chớ
Don't (Warning)
Chớ is a strong, formal word for 'don't' or 'never'. It is placed directly before a verb to issue a serious warning or piece of advice.
How It Works
Position: Place chớ directly before the verb or verb phrase: chớ + Verb.
Common Pairings:
- Chớ nên + Verb: Softens the tone into formal advice ("should not" or "ought not to").
- Chớ có + Verb: Makes the warning more emphatic or threatening ("don't you dare" or "make sure you don't").
- Chớ vội + Verb: Don't rush to.
- Chớ hề + Verb: Never / absolutely do not.
Register and Usage:
Chớ is formal and literary. It is actively used in modern written contexts, formal warnings, public signs, and journalism. It is rarely used in everyday casual speech, where you should use đừng instead. Learners will also frequently encounter chớ in proverbs and idioms, such as Chớ thấy sóng cả mà ngã tay chèo (Don't drop the oars just because you see big waves).
Important Distinction:
Do not confuse this prohibitive chớ (placed before a verb) with the Southern pronunciation of chứ. In the South, chứ is often pronounced and spelled as chớ. It can be placed at the end of a sentence to mean "of course" or "right?", or used as a conjunction in the middle of a sentence meaning "but rather" or "instead" (e.g., Tôi mua chớ không mượn).
Examples (5)
- Chớ nên coi thường lỗi nhỏ.
You should not underestimate small mistakes.
Word by Word: Do not should underestimate mistake small.
Using 'chớ nên' softens the prohibition into a piece of formal, wise advice.
- Chớ có dại mà nghe lời nó.
Do not be so foolish as to listen to him. / Don't you dare foolishly listen to him.
Word by Word: Do not dare foolish so that listen words him.
Adding 'có' makes the warning highly emphatic and slightly threatening.
- Chớ vì thất bại mà nản lòng.
Do not be dispirited because of failure.
Word by Word: Do not because failure so that discouraged.
A classic literary or proverbial structure offering strong encouragement.
- Các em chớ quên lời thầy dặn.
Do not forget the teacher's instructions, students.
Word by Word: Plural younger sibling do not forget words male teacher instruct.
A formal instruction from a teacher to students, carrying a serious tone.
- Chớ thấy sóng cả mà ngã tay chèo.
Don't drop the oars just because you see big waves.
Word by Word: Do not see waves big so that fall hands row.
A common proverb encouraging perseverance in the face of difficulties, showcasing the traditional use of 'chớ'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'chớ' for everyday, casual 'don't' commands.
Chớ gọi cho tôi.Đừng gọi cho tôi.Because dictionaries translate 'chớ' as 'do not', learners often use it for simple daily requests. However, 'chớ' is highly formal and carries a heavy, cautionary tone. Using it in casual speech makes you sound unnaturally theatrical or harsh. Always use đừng for everyday situations.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'chớ', you should first be familiar with the basic negative imperative 'đừng'. Since 'chớ' is often used in formal warnings or literary contexts, understanding how Vietnamese handles commands without verb conjugation is necessary.
Related Patterns
- không được + VerbNot Allowed to
'Không được' expresses a strict, objective rule or lack of permission (like on a sign), while 'chớ' is a strong subjective warning or moral advice from the speaker.
Level 2 - chứRight? / of Course
In Southern Vietnamese, 'chứ' is often pronounced and spelled as 'chớ'. It can be used as a final particle ('of course' or 'right?') or a conjunction ('but rather'), unlike the warning 'chớ' which goes before the verb.
Level 2 - không nênShould Not
'Không nên' means 'should not' and offers general advice. It is similar to 'chớ nên', but 'chớ nên' is more formal and literary.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice chớ in Bubblegum
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