Polite Request Not to Act vs Strict Rule Prohibition
How do you say “don't” in Korean? It depends on whether you are making a polite request or stating an objective rule:
- -지 마세요 (Polite negative request / advice): - “Please don't...” - Focuses on asking the listener not to do something. - 예: 너무 무리하지 마세요 (Please don't overwork yourself). - -(으)면 안 돼요 (Rule / Absolute prohibition): - “You must not... / It is against the rules” - States that something is strictly prohibited or unacceptable by law, rules, or morality. - 예: 여기서 담배를 피우면 안 돼요 (You must not smoke here / Smoking is forbidden).
Health / Well-being늦게 자지 마세요 · 늦게 자면 안 돼요
Public law / Rule사진 찍지 마세요 · 사진 찍으면 안 돼요
Safety warning뛰지 마세요 · 뛰면 안 돼요
Kind reassurance걱정하지 마세요 · 걱정하면 안 돼요 (Too forceful)
Notice that for comforting someone, 걱정하지 마세요 (Don't worry) is natural and caring. Saying 걱정하면 안 돼요 sounds harsh, like commanding their feelings!
도서관 안에서는 통화하면 안 돼요.You must not talk on the phone inside the library. (-(으)면 안 돼요 rule)
감기 걸렸을 때는 찬물을 마시지 마세요.When you have a cold, please do not drink cold water. (-지 마세요 advice)
시험 중에는 옆 사람과 이야기하면 안 됩니다.During the exam, talking with others is strictly forbidden.
연습 Practice
이 레슨에는 풀어 보는 문제가 6개 있습니다. 앱에서 하나씩 맞히며 넘어갑니다. 6 exercises come with this lesson — open it to work through them.
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