways, depending on the context in which it is used. Here’s a simple breakdown for new learners:

Basic Meaning:

1. Not at all: "Chẳng" is often used to emphasize that something is not true or does not happen.
   • Example: "Một người làm chẳng nổi" means "One person cannot do that at all."
   • Example: "Thực tế đã chẳng chứng minh điều đó sao?" translates to "Hasn't reality demonstrated that at all?"

Usage Instructions:

• Use "chẳng" to negate something strongly. It is often used in conversational Vietnamese to express disbelief or to emphasize that something is not the case.
• It can also be used in a rhetorical way to challenge a statement or assumption.

Advanced Usage:

• "Chẳng" can also function as a form of emphasis, similar to saying "rather" or "but in fact."
  • Example: "Ngỡ là ai, chẳng hoá ra là anh" means "Thought that it was some stranger, but in fact it turned out to be you!"

Word Variants:

• "Chẳng" is a standalone word and does not have many direct variants, but it can be used in different contexts. It can be combined with other words to form phrases, e.g., "chẳng ai" (nobody) or "chẳng có" (there is not).

Different Meanings:

• Although "chẳng" primarily means "not at all," in some contexts, it can also imply a sense of "rather" or "but," adding a contrast to the statement.

Synonyms:

• "Không" (not): While "không" is a more general negation, "chẳng" carries a stronger emphasis.
• "Chưa" (not yet): Used for actions that have not happened until now.
• "Không hề" (not at all): This can be used interchangeably with "chẳng" in some contexts, but "không hề" might sound more formal.

Summary:

"Chẳng" is a versatile word that helps express strong negation in Vietnamese. It's useful in both casual conversations and more complex sentences where you want to emphasize that something is not true or to point out a misunderstanding.

Academic

adv

1. Not at all
   • một người làm chẳng nổi
     one person cannot do that at all
   • thực tế đã chẳng chứng minh điều đó sao?
     hasn't reality demonstrated that at all?
   • từ đệm
     Rather, but in fact, not necessarily
   • ngỡ là ai, chẳng hoá ra là anh
     thought that it was some stranger, but in fact it turned out to be you!