7 Unfiltered Lessons on How to Say ‘Not’ in Korean: The Difference Between 안 and 못, and Why It Matters

You’re at a Korean BBQ joint. The sizzling pork belly is calling your name, but you’re on a diet. You try to tell the server, “I don’t eat pork,” but it comes out as something else entirely. Maybe it’s a polite “I can’t,” or a more blunt “I don’t.” Or maybe, it’s a jumbled mess of words that leaves them confused and you sweating. I’ve been there. I once tried to say, “I can’t speak Korean well,” and it sounded more like, “I won’t speak Korean well,” which, trust me, is a much different vibe. The simple act of negation—saying “no” or “not”—in Korean is a minefield of nuance. It’s not just about a single word. It’s about two small, powerful particles: 안 (an) and 못 (mot). And if you’re trying to build a business, travel, or just connect with people in Korea, getting this right isn’t just good grammar—it’s crucial to being understood, respected, and even trusted. So, let’s grab a cup of coffee (or a soju, no judgment here) and unpack this. It’s messier than you think, but I’ve got your back.

Lesson 1: The Raw Truth About An vs. Mot

Let’s cut to the chase. In the simplest terms, 안 (an) is about choice and refusal, while 못 (mot) is about inability and external circumstances. Think of it like this: 안 is “I don’t want to/I choose not to.” It's a personal decision. 못 is “I can’t/I am unable to.” It’s a limitation. This distinction might seem subtle, but it's the difference between telling your boss, "I'm not doing this task (because I don't want to)," and "I can't do this task (because I don't have the skills/tools)." See? One is insubordination, the other is a cry for help. The stakes are real. Understanding this core difference is the first, most critical step to truly mastering how to say ‘not’ in Korean and building credibility in your communication. It’s not just a grammatical rule; it’s a cultural key.

How An and Mot Influence Perceptions

In a culture where harmony and respect are paramount, choosing the right particle can save face and prevent misunderstandings. Using 안 when you really mean 못 can come across as rude or defiant. Conversely, using 못 when you just don’t want to do something can sound like you’re making excuses. It’s a delicate dance, but the good news is that with a little practice, this becomes second nature. It's about knowing your intent before you even open your mouth. Are you expressing a personal preference or a genuine limitation? Answer that question, and you’re 90% of the way there.

Lesson 2: How to Say ‘Not’ in Korean with 안 (an)

안 (an) is the simpler of the two. It’s what you’ll use most often when you want to express a negative choice. The rule is simple: you place 안 directly before the verb or adjective you want to negate. For example, if the verb is 가다 (ga-da), meaning “to go,” you get 안 가다 (an ga-da), which means “to not go.”

Here’s the basic structure:

• Subject + 안 + Verb/Adjective

Let’s look at a few common examples:

• 먹다 (meok-da) - to eat.
  • 안 먹다 (an meok-da) - to not eat.
  • Example: 저는 오늘 점심을 안 먹어요. (Jeo-neun o-neul jeom-sim-eul an meo-geo-yo.) - I am not eating lunch today. (It's my choice.)
• 좋아하다 (jo-a-ha-da) - to like.
  • 안 좋아하다 (an jo-a-ha-da) - to not like.
  • Example: 저는 그 영화를 안 좋아해요. (Jeo-neun geu yeong-hwa-reul an jo-a-hae-yo.) - I don't like that movie. (It's my opinion.)
• 바쁘다 (ba-ppeu-da) - to be busy.
  • 안 바쁘다 (an ba-ppeu-da) - to not be busy.
  • Example: 지금은 안 바빠요. (Ji-geum-eun an ba-ppa-yo.) - I am not busy now. (It's my state of being.)

The key takeaway here is that 안 is all about volition. It’s about what you choose not to do, or what is simply not the case. It’s the safe, go-to negation particle for most situations.

