How to use 안 돼요 | the many meanings of 안 돼
- KSJ 쌤
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
안녕하세요 리더님! Koreanstudyjunkie입니다~
In this lesson, I want to break down what 안 돼요 even means and all the many different ways it can be used.
While in sessions with my students, I realized I couldn't come up with a good enough direct translation for this phrase.
ABOUT 안 돼요
It's a very versatile and commonly used Korean phrase that literally means "It’s not allowed" or "It can’t be done." However, its meaning and nuance can change depending on the context. It can express prohibition (not allowed), inability (can't), refusal, disapproval, or even emotional rejection.
USAGE ONE:
Prohibition ("YOU can't do that")
When used to express prohibition, 안 돼요 means "That’s not allowed" or "You’re not allowed to do that."
Often used by parents, teachers, or authority figures.
Examples:
여기서 사진 찍으면 안 돼요. → You’re not allowed to take pictures here.
지금 들어가면 안 돼요. → You can't go in right now.
만지면 안 돼요! → Don’t touch it!
USAGE TWO:
Inability ("I can't do it")
When expressing personal inability, 안 돼요 means "I can’t" or "It’s impossible."
The focus is on the speaker’s lack of ability or an impossible situation.
Examples:
이 문제는 너무 어려워서 안 돼요. → This problem is too hard; I can't do it.
저 혼자서는 안 돼요. → I can't do it alone.
도와주지 않으면 안 돼요. → I can’t do it unless you help me.
Learn About Double Negatives > 지 않으면 안 되다
USAGE THREE:
Refusal ("No, you can't")
When rejecting a request or denying permission, 안 돼요 functions as "No, you can't" or "No, you may not."
This is a straightforward refusal, often used by people in authority or during negotiations.
Examples:
안 돼요. 그건 제 거예요. → No, you can't. That’s mine.
지금은 안 돼요. 나중에 해요. → Not now. Do it later.
그렇게 하면 안 돼요. → No, you can’t do it like that.
USAGE FOUR:
Disapproval ("You shouldn’t")
안 돼요 can express disapproval (in a emptional or moral sense) , suggesting that an action is inappropriate or unacceptable.
Examples:
그렇게 말하면 안 돼요. → You shouldn't say that.
남의 물건을 함부로 만지면 안 돼요. → You shouldn't touch other people's things.
친구를 그렇게 대하면 안 돼요. → You shouldn’t treat your friend like that.
USAGE FIVE:
Emotional Rejection ("No, don't do that")
안 돼요 can be used emotionally when rejecting an idea or action out of fear, concern, or attachment.
This is common in emotional or dramatic situations (e.g., in K-dramas).
Examples:
제발 떠나면 안 돼요. → Please don’t leave me.
위험하니까 가면 안 돼요. → It’s dangerous, so you can’t go.
울면 안 돼요. → Don’t cry.
USAGE SIX:
Asking for Permission ("Is it okay if I...?")
In the form of a question, 안 돼요? asks whether something is allowed or acceptable.
Similar to saying "Is it not allowed?" or "Would it be okay?"
Examples:
여기 앉아도 안 돼요? → Is it not okay if I sit here?
조금 늦어도 안 돼요? → Is it okay if I’m a little late?
더 먹어도 안 돼요? → Is it okay if I eat more?
USAGE 7:
Situational or Natural Consequences ("That won’t work")
Sometimes 안 돼요 reflects a natural consequence, like "That won’t work" or "It’s not possible."
This reflects the idea that the situation itself prevents the action.
Examples:
비가 와서 안 돼요. → It’s raining, so it won’t work.
너무 늦어서 안 돼요. → It’s too late, so it won’t work.
이 크기는 안 돼요. 너무 작아요. → This size won’t work. It’s too small.
CONTEXTUAL EXAMPLES:
(At a café)
A: 여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요?→ Is it okay to take pictures here?
B: 아니요, 사진 촬영은 안 돼요.→ No, you’re not allowed to take pictures.
(While looking at the menu)
A: 디저트 먼저 시켜도 안 돼요?→ Is it okay if I order dessert first?
B: 안 돼요. 음료부터 시켜야 해요.→ No, you have to order a drink first.
(While paying at the register)
A: 카드로 계산해도 돼요?→ Can I pay with a card?
B: 죄송합니다. 지금은 카드 결제가 안 돼요.→ Sorry, card payment isn’t working right now.
(Outside the café)
A: 지금 집에 가려고 하는데 같이 갈래요?→ I’m about to go home now. Do you want to come with me?
B: 안 돼요. 할 일이 너무 많아요.→ I can’t. I have too much to do.
(Later on the phone)
A: 내일 영화 보러 갈래요?→ Do you want to go see a movie tomorrow?
B: 안 돼요. 내일은 시간이 안 돼요.→ I can’t. I don’t have time tomorrow.
(After hanging up the phone)
B’s Friend: 영화 같이 보면 안 돼요?→ Can’t you watch the movie together?
B: 아니, 너무 피곤해서 안 돼요.→ No, I’m too tired, so I can’t.
ALL SCENARIOS:
Prohibition → You’re not allowed to do that.
Inability → I can’t do it.
Refusal → No, you can’t.
Disapproval → You shouldn’t do that.
Emotional Rejection → No, don’t do that.
Asking Permission → Is it not allowed?
Natural Consequence → That won’t work.
Why 안 돼요 Is So Versatile
The versatility of 안 돼요 comes from the fact that it reflects both personal ability and emotional states, social norms, rules, and consequences.
The context, tone, and situation determine whether it’s polite, strict, emotional, or casual. It can also be used as a standalone phrase.
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