Language/Korean/Grammar/Negation
Hi Korean learners! π
In this lesson, we will be exploring the concept of negation in Korean grammar. Negation refers to the process of forming negative sentences in a language. In Korean grammar, negation involves the use of special particles and verbs to express a negative meaning.
Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Connectors, Korean Grammar β Conjunctions and Connectors β Conditional ..., How to Use Have & Gender.
Negative Particles[edit | edit source]
In Korean grammar, there are two primary negative particles: "μ" and "λͺ»".
The first particle, "μ", is the most commonly used negative particle. It is used to negate verbs and adjectives. For example:
Korean | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
λ¨Ήλ€ | meokda | to eat |
μ λ¨Ήλ€ | an meokda | to not eat |
μμλ€ | yeppeuda | pretty |
μ μμλ€ | an yeppeuda | not pretty |
The second particle, "λͺ»", is used to express the idea of "can't" or "unable to". For example:
Korean | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
ν μ μλ€ | hal su itda | can do |
ν μ μλ€ | hal su eopda | cannot do |
Negative Verbs[edit | edit source]
In addition to negative particles, Korean also has negative verbs. Negative verbs indicate a negative meaning by themselves, without the need for a particle. The two most common negative verbs in Korean are "μλλ€" and "λͺ¨λ₯΄λ€".
The verb "μλλ€" means "to not be" or "to be not". It is often used to negate a sentence by stating that something doesn't exist or isn't true. For example:
Korean | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
λλ νμμ΄ μλλ€ | naneun haksaengi anida | I am not a student |
μ΄κ²μ μ¬κ³Όκ° μλλ€ | igeoseun sagwaga anida | This is not an apple |
The verb "λͺ¨λ₯΄λ€" means "to not know" or "to be unaware of". It is typically used to express a lack of knowledge about something or someone.
Korean | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
λλ κ·Έ μ¬λμ λͺ¨λ₯Έλ€ | naneun geu saram-eul moreunda | I don't know that person |
μ΄κ²μ λ¬΄μ¨ λ»μΈμ§ λͺ¨λ₯΄κ² λ€ | igeoseun museun tteus-inji moreugessda | I don't know what this means |
Practice with Dialogues[edit | edit source]
To better understand how to use negative particles and verbs in Korean grammar, here are a few dialogues to practice with:
- Person 1: λ¨Ήμμ΄μ? (Did you eat?)
- Person 2: μλμ, μ λ¨Ήμμ΄μ. (No, I didn't eat)
- Person 1: μ΄ μνλ₯Ό λ³Ό μ μμ΄μ? (Can you watch this movie?)
- Person 2: μλμ, λͺ» λ΄μ. (No, I can't watch it)
- Person 1: μ΄κ²μ΄ μμμ§ μμμ? (Isn't this pretty?)
- Person 2: μ, μλμμ. (Um, no it's not)
Cultural Insight[edit | edit source]
In Korean culture, using negation can be seen as a polite way to decline an offer or invitation. For example, if someone offers food to a Korean person, it is common for the person to say "μ λ¨Ήμκ²μ" (I won't eat) to politely decline the offer.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Negation is an important aspect of Korean grammar, allowing speakers to express negative ideas or show politeness when declining offers or invitations. To improve your understanding of Korean Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
β‘ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
β‘ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. π
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Korean Negation: Learn How to Form Negative Sentences
- Korean Negation : μ[an / -μ§ λͺ»νλ€[ji motada] (can't)]
- V-Raising and Grammar Competition in Korean: Evidence from ...
Well done on mastering this lesson! Don't miss these related pages to expand your knowledge: Adjectives, Give your Opinion, Conjunctions & Conditional Mood.
Videos[edit | edit source]
[Yolim's Korean] Grammar 'μ' to express negation by seemile.com ...[edit | edit source]
Negative Sentences in Korean - μ vs λͺ» - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Negative Sentences in Korean - YouTube[edit | edit source]
μ vs λͺ» - Negative Verbs | Korean FAQ - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Negation of Korean Verbs #1 : μ + verb, verb-μ§ μλ€, noun μ΄/κ° ...[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Nouns
- Questions
- How to Use Have
- Gender
- Conditional Mood
- How to Use Be
- Plurals
- Adjectives
- Give your Opinion