Korean · Greetings & Essentials
"Not" in Korean: 안
안an
Not in Korean is 안 (an). 안 goes before many predicates; with 하다 activity verbs it often sits between the activity noun and 해요.
Not: starting the exchange
오늘은 안 가요.oneureun an gayo.
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How to pronounce 안
Say it
an
/an/
안 is read an. In 안 가요, read the full phrase as an gayo.
"Not" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 안an | Not The inventory form for not. | The inventory form for not. |
| 안 가요an gayo | I do not go 안 goes before many predicates; with 하다 activity verbs it often sits between the activity noun and 해요. | 안 goes before many predicates; with 하다 activity verbs it often sits between the activity noun and 해요. |
How to use 안 in real life
- 1Not: starting the exchange
오늘은 안 가요.
oneureun an gayo.
I am not going today.
안 goes before many predicates; with 하다 activity verbs it often sits between the activity noun and 해요.
- 2Not: adding useful context
저는 고기를 안 먹어요.
jeoneun gogireul an meogeoyo.
I do not eat meat.
This sentence places 안 in a complete exchange.
- 3Not: a different conversation
숙제를 안 했어요.
sukjereul an haesseoyo.
I did not do the homework.
This sentence places 안 in a complete exchange.
Mistakes English speakers make with 안
Incorrect: 숙제를 안 하다요.
Correct: 숙제를 안 해요.
When practicing not, for polite present speech, 하다 becomes 해요; do not add 요 to the dictionary form.
Incorrect: 저는 고기를 아니요 먹어요.
Correct: 저는 고기를 안 먹어요.
When practicing not, 안 negates the eating predicate; 아니요 is a response word and does not replace 안 here.
Good to know
안 goes before many predicates; with 하다 activity verbs it often sits between the activity noun and 해요.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led greetings and essentials study exercise: two sentences with 안
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
오늘은 안 가요.
oneureun an gayo.
I am not going today.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
저는 고기를 안 먹어요.
jeoneun gogireul an meogeoyo.
I do not eat meat.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Not" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Not" in Korean
What does 안 mean?
Not in Korean is 안 (an). 안 goes before many predicates; with 하다 activity verbs it often sits between the activity noun and 해요.
When should I say 안 가요?
안 goes before many predicates; with 하다 activity verbs it often sits between the activity noun and 해요.
How does 안 가요 differ from the basic expression?
안 가요 means “I do not go”. 안 goes before many predicates; with 하다 activity verbs it often sits between the activity noun and 해요.
Can I use 안 in a full sentence?
오늘은 안 가요. means “I am not going today.” 안 goes before many predicates; with 하다 activity verbs it often sits between the activity noun and 해요.
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