Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Not once; never (at any time): Used to strongly emphasize that something has never happened or is absolutely not the case. It conveys a sense of absolute negation regarding an action or state over a period of time.

Usage

• Position in Sentence: Typically placed before the main verb in the sentence to negate it.
• Function: Used for strong, emphatic negation. It is more literary or formal than the common "không bao giờ".
• Tone: Conveys a definitive, absolute, and sometimes solemn or serious tone.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Tôi chớ hề biết đến điều đó. (I have never known about that.)
  • Anh ấy chớ hề nói dối. (He has not once told a lie.)
  • Chúng tôi chớ hề có ý định làm hại ai. (We never had any intention to harm anyone.)

Advanced Usage

• "chớ hề... cả": A reinforcing structure for even stronger emphasis, though "chớ hề" alone is already strong.
  • Nó chớ hề sợ hãi cả. (He is not at all afraid.)
• Used in proverbs, formal writing, or solemn declarations to express an absolute principle or truth.
  • Làm người chớ hề tham lam. (As a person, one must never be greedy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Không bao giờ: (Adverb phrase) Never. This is the most common, neutral equivalent.
• Chẳng bao giờ: (Adverb phrase) Never (similar to "không bao giờ", can sound slightly more colloquial or emphatic).
• Chưa từng: (Adverb) Have/has never (before). Focuses on the lack of past experience up to now.
• Đừng hề: (Imperative adverb) Don't ever. Used in negative commands or advice.
  • Đừng hề nghĩ đến chuyện đó nữa. (Don't ever think about that again.)

Synonyms

• Không một lần nào: Not a single time.
• Tuyệt đối không: Absolutely not.
• Chưa từng có: Has never happened/existed.

Related Phrases

• Chớ... bao giờ: A variant structure with the same meaning, where "chớ" and "bao giờ" frame the verb.
  • Chớ đến đó bao giờ. (Never go there.)

Related Idioms

• Chớ hề nao núng: Never be discouraged/shaken.
  • Trước khó khăn, chúng ta chớ hề nao núng. (In the face of difficulty, we must never be discouraged.)
• Chớ hề xao lãng: Never neglect.
  • Chớ hề xao lãng nhiệm vụ. (Never neglect your duty.)

1. Not once