How to use 一点也不
Subj. + 一点 + 也 / 都 + 不 + Adj.
一点也不 and 一点都不 deny even a minimal degree of a quality or feeling. Put the expression before the description you want to negate. The effect is stronger than an ordinary 不: the speaker rules out the quality altogether in the relevant context. 儿 can be added to 点 in varieties that use that pronunciation.
The construction also works with suitable verbs, especially feelings and attitudes such as liking, wanting, or caring. It does not simply mean “not often,” and should not be substituted mechanically for every negative action sentence. Keep 也 or 都 between 一点 and the negative. The adjective or verb after 不 tells the listener exactly what is being denied.
Examples with pinyin and English
那个问题一点儿也不难。
That question isn't difficult at all.
这个菜一点都不好吃。
This dish isn't tasty at all.
我同事一点都不幽默。
My colleague is not humorous at all.
这个笑话一点也不好笑。
This joke isn't funny at all.
What to remember
- 一点 emphasizes the smallest possible degree.
- Keep 也 or 都 before 不.
- Suitable attitude verbs also fit.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.