Korean Negation: Dist

Korean negation works by adding a specific word or ending.

The short form uses the word 안.

Think of 안 as the word "not" in English.

You simply place it before the verb or adjective.

It is fast, easy, and very popular in conversation.

The long form uses the ending -지 않다.

This attaches directly to the stem of the word.

It sounds a bit more formal or literary.

You will see it in books or news reports.

Both forms mean the same thing in most cases.

However, the placement is the biggest difference you must remember.

One goes in front, and one goes at the end.

It is like choosing between a snack and a full meal.

Both satisfy you, but the vibe is different.

1. 1For the Short Form (안):
2. 2Take any verb or adjective like 가다 (to go).
3. 3Place 안 right before the verb: 안 가요 (I don't go).
4. 4For 하다 verbs, split the noun and the verb.
5. 5Example: 공부하다 becomes 공부 안 해요 (I don't study).
6. 6This is because 공부 is a noun and 하다 is the verb.
7. 7For the Long Form (-지 않다):
8. 8Take the verb stem by dropping 다.
9. 9For 먹다 (to eat), the stem is 먹.
10. 10Add -지 않다 to the stem: 먹지 않다.
11. 11Conjugate 않다 like a regular verb: 먹지 않아요.
12. 12This works for both regular and 하다 verbs without splitting them.
13. 13Example: 공부하지 않아요 (I don't study).

Use 안 when you are chatting with friends.

It is perfect for texting or casual coffee dates.

It feels natural and keeps the conversation moving quickly.

Use -지 않다 when you want to sound professional.

Think of job interviews or writing an essay for class.

It adds a layer of politeness and weight to your words.

You also use these when you simply lack the intention.

If you choose not to do something, these are your tools.

For example, "I don't eat meat" uses 안.

It is a personal choice or a general fact about you.

Even native speakers use both interchangeably in polite speech (아요/어요).

Just remember the 하다 verb rule for the short form!

It is the most common place where people trip up.

Think of it like a grammar traffic light; stop and split the word!

Don't use these for things you *cannot* do.

If you lack the ability, use 못 instead of 안.

Saying 안 가요 means "I am not going (by choice)."

Saying 못 가요 means "I cannot go (due to circumstances)."

Also, some words have their own special negative partners.

있다 (to have/be) becomes 없다, not 안 있어요.

알다 (to know) becomes 모르다, not 안 알아요.

Using 안 with these words sounds very strange to Koreans.

It is like saying "I un-know" in English.

People will understand you, but it will sound a bit "broken."

Save 안 and -지 않다 for regular verbs and adjectives.

Avoid using them with strong commands or suggestions too.

There are other patterns like -지 마세요 for that.

The biggest mistake is the 하다 verb placement.

Many people say 안 공부해요, but it should be 공부 안 해요.

Think of 공부 as the object you are not "doing."

Another mistake is using 안 with words that already have negatives.

As mentioned, 안 알아요 is a classic beginner error.

Always check if a word has a "twin" negative first.

Also, don't forget to conjugate the 않다 in the long form.

Leaving it as 먹지 않다 sounds like a dictionary entry.

You need to say 먹지 않아요 or 먹지 않습니다.

Finally, don't mix up 안 (negation) and 안 (inside).

They sound the same but the context will save you.

If you say "I am not eating inside," you use both!

안에서 안 먹어요.

Yes, Korean can be a bit of a tongue twister sometimes.

Let's look at 안 vs. 못.

안 is about your will or a simple fact.

못 is about your ability or a situation stopping you.

If you don't eat pizza because you hate it, use 안.

If you don't eat pizza because you are broke, use 못.

Then there is -지 마세요.

This is for telling *others* not to do something.

안 is for talking about yourself or describing things.

안 가요 = I am not going.

가지 마세요 = Please don't go.

Mixing these up can make you sound a bit bossy!

Make sure you know who is doing (or not doing) the action.