Meaning and Usage
The Korean adjective '없다' means 'to not exist' or 'to be absent.' It is used to express the non-existence of objects, time, opportunities, or abstract concepts like answers or feelings.
Common Contexts
- Physical absence: "책상 위에 책이 없다" (There is no book on the desk).
- Lack of time or resources: "시간이 없다" (There is no time).
- Abstract absence: "답이 없다" (There is no answer).
Collocations and Patterns
- 시간(이) 없다: to have no time
- 돈(이) 없다: to have no money
- 문제가 없다: to have no problem
- ~이/가 없다: basic pattern to indicate something does not exist
Register and Politeness
'없다' is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. When combined with polite endings, it fits polite speech.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '없다' with '안 있다.' '없다' is the correct form to express non-existence, while '안 있다' is less natural and rarely used. Always use '없다' to indicate absence or lack.