không

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The Vietnamese word "không" is a versatile word that primarily means "not" or "no." It is commonly used to negate verbs and indicate a negative response. Here’s a detailed explanation to help you understand its usage:

Basic Meaning

1. Negation: "Không" is used to negate a verb or statement. For example:

   • Sentence: "Anh có thấy nó không?"
   • Translation: "Have you seen it?"
   • Response: "Tôi trả lời không."
   • Translation: "My answer is no."

2. Nothing or Without: It can also mean "nothing" or "without" in certain contexts:

   • Example: "Tay không" means "empty-handed" or "without anything in hand."

Usage Instructions

• As a response: Use "không" to answer questions negatively.
• To make a sentence negative: Place "không" before the verb.
  • Example: "Tôi không đi" means "I do not go" or "I am not going."

Advanced Usage

• "Không" can also appear in more complex phrases or idioms:
  • Example: "Chân không" means "bare legs" or "without pants."
  • In phrases: "Trời không mưa" means "It is not raining."

Word Variants

• "Không" can be combined with other words to form new meanings:
  • Không khí: means "air."
  • Không gian: means "space" or "room."

Different Meanings

• Aside from negation, "không" can refer to the concept of air in certain contexts:
  • Example: "Bay lượn trên không" means "to float about in the air."

Synonyms

• Không có: means "there is no" or "not have."
• Chẳng: another informal way to say "not," although it's less common and used in specific contexts.

Summary

To summarize, "không" is a fundamental word in Vietnamese that serves primarily as a negation or to express "no." It can be used in simple sentences to make them negative, as well as in more complex expressions.

Academic

1. not; nothing; without
   • anh có thấy nó không? Tôi trả lời không
     Have you seen him? My answer is no empty
   • tay không
     empty handed bare
   • chân không
     bare legs

noun

1. air
   • bay lượn trên không
     to float about in the air