🟢 Negative Expressions in Korean "안하다? vs 못하다?": – Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)

Do you know the difference between 안하다 and 못하다 in Korean? Both mean “not do” or “can’t do,” but they’re used in different situations. Beginners often mix them up, but understanding this difference will make your Korean sound much more natural.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:

Understand the meaning difference between 안하다 and 못하다
Use each negative form correctly in simple sentences
Avoid common mistakes beginners make with negative expressions

📝 Essential Vocabulary

안하다 (an-hada) – to not do (intentional choice)
못하다 (mot-hada) – to cannot do (lack of ability or impossible)
숙제 (suk-je) – homework
운동 (un-dong) – exercise
요리 (yo-ri) – cooking

💡 Key Sentence Patterns

안하다 = don’t do (on purpose)

저는 커피를 안 마셔요.
Jeoneun keopi-reul an masyeoyo.
I don’t drink coffee. (by choice)

못하다 = can’t do (unable to)

저는 수영을 못해요.
Jeoneun suyeong-eul mothaeyo.
I can’t swim. (lack of ability)

🗣 Practice Dialogue

A: 오늘 운동해요?
Oneul undong-haeyo?
Are you exercising today?

B: 아니요, 오늘은 운동 안 해요.
Aniyo, oneul-eun undong an haeyo.
No, I’m not exercising today. (by choice)

A: 왜요? 시간이 없어요?
Waeyo? Sigani eopseoyo?
Why? Do you not have time?

B: 네, 너무 바빠서 못 해요.
Ne, neomu bappaseo mot haeyo.
Yes, I’m too busy, so I can’t.

🧩 Teacher’s Tips

Beginners often confuse 안하다 and 못하다. Remember this simple rule: 안하다 is when you choose not to do something, while 못하다 is when you want to do it but can’t (no time, no ability, etc.). Practice with real examples from your daily life—try writing two sentences today: one with 안하다 and one with 못하다!

🎯 Pop Quiz

1. How do you say “I don’t cook” (by choice)?

Answer

저는 요리 안 해요. (Jeoneun yori an haeyo.)

2. How do you say “I can’t cook” (lack of skill)?

Answer

저는 요리 못 해요. (Jeoneun yori mot haeyo.)

3. Which expression would you use if you are sick and can’t attend class: 안하다 or 못하다?

Answer

못하다

🌏 Did You Know?

In Korean, negative forms can also be made with ~지 않다 (formal) and ~지 못하다 (formal negative inability). These are often used in writing or formal speech, such as news articles or announcements.

📦 Final Thoughts

Mastering the difference between 안하다 and 못하다 will make your Korean sound more natural and accurate. Start by noticing when you “choose not to do” versus when you “can’t do” something—this simple awareness helps a lot!

📘 More Posts You’ll Find Helpful!

❶ Talking About Food You Like – Beginner Level

❷ Using 있다 and 없다 – Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)

❸ What to Say at a Korean Café – Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)

📚 Want to practice these negative expressions in real conversation?
Book a lesson with me on italki and get personalized feedback to use 안하다 and 못하다 naturally.

💬 Stay connected for new updates: Visit My Blog | Join My italki Lessons

Your feedback and comments inspire me to keep creating helpful content for Korean learners! 🙏

About the Author

I’m an office worker with 20 years of experience who enjoys studying English and Japanese. Through this blog, I share simple guides to help you learn Korean and understand Korean culture better.