🚫 Making Negative Sentences in Korean (Beginner Level)

Learning how to say “not” or “can’t” in Korean is easier than you think! In this post, you’ll learn how to use 안 and 못 correctly to make negative sentences. Let’s help you avoid confusion and speak like a native! 😄

📌 What’s the Difference Between 안 and 못?

Negative Word	Romanization	Meaning	Use
안	an	not	General negation (won’t, don’t)
못	mot	can’t	Inability or impossibility

📌 Place 안 or 못 before the verb in most sentences. Let’s look at some examples!

🧱 Example Sentences with 안

저는 고기를 안 먹어요.
Jeoneun gogireul an meogeoyo.
I don’t eat meat.

그 영화 안 봤어요.
Geu yeonghwa an bwasseoyo.
I didn’t watch that movie.

오늘은 운동 안 해요.
Oneureun undong an haeyo.
I’m not exercising today.

🧱 Example Sentences with 못

저는 수영을 못 해요.
Jeoneun suyeongeul mot haeyo.
I can’t swim.

어제 너무 바빠서 전화 못 했어요.
Eoje neomu bappaseo jeonhwa mot haesseoyo.
I couldn’t call you yesterday because I was busy.

이 노래는 못 불러요.
I noraeneun mot bulleoyo.
I can’t sing this song.

🗣 Practice Dialogue

👩 A: 커피 마셨어요?
Keopi masyeosseoyo?
Did you drink coffee?

👨 B: 아니요, 안 마셨어요.
Aniyo, an masyeosseoyo.
No, I didn’t drink it.

👩 A: 왜요? 커피 안 좋아해요?
Waeyo? Keopi an joahaeyo?
Why? Don’t you like coffee?

👨 B: 아니요, 못 마셔요. 카페인에 민감해요.
Aniyo, mot masyeoyo. Kapeine mingamhaeyo.
No, I can’t drink it. I'm sensitive to caffeine.

💡 Did You Know?

Korea is one of the most wired countries in the world! 🌐 It has some of the fastest internet speeds and is a leader in 5G technology. Even in subways, mountains, and cafes, you’ll rarely lose connection. 📶 This tech-savvy culture helps Korean learners use online tools and apps more efficiently too!

💬 Practice Korean with Me on italki!

Still unsure about when to use 안 or 못? Let’s practice real conversations together on italki! Whether it's grammar, speaking, or culture — I’ve got you covered. 🧡

💌 Final Thoughts:
Using “안” and “못” correctly will make you sound more fluent and natural. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes — that’s how you learn! 😊