Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

-지 않아도 되다 (안 -아/어도 되다)

Used to express the lack of obligation or necessity to perform an action. It means 'It is okay if you don't do...'.

Summary

Equivalent

Do not have to / Need not

Also: -(으)ㄹ 필요가 없다 (There is no need to)

Example

Tomorrow is the weekend, so I don't have to go to work.

내일은 주말이니까 회사에 가지 않아도 돼요.

Grammar rules

  • Attach '지 않아도 되다' directly to the verb stem.
  • Alternatively, use the short negation '안' directly before the '-아/어도 되다' form.
  • It is exactly the opposite of the obligation form '-아/어야 하다'.

    일찍 와야 해요? -> 아니요, 일찍 오지 않아도 돼요. (Do I have to come early? -> No, you don't have to come early.)

Patterns

1

Long Negation

Present · Verb Stem + 지 않아도 되다

2

Short Negation

Present · 안 + Verb + 아/어도 되다

Example sentences

Long Negation · Present · Verb Stem + 지 않아도 되다

Tomorrow is the weekend, so I don't have to go to work.

내일은 주말이니까 회사에 가지 않아도 돼요.

Short Negation · Present · 안 + Verb + 아/어도 되다

My house is close, so I don't have to take the bus.

집이 가까워서 버스를 안 타도 돼요.

Long Negation · Present · Verb Stem + 지 않아도 되다

We have plenty of time, so you don't have to hurry.

시간이 많으니까 서두르지 않아도 됩니다.

Conversation

A: Do I have to read this entire book today?

이 책을 오늘 다 읽어야 해요?

B: No, you don't have to finish it today.

아니요, 오늘 다 읽지 않아도 돼요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct form indicating no obligation.

Payments.

Short form.