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không tạ ơn

/xoŋ˧˦ taː˧˨ʔ əːn˧/
phrase★Intermediate💡 ungrateful
informal

Not expressing gratitude; failing to show appreciation for kindness or help received.

Cô ấy nhận quà nhưng không tạ ơn.

She received a gift but didn't thank the giver.

Đừng như vậy, hãy tạ ơn khi người khác giúp đỡ bạn.

Don't be like that; thank others when they help you.

💡

Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe someone who lacks basic manners in expressing gratitude.

Collocations

thái độ không tạ ơnungrateful attitudengười không tạ ơnungrateful person

Synonyms

vô ơnbạc tình

Antonyms

biết ơntri ân

Related Phrases

ăn cháo đá bátidiom
to bite the hand that feeds you

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

In Vietnamese culture, expressing gratitude is highly valued. Using 'không tạ ơn' to describe someone implies they are violating social norms of politeness and reciprocity.

⚡Gold Rule

Usage

Use 'không tạ ơn' to describe a person's character or habitual behavior, not a single instance. For one-time occurrences, use 'không cảm ơn' (not thanking).

📖Word Origin

Composed of 'không' (not), 'tạ' (to thank), and 'ơn' (favor/gratitude). The phrase literally means 'not thanking favors' but functions as a compound adjective describing a lack of gratitude.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is used to describe people who fail to acknowledge kindness. It is stronger than simply 'not saying thank you' and implies a moral failing. Avoid using in formal contexts where politeness is expected.

Word Breakdown

không
not
adverb
+
tạ
to thank
verb
+
ơn
favor/gratitude
noun
Từ Điển Việt Anh

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