Usage of Vietnamese đừng (Don't)
đừng is used to advise or request someone not to do something, similar to the English 'don't'.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
đừng is used to advise or request someone not to do something, similar to the English 'don't'.
English meanings
- Don't
- Do not
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Đừng nói nhanh quá.
Don't speak too fast.
2
Đừng quên gọi cho tôi nhé.
Don't forget to call me.
How to use it
đừng is a negation used for commands or warnings, placed directly before the verb. It is more like a reminder or request to others than the negation không. For formal prohibitions, phrases like không được or cấm are also used.
- đừng is directly followed by a verb.
- Commonly used in spoken language for reminders, warnings, or suggestions.
- Does not express 'not wanting' something.
Compared with English
Compared with English
In English, 'don't' is used to tell someone not to do something. Vietnamese đừng is similar, used mainly for telling others 'don't do something'. To say 'I don't want coffee', you wouldn't use đừng but rather Tôi không muốn cà phê.
Common mistakes
Tôi đừng cà phê.
Tôi không muốn cà phê.
đừng is used to advise others, not to express 'I don't want something'.
Không nói nhanh quá.
Đừng nói nhanh quá.
When directly advising someone 'don't speak too fast', đừng sounds more natural.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Which sentence most naturally means 'Don't speak too fast'?
Show answer
Multiple choice
Which sentence most naturally means 'Don't speak too fast'?
- Đừng nói nhanh quá.
- Tôi đừng nói nhanh.
- Chưa nói nhanh quá.
Answer: Đừng nói nhanh quá.
Explanation: đừng is used to advise someone not to do something.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ nói nhanh quá.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ nói nhanh quá.
Answer: Đừng nói nhanh quá.
Explanation: đừng is directly followed by a verb.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "Don't speak too fast." into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "Don't speak too fast." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Đừng nói nhanh quá.
Explanation: Use đừng in the same structure as the example.
True or false
đừng can be used as a one-to-one equivalent of English 'not'.
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True or false
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: Tôi đừng cà phê.
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi đừng cà phê.
Answer: Tôi không muốn cà phê.
Explanation: To say 'I don't want coffee', use không muốn, not đừng.