Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Not at all, never, by no means: "không hề" is an emphatic negative adverb used to strongly deny that something has ever happened, exists, or is true. It expresses a complete absence or negation.

Usage

• Position: Typically placed before the main verb or adjective it modifies to emphasize the negation.
• Function: Used to make a negative statement much stronger than using just "không". It is equivalent to "not...ever" or "not...at all" in English.
• Tone: Conveys a sense of absolute certainty and emphasis.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Tôi không hề biết tin đó. (I did not know that news at all.)
  • Cô ấy không hề sợ hãi. (She was not afraid in the slightest.)
  • Đó là một điều tôi không hề mong muốn. (That is something I never wanted.)

Advanced Usage

• "không hề... một chút nào": not... in the slightest bit; not... one bit. This is an even more emphatic structure.
  • Anh ta không hề hối hận một chút nào. (He did not regret it one bit.)
• "chưa hề": has/have never yet. This variant is used when negating an action up to the present moment.
  • Tôi chưa hề đến nước đó. (I have never been to that country.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chẳng hề (adv): A more colloquial synonym with the same meaning as "không hề".
  • Nó chẳng hề quan tâm. (He doesn't care at all.)
• Không (adv): The basic word for "no" or "not". "Không hề" is its emphatic form.
• Chưa từng (adv): Has/have never. Similar to "chưa hề".

Synonyms

• Hoàn toàn không: Completely not.
• Tuyệt đối không: Absolutely not.
• Chưa bao giờ: Never (used for past events up to now).

Related Phrases

• Không hề hay biết: To be completely unaware.
  • Tôi không hề hay biết về kế hoạch của họ. (I was completely unaware of their plan.)
• Không hề suy nghĩ: To not think (about it) at all.
  • Anh ấy hành động mà không hề suy nghĩ. (He acted without thinking at all.)

Related Idioms

• Không hề chi: It's nothing; don't mention it. (A polite response to "thank you" or "sorry", though "không có chi" is more common.)
  • "Cảm ơn bạn." – "Không hề chi." ("Thank you." – "It's nothing.")

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