Lesson 3: When to Use 못 (mot) for ‘Can’t’

Now, let’s get into 못 (mot). This one is less about choice and more about inability. It implies a lack of skill, opportunity, or permission. Think of it as a roadblock. The structure is the same as 안, but the meaning is entirely different.

The basic structure:

• Subject + 못 + Verb

IMPORTANT: Note that 못 is almost exclusively used with verbs, not adjectives. You can’t say something “can’t be pretty” in the same way you can say it “isn’t pretty.”

Let’s revisit our examples from before and see how they change with 못:

• 먹다 (meok-da) - to eat.
  • 못 먹다 (mot meok-da) - to not be able to eat.
  • Example: 저는 매운 음식을 못 먹어요. (Jeo-neun mae-un eum-sik-eul mot meo-geo-yo.) - I can't eat spicy food. (I don't have the tolerance.)
• 가다 (ga-da) - to go.
  • 못 가다 (mot ga-da) - to not be able to go.
  • Example: 바빠서 파티에 못 가요. (Ba-ppa-seo pa-ti-e mot ga-yo.) - I can't go to the party because I'm busy. (My schedule is a limitation.)

The difference is powerful, isn’t it? When you use 못, you're not just stating a fact; you're explaining a limitation. It’s an apology, an explanation, and a statement of reality all in one. Use it when you genuinely lack the ability or opportunity to do something.

Lesson 4: The Tricky Part: The ‘Do’ and ‘Be’ Verbs

Now for the part that trips everyone up. Many Korean verbs are a combination of a noun and the verb 하다 (ha-da), which means “to do.” For these verbs, you can’t just stick 안 or 못 in front of the whole thing. You have to break them apart.

The structure for these verbs is:

• Noun + 안/못 + 하다

Let's take a common one: 공부하다 (gong-bu-ha-da), meaning “to study.” You wouldn't say 안 공부하다. That just sounds… off. The correct way is to split the noun (공부, gong-bu, meaning “study”) and the verb (하다, ha-da, meaning “to do”).

Example with 안:

• 저는 어제 공부 안 했어요. (Jeo-neun eo-je gong-bu an hae-sseo-yo.) - I didn’t study yesterday. (My choice.)

Example with 못:

• 저는 피곤해서 공부 못 했어요. (Jeo-neun pi-gon-hae-seo gong-bu mot hae-sseo-yo.) - I couldn’t study because I was tired. (My fatigue was a limitation.)

This rule applies to a huge number of Korean verbs, including 전화하다 (jeon-hwa-ha-da, to make a phone call), 운동하다 (un-dong-ha-da, to exercise), and 요리하다 (yo-ri-ha-da, to cook). Mastering this split is a hallmark of a non-beginner speaker. It shows you’ve moved beyond rote memorization and are starting to grasp the underlying structure of the language.

Lesson 5: The Unspoken Rules of Politeness and Context

This is where things get really interesting and where the rubber meets the road. In Korean, politeness isn't just about using formal endings; it’s baked into the very words you choose. And choosing between 안 and 못 is a prime example.

Using 못 often sounds more polite and deferential, as it shifts the responsibility away from your will and onto external factors. When you say, “I can’t do it,” it’s often heard as, “I would if I could, but circumstances prevent me.” This can be a subtle but powerful way to save face for both you and the person you’re speaking with.

For example, imagine a friend asks you to meet for dinner. If you say, "내일 저녁에 안 만나요" (Nae-il jeo-nyeok-e an man-na-yo), which means "I'm not meeting you tomorrow," it can sound a bit cold, like you simply don't want to. But if you say, "내일 저녁에 바빠서 못 만나요" (Nae-il jeo-nyeok-e ba-ppa-seo mot man-na-yo), which means "I can't meet you because I'm busy," you're offering an explanation and showing that your inability is due to a schedule conflict, not a lack of desire to see them. This nuance is critical for building and maintaining relationships.

