Definition

1. Adverbial phrase:
   • Not to need, not to have to: Expresses that something is unnecessary or that there is no requirement to do something.
   • Not to care about, to be indifferent to: Expresses a lack of concern, interest, or regard for something or someone.

Usage Examples

• Expressing that something is unnecessary:

  • Chẳng cần phải vội. (There's no need to hurry.)
  • Tôi chẳng cần nhiều tiền. (I don't need a lot of money.)

• Expressing indifference or lack of care:

  • Nó chẳng cần biết tới cảm xúc của ai. (He/She doesn't care about anyone's feelings.)
  • Chúng tôi chẳng cần sự thương hại. (We don't need/We don't want any pity.)

Advanced Usage

• "chẳng cần... cũng...": Used to state that even without a certain condition, the result remains the same. It means "even without... still...".

  • Chẳng cần nói nhiều, tôi cũng hiểu. (Even without you saying much, I still understand.)
  • Chẳng cần mở cửa, cũng biết bên trong nóng thế nào. (Even without opening the door, you still know how hot it is inside.)

• "chẳng cần đâu": A common spoken phrase used to politely decline an offer or insist something is unnecessary. It means "No need, really" or "Don't bother".

  • A: Để tôi giúp cô nhé? B: Chẳng cần đâu, tôi làm được. (A: Let me help you? B: No need, really, I can do it.)

Variants and Related Words

• Không cần: The more standard and neutral equivalent meaning "don't need". "Chẳng cần" often carries a slightly stronger, more emphatic, or more colloquial tone.
• Đâu cần: A rhetorical or emphatic form meaning "(but) there's no need". Often used in反驳.
  • Đâu cần phải lo lắng thế! (There's no need to worry so much!)

Synonyms

• Không phải: In the specific structure "không phải...", it can mean "don't have to".
  • Không phải lo. (Don't have to worry.)
• Không thiết: More literary, meaning "to have no desire for", "to not care for".
  • Anh ta không thiết danh lợi. (He has no desire for fame and fortune.)

Related Phrases

• Chẳng cần chi: A Southern Vietnamese variant, meaning "don't need (anything)" or "no need at all".
  • Cám ơn, chẳng cần chi đâu. (Thank you, but I don't need anything.)
• Chẳng cần nói: Means "it goes without saying" or "needless to say".
  • Chẳng cần nói, ai cũng biết kết quả. (It goes without saying, everyone knows the result.)

Related Idioms

• Chẳng cần mũi tên, cũng biết chim bay: Literally "Even without the arrow, you still know the bird flies". This idiom means the outcome or truth is obvious and doesn't require proof or further explanation. It is similar in meaning to "It's plain as day."

1. Not to care, not to need
   • Tôi chẳng cần quan tâm anh là ai
     I don't care who you are
   • Anh ta chẳng cần ai nhắc nhở anh ta điều đó
     He doesn't need to be reminded about it