并不 · 根本不
actually not (not as you think) · not at all
Structure
主语 + 并 + 不／没 + 动词／形容词 · 主语 + 根本 + 不／没 + 动词
What it means
Both strengthen a negative. 并不／并没有 corrects what someone thinks or expects: “actually not”. 根本不／根本没 is stronger: “not at all, not in the least”.
How it is built
Subject + 并／根本 + 不／没 + verb／adjective: 这个问题其实并不复杂 (this problem actually isn’t complicated). 我根本不认识这个人 (I don’t know this person at all).
When to use it
Use 并不 to correct an assumption, often with 其实: 他说他来过，其实他并没有来. Use 根本 for a flat denial; it can sound impatient. Both are a little like 一点儿也不 (h2-3).
Watch out
They come before 不 or 没, not after: ✗ 我不根本知道。 ✓ 我根本不知道。 In this meaning both need a negative after them.
Examples
这个问题其实并不复杂。
This problem actually isn’t complicated.
他说他来过，其实他并没有来。
He says he came, but in fact he didn’t.
我根本不认识这个人。
I don’t know this person at all.
他根本没听我说话。
He didn’t listen to a word I said.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 14: 保护熊猫 (Saving the panda)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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