-(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
Verbs (Consonant)
Present · Verb Stem + 으면 안 되다
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.