Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

-지 마세요

Used to politely order or request someone NOT to do something. It is the negative form of '-(으)세요'.

Summary

Equivalent

Please do not ~

Also: -지 마라 (Don't - casual) · -지 마십시오 (Please do not - formal)

Example

Please don't make noise in the library.

도서관에서 떠들지 마세요.

Grammar rules

  • Attach '-지 마세요' directly to the verb stem, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or consonant.
  • Cannot be used with adjectives. To express negative wishes about a state, use a different structure like '[Adjective]지 않았으면 좋겠다'.

    슬프지 마세요 (X) -> 슬퍼하지 마세요 (O) (Please don't be sad. - converted to verb)

Patterns

1

All Verbs

Imperative (Negative) · Verb Stem + 지 마세요

Example sentences

All Verbs · Imperative (Negative) · Verb Stem + 지 마세요

Please don't make noise in the library.

도서관에서 떠들지 마세요.

All Verbs · Imperative (Negative) · Verb Stem + 지 마세요

Please don't be late tomorrow.

내일은 늦지 마세요.

All Verbs · Imperative (Negative) · Verb Stem + 지 마세요

Please don't eat my cookie.

제 쿠키를 먹지 마세요.

Conversation

A: Can I park here?

여기에 주차해도 돼요?

B: No, please do not park here.

아니요, 여기에 주차하지 마세요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct negative imperative form.

Touching.

Worrying.