Beginner (JSON) Estimated read: 3 mins

-(으)면 안 되다

Used to express prohibition, meaning that one is not allowed to do a certain action. Literally translates to 'If you do..., it is not acceptable'.

Summary

Equivalent

May not / Not allowed to

Also: -지 마세요 (Please do not - prohibition request)

Example

You are not allowed to touch the paintings in the art gallery.

미술관에서 그림을 만지면 안 됩니다.

Grammar rules

  • Attach '으면 안 되다' to a stem ending in a consonant, and '면 안 되다' to a stem ending in a vowel or ㄹ.
  • It is often used to answer 'No' to a permission request ('-아/어도 돼요?').

    사진을 찍어도 돼요? -> 아니요, 사진을 찍으면 안 돼요. (May I take photos? -> No, you may not take photos.)

Patterns

1

Verbs (Consonant)

Present · Verb Stem + 으면 안 되다

2

Verbs (Vowel/ㄹ)

Present · Verb Stem (drop ㄹ) + 면 안 되다

Example sentences

You are not allowed to touch the paintings in the art gallery.

미술관에서 그림을 만지면 안 됩니다.

You may not talk loudly in the library.

도서관에서 크게 이야기하면 안 돼요.

You must not be late for class.

수업 시간에 늦으면 안 돼요.

Conversation

A: May I smoke here?

여기에 담배를 피워도 돼요?

B: No, you may not smoke.

아니요, 담배를 피우면 안 돼요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct form to express prohibition.

Rules.

Eating.