안돼 (an-dwae, andwae)
'안돼' is commonly used in daily life to express refusal or negation.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
'안돼' is a contraction of '안 되다', meaning something is not allowed or impossible.
Nuances
When to use
Refusal, Negation, Interjection, Everyday conversation
In context
'안돼' is often used as an interjection, standing alone or following imperative/request sentences to express refusal.
안돼! 그거 하면 안 돼.
an-dwae! geu-geo ha-myeon an dwae., an dwae! geu geo ha myeon an dwae.
'안돼' clearly expresses refusal and prohibition.
안돼, 나는 갈 거야.
an-dwae, na-neun gal geo-ya., an dwae, na neun gal geo ya.
Natural sentence expressing refusal.
안돼? 같이 갈래?
an-dwae? gat-i gal-rae?, an dwae? gat i gal rae?
'안돼' is unnatural when used as a question.
안돼서 못 갔어.
an-dwae-seo mos gass-eo., an dwae seo mos gass eo.
'안돼' correctly used to express negation.
안돼! 하지 마!
an-dwae! ha-ji ma!, an dwae! ha ji ma!
Strong refusal and command expressed together.
안돼요, 그거 안 해요.
an-dwae-yo, geu-geo an hae-yo., an dwae yo, geu geo an hae yo.
Polite refusal expressed naturally.
안돼, 안 돼, 안 돼!
an-dwae, an dwae, an dwae!, an dwae, an dwae, an dwae!
Repeated as interjection for strong negation.
What is the most appropriate meaning of '안돼'?
Which sentence correctly uses '안돼'?
Which is NOT a correct use of '안돼'?
