gar nicht
Translation
not at all
Examples
Ich mag das gar nicht.
I don't like that at all.
Das ist gar nicht so schwer.
That's not so difficult at all.
Grammar Patterns
gar nicht + Verb/Adjective not at all I don't like that at all.
Similar Words
Synonyms: überhaupt nicht (not at all), keineswegs (by no means); Antonyms: sehr (very), total (totally)
Etymology
A combination of 'gar' (completely, very) and 'nicht' (not). Literally 'completely not'.
Memory Tips
'gar' acts as an amplifier for 'nicht'. Imagine shouting 'NOT AT ALL!' – that's the feeling of 'gar nicht'.