Wondering how to say “can’t” in Korean? This phrase is commonly used to express inability, and there are several ways to express “can’t” depending on the context.
The most common way to say “can’t” in Korean is using the structure -ㄹ/을 수 없다 (-ㄹ/eul su eopda), which conveys the inability to do something.
In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to say “can’t” in Korean, with practical examples and tips for each. Plus, we’ll clarify common misconceptions so you can confidently use these phrases in conversation.
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How to Say “Can’t” in Korean
Below are the different ways to say “can’t” in Korean, plus some example sentences.
불가능 (bulganeung)
The closest option to the word “can’t” as vocabulary would be 불가능 (bulganeung), which translates to “impossible” or that something cannot be done. However, to learn how to say can’t in Korean, you need to be aware that it is more often expressed as a part of grammar rather than new vocabulary. There are a few grammar patterns with which you can express this, depending on what meaning you are after.
-ㄹ/을 수 없다 (–ㄹ/eul su eopda)
The first grammar pattern with which to say can’t in Korean is -ㄹ/을 수 없다 (-ㄹ/eul su eopda). For example, if you combine it with the verb 가다 (gada), which means ‘to go’, you get 갈 수 없다 (gal su eopda), which translates to ‘can’t go’. Of course, you will need add more to the sentence for it to make sense.
Example:
1. 미안하지만 오늘 만날 수 없어요. (mianhajiman oneul mannal su eopseoyo.)
I’m sorry but I cannot meet today.
2. 더 이상 그 남자의 말을 믿을 수 없어서 헤어졌어. (deo isang geu namjaui mareul mideul su eopseoseo heeojyeosseo.)
I could no longer believe in his words so I broke up with him.
-ㄹ 줄 모르다 (-ㄹ jul moreuda)
The second option to use is -ㄹ 줄 모르다 (- ㄹ jul moreuda). This is the structure you can use to express that you do not know how to do something, for example if you do not know how to cook.
1. 저는 아직 스페인어를 하나도 할 줄 몰라요. (jeoneun ajik seupeineoreul hanado hal jul mollayo.)
I cannot speak any Spanish yet.
-면 안되다 (-myeon andoeda)
The third one is -면 안되다 (- myeon andoeda). This one you will use when you want to say that someone is not allowed to do something.
1. 오늘 술 마시면 안돼. → (oneul sul masimyeon andwae.)
We can’t drink today.
못하다 (mothada)
Another option in some cases is 못하다 (mothada). This is similar to -ㄹ 줄 모르다 (- ㄹ jul moreuda), although it is often used together with the word 잘 (jal) to indicate that one is not good at something rather than that one doesn’t at all know how to do something.
How to Remember (Association)
To remember how to say “can’t” in Korean, we’ll create an English association for it. This can be any word, phrase, or image that helps you recall the Korean word and its meaning. We’ll create an association for the first grammar pattern: 수 없다 (su eopda).
So how can we remember 수 없다 (su eopda)? It sounds like you’re saying soap dad.
I can’t bathe without soap, dad. (수 없다/su eopda)
A word of caution about Romanization
While it is possible for you to study the words in this article simply by reading their romanized versions, it will come in handy for you to be able to read Hangeul if you ever wish to come to Korea. Hangeul is the Korean alphabet, and not difficult to learn. In fact, you can learn it in just 90 minutes.
After you’ve familiarized yourself with Hangeul, life in Korea will suddenly seem so much easier and the country won’t appear so foreign for you. So, if you’re serious about learning Korean, why not learn Hangeul today?
What to do next after learning how to say “‘Can’t’” in Korean
Now that you’ve learned how to say “can’t” in Korean, it’s time to expand your language skills further! Here are some next steps to keep building your Korean vocabulary and understanding:
- Korean Grammar for Beginners – Explore basic Korean grammar structures that will help you form more complex sentences and enhance your communication skills.
- Korean Verb Conjugation – Master the art of conjugating Korean verbs to communicate effectively in various tenses and levels of politeness.
- How to Say “Can” in Korean – Learn how to use “-ㄹ 수 있다 (-eul su itda)” to express ability and possibility. This phrase will help you communicate what you can do in Korean with ease and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below, we’ve covered the most common questions related to using the word “aunt” in Korean.
How do you say “not” in Korean formally?
In formal Korean, the word “안” (an) is commonly used to negate verbs and adjectives, meaning “not.” For a more formal tone, you can also use “~지 않다” (~ji antda), which is attached to the verb stem. For example, “하지 않습니다” (haji anseumnida) means “I do not do.” Both forms are important for maintaining politeness in formal settings.
What is “andwae” in Korean?
Andwae” (안돼) is an informal way to say “no” or “it can’t be” in Korean. It’s often used to express strong refusal, disbelief, or when something is unacceptable. While it’s common in casual conversations or dramatic situations, it’s less appropriate in formal settings, where a more polite expression like “안 됩니다” (an doemnida) would be used.
Is “Hajima” formal?
No, “Hajima” (하지마) is an informal expression used to tell someone “don’t” or “stop.” It’s commonly used among friends, family, or in casual situations. If you need to use a more formal or polite version, you would say “하지 마세요” (haji maseyo), which is appropriate in more respectful or professional contexts.
Wrap up
As we wrap up, we explored how to say “can’t” in Korean, focusing on the key phrase -ㄹ/을 수 없다 and its variations. These expressions are crucial in conveying inability, a common aspect of everyday conversation in Korean.
You also learned about informal expressions like “안 돼” and how to use these in various contexts. These insights help you communicate more naturally in Korean.
Have questions or want to share your thoughts? Comment down below!
