When do I use 안 vs 못 in Korean?

안 means not/don’t (choice or intention), while 못 means can’t/couldn’t (inability or external reason).

How do I choose between 안 and 못 quickly?

Ask yourself: Is it my choice not to do it? Use 안. Is it impossible due to ability or situation? Use 못.

🚫 Negative Sentences: Choosing Between "안" and "못" Like a Native

"안 해요" or "못 해요"? Choosing the wrong negative can change your entire meaning. Teacher Hoon explains the golden rule of Choice vs. Inability for TOPIK 1-2 learners.

Visual representation of negative choices in Korean grammar

The "Golden Rule" of Negation (EEAT Tip)

As a teacher with 20 years of experience, I see students struggle with this every day. The secret is simple: 안 (An) is about your WILL (I choose not to), while 못 (Mot) is about your LACK OF POWER (I want to, but I can't). Master this, and you'll avoid 90% of beginner misunderstandings!

📚 Breaking it Down: Choice vs. Ability

🙅‍♂️ 안 (An) = Intention/Choice:
"저는 아침을 안 먹어요." (I don't eat breakfast — by choice.)
❌ 못 (Mot) = Inability/External Reason:
"저는 아침을 못 먹어요." (I can't eat breakfast — maybe I'm too busy or sick.)

🗣️ Useful Daily Expressions

안 가요 (I'm not going — Intended)
못 가요 (I can't go — Blocked by schedule)
안 봐요 (I don't watch it — Personal preference)
못 봐요 (I can't see it — No vision or no ticket)

💡 Teacher Hoon's Pro Nuance Tip

Watch out for the phrase "안 되겠다!". Literally, it means "It won't work," but Koreans use it as an idiom for "I can't take it anymore!" or "That's it!".
Example: "너무 배고파서 안 되겠다. 뭐라도 먹자!" (I'm so hungry, I can't stand it. Let's eat!)

📝 Quick Pop Quiz

Fill in the blank with 안 or 못:

비가 와서 산에 ____ 가요. (I can't go to the mountain because of rain.)
친구를 자주 ____ 만나요. (I don't meet my friend often — habitual.)

Check Answers

1. 못 (External reason: rain)
2. 안 (Habit/Choice)

🌏 Cultural Insight: The Humble "Mot"

Koreans often use 못 (Mot) even when they can do something, as a way of being humble. If someone compliments your Korean, saying "아니에요, 잘 못 해요" (No, I can't do it well) is a very polite and natural response!

Still Struggling with Nuance?

Don't let grammar hold back your personality! Book a 1:1 "Speaking & Grammar" session with Hoon on italki. We'll practice real-life scenarios—like refusing an invitation or explaining why you're late—until your "An" and "Mot" flow automatically!

🚀 Master Korean Negatives with Hoon

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