1.
nothing, not anything
Used with negative verb forms to mean 'nothing at all.'
何も知らない。
I don't know anything.
何も食べていない。
I haven't eaten anything.
何も見えなかった。
I couldn't see anything.
何も言わないでください。
Please don't say anything.
冷蔵庫には何もなかったので、買い物に行った。
There was nothing in the refrigerator, so I went shopping.
2.
there's no need to
Used to indicate that something is unnecessary.
何も急がなくてもいい。
There's no need to hurry.
何も泣かなくてもいいよ。
There's no need to cry.
何も心配することはない。
There's nothing to worry about.
何も謝る必要はない。
There's no need to apologize.
何もそこまで怒らなくてもいいのに。
You don't need to get that angry.
USAGE: 何も is always used with negative verb forms to mean "nothing" or "not anything." It cannot be used in affirmative sentences.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 何も食べない (to not eat anything)
- 何も言わない (to not say anything)
- 何も知らない (to not know anything)
- 何もない (there's nothing)
- 何も〜なくてもいい (there's no need to...)
CONTRAST:
- 何か (something - affirmative)
- 何も (nothing - negative)
Related Words
Contrast:
何か (something)