Level 4

불가능하다

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Meaning and Usage

The adjective '불가능하다' means 'impossible' or 'not possible.' It is used to describe situations, actions, or conditions that cannot be done or achieved. It is a formal and standard word often used in both spoken and written Korean.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see '불가능하다' in contexts involving tasks, plans, or goals that cannot be accomplished due to limitations such as time, resources, or ability.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 불가능하다 + verb phrase: to express that doing something is impossible.
  • ~하는 것은 불가능하다: a common grammatical pattern to state that doing something is impossible.
  • 불가능하지 않다: a double negative form meaning 'not impossible,' implying something is possible.

Register and Politeness

'불가능하다' is neutral and can be used in formal and informal contexts. It is often found in written language, official statements, and polite conversation.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '불가능하다' with '안 되다' (not to work or not allowed). '불가능하다' emphasizes impossibility, while '안 되다' can mean prohibition or failure. Use '불가능하다' when you want to stress that something cannot be done at all.

Example Sentences

그 일을 혼자서 하는 것은 불가능하다.

Geu ireul honjaseo haneun geoseun bulganeunghada.

It is impossible to do that work alone.

시간 내에 모든 일을 끝내는 것은 불가능하다.

Sigan nae-e modeun ireul kkeutnaeneun geoseun bulganeunghada.

It is impossible to finish all the work within the time.

그 문제를 해결하는 것은 불가능하지 않다.

Geu munjele haegyeolhaneun geoseun bulganeunghaji anta.

It is not impossible to solve that problem.