Level 1

못하다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '못하다' is used to express inability or impossibility to do something. It is often combined with action verbs to indicate that the subject cannot perform the action.

Common Contexts

  • Physical inability (e.g., swimming, running)
  • Situational impossibility (e.g., being too tired to do something)
  • Lack of skill or capacity

Politeness and Register

'못하다' is neutral and commonly used in everyday conversation. It can be conjugated politely as '못해요' or informally as '못해'.

Common Collocations

  • '못 하다' + verb stem: to be unable to do something
  • '못 자다': to be unable to sleep
  • '못 가다': to be unable to go

Learner Tips

A common mistake is confusing '못하다' with '안 하다'. '못하다' means 'cannot do' due to inability or circumstance, while '안 하다' means 'do not do' by choice. For example, '수영을 못해요' means 'I cannot swim', but '수영을 안 해요' means 'I do not swim'.

Example Sentences

저는 수영을 못해요.

Jeoneun suyeongeul mothaeyo.

I cannot swim.

오늘은 너무 피곤해서 일찍 못 자겠어요.

Oneureun neomu pigonhaseo iljjik mot jagesseoyo.

I am too tired today, so I can't sleep early.

그 문제는 혼자서 못 풀어요. 같이 해결해요.

Geu munjeneun honjaseo mot pureoyo. Gati haegyeolhaeyo.

I can't solve that problem alone. Let's solve it together.