Intermediate (JSON) Estimated read: 3 mins

-(으)면 안 되다

Used to express that something is prohibited or not acceptable. Milder than '-지 말다', which is a direct command not to do something.

Summary

Equivalent

Must not / Should not / Are not allowed to

Also: -지 말다 (Don't... — direct negative command)

Example

You must not make loud noise in the library.

도서관에서 큰 소리로 떠들면 안 돼요.

Grammar rules

  • Expresses a rule, social norm, or restriction.
  • The subject of the condition is the one who must not do the action.
  • Can also be used as 'that won't do': '이렇게 하면 안 돼요' (This won't do / You can't do it this way).

Patterns

1

Verbs (Prohibition)

Present · Verb Stem + (으)면 안 되다

2

Adjectives (Prohibition of State)

Present · Adj Stem + (으)면 안 되다

Example sentences

Verbs (Prohibition) · Present · Verb Stem + (으)면 안 되다

You must not make loud noise in the library.

도서관에서 큰 소리로 떠들면 안 돼요.

Verbs (Prohibition) · Present · Verb Stem + (으)면 안 되다

You must not drink alcohol after taking medicine.

약을 먹은 후에는 술을 마시면 안 됩니다.

Adjectives (Prohibition of State) · Present · Adj Stem + (으)면 안 되다

This document must not be late, so please submit it quickly.

이 서류가 늦으면 안 되니까 빨리 내 주세요.

Conversation

A: May I take photos here?

여기서 사진을 찍어도 돼요?

B: No, you must not take photos in this area.

아니요, 이 구역에서는 사진을 찍으면 안 돼요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Express a prohibition.

No running.

No salt.