Hi Weng Fook,

Thank you very much for your question.

"Không hút thuốc" literally means "not smoke". So you can use it simply as a negative form of the verb "hút thuốc" (to smoke). For example, you can say: "Tôi không hút thuốc" (I don't smoke) or "Tôi muốn một phòng không hút thuốc" (I want a non-smoking room).

"Cấm hút thuốc" literally means "Smoking is forbidden", it expresses an obligation. This phrase is only used as a sign in public places.

I hope you'll find my explanation clear enough.

Please do not hesitate to ask me if you have more questions or concerns.

Have a nice weekend,

Giang

VietnamesePod101.com

1) Không hút thuốc

While I was in a public bus in HCM, I noticed the following sign

2) Cam hút thuốc

What is the difference between the above 2 sentences ?

Rgds

WF