A Word on Irregular Verbs and Negative Forms

Just when you think you’ve got it, there are a few exceptions. Some verbs have their own specific negative forms that don't use 안 or 못. The most famous is 없다 (eop-da), the negative of 있다 (it-da, to exist/have). You don't say 안 있다 or 못 있다. You simply say 없다. This is a common pattern for certain high-frequency verbs and adjectives. It's an important detail to be aware of and is often one of those things you just have to memorize, but it's part of the fun of learning a new language.

For more on the psychology of language and politeness, you can explore resources from credible institutions like the Linguistic Society of America. Understanding the cultural underpinnings can give you a significant advantage.

Lesson 6: Real-World Scenarios and Common Mistakes

Let's get practical. Here's a quick cheat sheet for some common scenarios you'll face and how to get them right.

Scenario 1: You’re offered food you can't eat.

• Incorrect (and potentially rude): “저는 매운 음식을 안 먹어요.” (Jeo-neun mae-un eum-sik-eul an meo-geo-yo.) - "I don't eat spicy food." (Implies you don't like it or refuse to, which can be seen as picky.)
• Correct (and polite): “죄송해요, 저는 매운 음식을 못 먹어요.” (Joe-song-hae-yo, jeo-neun mae-un eum-sik-eul mot meo-geo-yo.) - "I'm sorry, I can't eat spicy food." (Implies a physical inability, which is a universally accepted reason.)

Scenario 2: Your friend asks you to go out, but you’re tired.

• Incorrect (and can be seen as flaky): “오늘 밤에 안 나가요.” (O-neul bam-e an na-ga-yo.) - "I'm not going out tonight." (Sounds like you just don't feel like it, and don't want to explain why.)
• Correct (and empathetic): “오늘은 너무 피곤해서 못 나갈 것 같아요.” (O-neul-eun neo-mu pi-gon-hae-seo mot na-gal geot ga-ta-yo.) - "I think I can't go out tonight because I'm so tired." (Presents a valid reason, showing your desire is there, but your body isn't cooperating.)

The “Don’t Drink” Problem:

This one is a classic. The verb for “to drink” is 마시다 (ma-si-da). If you want to say, “I don’t drink alcohol,” you would use 안. The more common, idiomatic phrase is 술 안 마셔요 (sul an ma-syeo-yo), which literally means “I don’t drink alcohol.” Using 못 here would imply a physical inability to drink (e.g., an illness), not a personal choice. This is one of those cases where context is everything. You can find more linguistic and cultural insights on websites like the National Public Radio (NPR), which often has great articles on international cultural differences.

Lesson 7: A Simple Checklist to Get It Right

So, how do you make this a habit? Here's a simple, no-fluff checklist you can run through in your head before you speak. It’s a mental model, not a rigid rule. Use it to build an intuitive feel for the language.

• Step 1: Identify Your Intent

  Are you expressing a choice, a preference, or a personal decision? If yes, lean towards 안. Are you expressing a lack of ability, an external constraint, or a physical limitation? If yes, go with 못.

• Step 2: Check the Verb Type

  Is it a 하다 (ha-da) verb? Remember to split it! Noun + 안/못 + 하다. This is the most common pitfall, and getting it right immediately makes you sound more competent and trustworthy.

• Step 3: Consider the Context & Relationship

  Who are you talking to? Is it a close friend or a senior colleague? Is it a casual or formal setting? Remember that 못 can often be the more polite choice as it avoids a direct refusal based on will. The social stakes are higher than you might think.

• Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice

  The only way to truly master this is by doing. Try to form a few sentences in your head every day. Negate your actions. “I didn’t drink coffee this morning.” (저는 커피를 안 마셨어요.) “I couldn’t finish the project.” (저는 프로젝트를 못 끝냈어요.) The more you actively use it, the more it will become second nature. You can find excellent practice resources at institutions like the Korea Foundation, which has a wealth of information on Korean language and culture.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What’s the main difference between 안 (an) and 못 (mot)?

