KHÔNG vs CHƯA

How to make Questions with KHÔNG vs CHƯA

Welcome back to the series where we make “không” less confusing and a lot more fun!

You already know that

• “Không” is often used to mean “not” or to form questions.
• “Không” helps you order food with nothing inside… or only the basics.
• Now, “Không” vs “Chưa” both are used in yes/no questions, but what’s the difference?KHÔNG

When you ask a question with KHÔNG, you’re trying to find out whether something is true or not — right now or in the future.

👉 Think of it like:

• “Do you like it?”
• “Are you tired?”
• “Will you go?”

🧩 Sentence Pattern:

[Subject] + [Verb/Adjective] + KHÔNG?

🎯 Answers to Expect:

Có (Yes)

Không (No)

🔄 Tip: For extra clarity, many speakers repeat the verb/adjective in the answer.
Ex: “Bạn mệt không?” → “Có, mình mệt.” / “Không, mình không mệt.”

CHƯA

Use CHƯA when you want to know if someone has already done something. It’s about checking whether an action is completed yet.

👉 Think of it like:

• “Have you eaten yet?”
• “Have you finished?”
• “Have you seen it yet?”

🧩 Sentence Pattern:

[Subject] + [Verb] + CHƯA?

💬 Examples in Real Life:

• Bạn ăn chưa?Have you eaten yet?
• Cậu xem phim đó chưa?Have you seen that movie yet?
• Bạn làm bài tập chưa?Have you done your homework yet?
• Mẹ về nhà chưa?Has Mom come home yet?

🎯 Answers to Expect:

Rồi (Yes, already)

Chưa (No, not yet)

🔄 Tip: It’s very natural to repeat the verb in your answer too.
Ex: “Bạn ăn chưa?” → “Rồi, mình ăn rồi.” / “Chưa, mình chưa ăn.”

💡 Simple Tip to Choose:

✔️ Whether something is or will be true, use KHÔNG.
➤ Do you like coffee? → Bạn thích cà phê không? → Thích/ or Không (mình không thích).

✔️ Whether something has happened yet, use CHƯA.
➤ Have you had coffee yet? → Bạn uống cà phê chưa? → Rồi/ or Chưa (mình chưa uống).

Or just ask yourself:
– Am I asking if it is true? → Use KHÔNG
– Am I asking if it’s happened yet? → Use CHƯA

🗣 Practice Time! Can You Translate These?

1. Have you eaten yet? → _____________________
2. Are you tired? → _____________________
3. Have you done your homework yet? → _____________________
4. Do you want to go out tonight? → _____________________
5. Has she come home yet? → _____________________

✅ Want to check your answers? Please send it to me!