In the expression "너무 안 매워요.", the ambiguity arises from whether "너무" (too) modifies the entire phrase "안 매워요." (not spicy) or just the word "안" (not). Specifically:
If "너무" modifies the entire phrase "안 매워요.": In this case, "너무 안 매워요." means that the food is generally not spicy at all. It emphasizes that the food lacks spiciness completely.
If "너무" modifies just "안": In this case, "너무" emphasizes the degree of "안" (not), suggesting that the food is somewhat spicy, but the level of spiciness is not as strong as expected. It conveys that the spiciness is not very intense.
This ambiguity occurs because the meaning changes depending on whether "너무" is modifying the whole phrase or just part of it. In Korean, such ambiguous expressions can vary in interpretation based on context and the speaker's intent.
In the case of "너무 안 매워요.", the meaning can be interpreted ambiguously, so it is better to use a sentence like the one below to convey a clear meaning to the listener.
그 음식은 전혀 안 매워요. (That food is not spicy at all.)
그 음식은 완전(히) 안 매워요. (That food is completely not spicy.)
그 음식은 조금도 안 매워요. (That food is not even a little spicy.)
그 음식은 하나도 안 매워요. (That food is not spicy at all.)
그 음식은 아예 안 매워요. (That food is not spicy at all / That food is not spicy in the slightest.)
그 음식은 정말 안 매워요. (That food is really not spicy.)
그 음식은 1도 안 매워요. (That food is not spicy at all. : This phrase "그 음식은 1도 안 매워요." uses "1도," which is a modern slang expression commonly used in Korea. "1도" means "not even a little" or "not at all," and it’s an informal way to emphasize that there is absolutely none of something. This expression is frequently used among the younger generation and in internet culture. So, while this phrase is often used in casual conversations or among friends, it’s best to avoid using it in formal settings.
그 음식은 조금/좀 매워요. (That food is a little spicy.)
그 음식은 약간 매워요. (That food is slightly spicy.)
그 음식은 살짝 매워요. (That food is mildly spicy.)
In the case of "전혀 안 매워요", "전혀" modifies "안," and its meaning is conveyed very clearly. "전혀" means 'completely,' 'not at all,' or 'absolutely,' and it serves to reinforce the phrase "안 매워요." (not spicy).
Therefore, "전혀 안 매워요." means that there is absolutely no spiciness, and this expression carries no ambiguity. In other words, "전혀" combines with "안" to clearly convey that there is no spiciness at all.
This is different from the expression "너무 안 매워요.". While "너무" can introduce ambiguity, "전혀" inherently signifies absolute negation, so "전혀 안 매워요." can only be interpreted as not spicy at all.