The core difference is intent. 안 expresses a choice or a refusal, similar to "don't." 못 expresses an inability or an external constraint, similar to "can't." Getting this distinction right is crucial for clear and polite communication.

Q2: Can I use both 안 and 못 with any verb?

Almost. While both can be used with most verbs, 못 is not typically used with adjectives (like "pretty" or "tall"). Additionally, for verbs that end in -하다, you must split the word and place 안 or 못 in between the noun and 하다 (e.g., 공부 안 하다, not 안 공부하다).

Q3: Is one more polite than the other?

Generally, using 못 is often perceived as more polite because it attributes the negative action to an external circumstance rather than a personal refusal. This can help save face and avoid sounding rude, especially in formal or new social settings.

Q4: How do I say "I don't have" in Korean?

You use the word 없다 (eop-da), which is the direct negative form of 있다 (it-da, to have/to exist). You do not use 안 or 못 with 있다. For example, "I don't have money" is 돈이 없어요 (Don-i eop-seo-yo).

Q5: What’s a common mistake English speakers make with these particles?

A very common mistake is using 안 for all situations, because in English, "don't" and "can't" are often used interchangeably or the distinction is less critical. This can unintentionally come across as rude or defiant in Korean. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, "Is this a choice or a limitation?" before you speak.

Q6: Can I use '못' for future events?

Yes. You can use 못 to express an inability to do something in the future. For example, "내일 못 만나요" (Nae-il mot man-na-yo) means "I can't meet tomorrow." It's a statement of a future inability based on current circumstances.

Q7: Are there any other ways to say "not"?

Yes, another common way is to use the long-form negation, which is to add ~지 않다 (~ji an-ta) to the verb stem. This is generally more formal and less common in casual conversation, but it's an important part of Korean grammar. For example, 먹지 않아요 (meok-ji an-a-yo) means "I don't eat," and is a more formal alternative to 안 먹어요 (an meo-geo-yo).

Q8: Is there a simple way to remember the difference?

Think of 안 as the "A" for Action/Choice and 못 as the "M" for Major limitation. This simple mnemonic can help you quickly decide which particle is appropriate for your situation.

Q9: Do these rules apply to written Korean as well?

Yes, the rules for 안 and 못 are the same in both spoken and written Korean. Correct usage demonstrates a higher level of fluency and understanding, whether in a text message, email, or formal document.

Q10: Where can I find more resources on Korean grammar?

There are many excellent resources available online. Reputable universities like the Seoul National University and others offer language programs and materials. There are also many trusted blogs and YouTube channels dedicated to teaching Korean. Consistency is key, so find a resource that works for you and stick with it.

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Conclusion: The Small Word That Changes Everything

I know what you're thinking. All that for two tiny particles? Yes. Absolutely. Because a language isn't just about words; it's about the unspoken rules, the emotional subtext, and the cultural cues that make or break a connection. The difference between 안 and 못 isn’t just a grammar point—it’s a lesson in empathy and cultural understanding. Getting it wrong won’t just make you sound like a beginner; it can make you sound uncooperative, insensitive, or just plain weird. But getting it right? That’s where the magic happens. You’ll find that doors open, conversations flow more smoothly, and you'll be trusted more because your words align with your intent. It's a small change with a massive ROI, whether you're trying to close a business deal, make a friend, or simply order your coffee. So, next time you go to say "no" or "not," take a moment. Ask yourself: is it a choice, or a limitation? That one simple question will transform your Korean and maybe, just maybe, your relationship with the culture itself. Now go out there and practice. The world is waiting.

P.S. Want to really cement this knowledge? Try writing down five sentences using '안' and five using '못' based on things you did (or didn't do) today. Share them with a Korean-speaking friend or a language exchange partner. Immediate feedback is the fastest way to get to that next level.

Korean, Grammar, 안, 못, Negation

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