Usage of Vietnamese chớ / đừng (Do not / Never)
Both chớ and đừng mean 'do not'; chớ is more formal or used in warnings, while đừng is more common in daily speech.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
Both chớ and đừng mean 'do not'; chớ is more formal or used in warnings, while đừng is more common in daily speech.
English meanings
- Do not
- Never
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Chớ nên coi thường lỗi nhỏ.
Never underestimate small mistakes.
2
Đừng đi một mình vào buổi tối.
Don't go alone at night.
How to use it
chớ is often found in reminders, warnings, signs, or formal contexts meaning 'never'. In daily conversation, đừng is more frequently used. Learners should avoid translating all 'do not' as chớ to prevent overly formal or harsh tone.
- chớ often pairs with nên to form chớ nên.
- đừng is preferred in spoken reminders.
- Formal warnings can use chớ or không được.
Compared with English
Compared with English
English 'do not' can be mild or strong; Vietnamese đừng is everyday advice, while chớ is closer to 'never' or 'must not' in formal warnings.
Common mistakes
Chớ gọi cho tôi nhé.
Đừng gọi cho tôi nhé.
For everyday reminders, đừng sounds more natural; chớ is too formal.
Đừng nên coi thường lỗi nhỏ.
Chớ nên coi thường lỗi nhỏ.
For formal warnings meaning 'never', chớ nên is appropriate.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Which sentence most closely means the formal 'Never underestimate small mistakes'?
Show answer
Multiple choice
Which sentence most closely means the formal 'Never underestimate small mistakes'?
- Chớ nên coi thường lỗi nhỏ.
- Tôi không lỗi nhỏ.
- Chưa coi thường lỗi nhỏ.
Answer: Chớ nên coi thường lỗi nhỏ.
Explanation: chớ nên carries a formal warning tone.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ nên coi thường lỗi nhỏ.
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Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ nên coi thường lỗi nhỏ.
Answer: Chớ nên coi thường lỗi nhỏ.
Explanation: chớ often pairs with nên to form chớ nên.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "Never underestimate small mistakes." into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "Never underestimate small mistakes." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Chớ nên coi thường lỗi nhỏ.
Explanation: Use chớ / đừng in the same structure as the example.
True or false
chớ / đừng can be used as a one-to-one equivalent of English 'not'.
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True or false
chớ / đừng can be used as a one-to-one equivalent of English 'not'.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vietnamese negation depends on whether it negates an action, identity, completion, ability, necessity, or command.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Chớ gọi cho tôi nhé. (in daily speech)
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Correction
Correct this sentence: Chớ gọi cho tôi nhé. (in daily speech)
Answer: Đừng gọi cho tôi nhé.
Explanation: For everyday reminders, đừng sounds more natural.