Definition

Verb phrase: 1. To dare not; to not dare: Expresses a lack of courage, confidence, or permission to perform an action. It indicates hesitation or fear of consequences. 2. (Polite formula) You're welcome; Don't mention it; Not at all: A polite, humble response to thanks or an apology, literally downplaying one's own merit or right to be thanked.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase (to dare not):
  • Cô ta không dám nói với tôi. (She dare not speak to me.)
  • Tôi không dám đi một mình vào ban đêm. (I dare not go alone at night.)
  • Nó không dám làm trái lời bố mẹ. (He does not dare to disobey his parents.)
• Polite formula (response):
  • "Cảm ơn anh đã giúp đỡ." – "Không dám." ("Thank you for your help." – "You're welcome." / "Don't mention it.")
  • "Xin lỗi vì đã làm phiền." – "Không dám." ("Sorry for disturbing you." – "Not at all.")

Advanced Usage

• "Không dám đâu": A stronger or more emphatic refusal, often used among peers, meaning "I really wouldn't dare" or "No way, I don't dare."
  • "Ăn hết đi!" – "Không dám đâu, nhiều quá." ("Finish it!" – "I really couldn't, it's too much.")
• Used to express extreme modesty or deference, often in hierarchical or formal relationships, by lowering oneself relative to the other person.

Variants and Related Words

• Dám (verb): To dare.
  • Anh ấy dám làm mọi thứ. (He dares to do everything.)
• Không dám nhận (verb phrase): To not dare to accept (often used humbly when receiving a compliment or gift).
  • Lời khen quá lớn, tôi không dám nhận. (The praise is too great, I dare not accept it.)

Synonyms

• Không có can đảm: To not have the courage.
• E ngại: To hesitate due to worry or concern.
• Ngại: To be reluctant, to shy away from.
• (For polite response) Đừng khách sáo: Don't stand on ceremony.

Related Phrases

• Không dám chắc: To not dare to be sure; to be uncertain.
  • Tôi không dám chắc anh ấy có đến không. (I'm not sure if he will come.)
• Không dám phiền: A polite way to say "I don't dare to trouble/bother you."
  • Thôi, không dám phiền anh nữa. (That's enough, I dare not trouble you further.)

Related Idioms

• Không dám hé răng: Literally "dare not show one's teeth"; meaning to not dare to say a word, to remain completely silent out of fear or respect.
  • Trước mặt sếp, nó không dám hé răng. (In front of the boss, he doesn't dare to say a word.)

verb

1. to dare not
   • cô ta không dám nói với tôi
     She dare not speak to me