Meaning and Usage
The verb '안되다' is a very common Korean expression that means 'to not work,' 'to be not allowed,' or 'to fail.' It is often used to express that something is impossible, forbidden, or unsuccessful.
Common Contexts
- When something does not function or succeed: "이 계획은 안돼요" (This plan won't work).
- To prohibit actions politely: "여기서 담배 피우면 안 돼요" (You must not smoke here).
- To express sympathy or regret about unfortunate events: "시험에 떨어져서 너무 안됐어요" (It’s really unfortunate that I failed the exam).
Collocations and Patterns
- 안 되다 + verb stem: to express prohibition or impossibility (e.g., 안 돼요, 안 됩니다).
- 너무 안됐다: to express sympathy or pity about a bad situation.
- 안 되겠다: to express a strong feeling that something cannot continue or must be stopped.
Register and Politeness
'안되다' is used in both formal and informal contexts. The polite form '안 돼요' is common in daily conversation. In formal writing or speech, '안 됩니다' is used.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '안되다' with '안하다' (to not do). Remember, '안되다' focuses on something not being possible or allowed, not simply negating an action.
Understanding '안되다' helps you express refusal, prohibition, failure, or impossibility naturally in Korean.