안 (an)
안 (an) is an adverb expressing negation in Korean, commonly used in daily speech and writing.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
안 is an adverb used to negate verbs or adjectives, meaning 'not to do' something.
Nuances
When to use
daily conversation, negation, informal speech
In context
안 is placed before verbs or adjectives to negate the action or state. It is mainly used in informal or casual speech rather than formal contexts.
나는 밥을 안 먹었어요.
na-neun bap-eul an meok-eoss-eo-yo., na neun bap eul an meok eoss eo yo.
안 correctly negates the verb '먹다' (to eat).
그는 안 행복해요.
geu-neun an haeng-bok-hae-yo., geu neun an haeng bok hae yo.
안 negates the adjective '행복하다' (to be happy).
나는 안 학생이에요.
na-neun an hak-saeng-i-e-yo., na neun an hak saeng i e yo.
안 cannot negate nouns; correct form is '학생이 아니에요'.
안 가고 싶어요.
an ga-go sip-eo-yo., an ga go sip eo yo.
안 negates the verb '가다' (to go).
그녀는 안 예뻐요.
geu-nyeo-neun an ye-ppeo-yo., geu nyeo neun an ye ppeo yo.
안 negates the adjective '예쁘다' (to be pretty).
안 학생이다.
an hak-saeng-i-da., an hak saeng i da.
안 cannot be used before nouns; use '아니다' for noun negation.
What is the role of 안 in the sentence "나는 안 먹었어요."?
Which sentence is correct?
Where is 안 usually placed?
