How to Express Negation in Korean

Understanding Basic Negation in Korean

In Korean, negation is primarily expressed with two main words: 안 (an) and 못 (mot). Each of these words is used in different contexts to convey the idea of not doing something. Let's delve into how these are used.

Using 안 for Simple Negation

The word 안 is placed before a verb to negate it. It is equivalent to using "not" in English. For example, 나는 안 가요 ([na-neun an ga-yo]) means "I am not going."

Expressing Inability with 못

못 is used to convey inability or impossibility to do something. It is positioned before the verb similarly to 안. For instance, 나는 못 가요 ([na-neun mot ga-yo]) means "I can't go."

Combining Negative Sentence Structures

Sometimes, 안 and 못 can be combined with other grammatical elements to construct more complex negative sentences. Examples include using them with -지 않다 (-ji an-ta) for formal or written Korean, where the negative element follows the verb.

Exceptions and Nuances in Negative Expressions

There are some exceptions to these rules, as certain verbs require understanding how to strategically place 안 or 못 to retain an authentic Korean tone. Always consider the verb form and context.

Using Negative Questions

To form negative questions in Korean, add 안 or 못 to the beginning of a sentence, or use -지 않아요? (-ji an-ayo?) at the end. For example, 안 가요? means "Aren't you going?"