Processing keyword: 아/어/여서는 안 되다 [a/eo/yeoseoneun an doeda] (Must not, shouldn't)

Korean Grammar Point: 아/어/여서는 안 되다 [a/eo/yeoseoneun an doeda] (Must not, shouldn't)

아/어/여서는 안 되다 [a/eo/yeoseoneun an doeda] (Must not, shouldn't)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing prohibition or advising someone not to do something is commonly done using the grammar pattern 아/어/여서는 안 되다. Understanding this structure is crucial for effective communication, especially when discussing rules, giving warnings, or expressing strong suggestions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The grammar pattern 아/어/여서는 안 되다 is used to indicate that an action must not be done or should not happen. It conveys prohibition or strong dissuasion, similar to "must not" or "shouldn't" in English.

Meaning

• 아/어/여서는 안 되다: Must not, should not, cannot

Structure

The structure is formed by attaching -아/어/여서는 안 되다 to the verb stem.

1. Verb Stem + -아서는 안 되다 (for verb stems ending with ㅏ or ㅗ)
2. Verb Stem + -어서는 안 되다 (for verb stems ending with other vowels)
3. Verb Stem + -여서는 안 되다 (for 하다 verbs)

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 아/어/여 + 서는 안 되다
Examples:
- 가다 → 가 + 아 + 서는 안 되다 → 가서는 안 되다
- 먹다 → 먹 + 어 + 서는 안 되다 → 먹어서는 안 되다
- 공부하다 → 공부하 + 여 + 서는 안 되다 → 공부해서는 안 되다

Visual Aid: Usage Table

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Patterns

• (으)면 안 되다: Used to express prohibition or that something is not allowed.
  • Verb Stem + (으)면 안 되다
  • Example: 가면 안 되다 (You must not go) Difference: While both patterns express prohibition, 아/어/여서는 안 되다 often emphasizes the action itself as being unacceptable, sometimes implying consequences if performed. On the other hand, (으)면 안 되다 is more conditional, suggesting that if one does the action, it is not acceptable.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 도서관에서는 떠들어서는 안 됩니다. (You must not make noise in the library.)
2. 시험 중에는 휴대폰을 사용해서는 안 됩니다. (You must not use your phone during the exam.)

Informal Speech

3. 여기서 쓰레기를 버려서는 안 돼. (You shouldn't throw trash here.)
4. 음식을 남겨서는 안 돼요. (You must not leave food behind.)

Written Context

5. 개인 정보를 다른 사람에게 알려서는 안 됩니다. (You must not reveal personal information to others.)
6. 약속 시간을 어겨서는 안 된다. (You must not miss the appointment time.)

Spoken Context

7. 그렇게 행동해서는 안 돼! (You shouldn't act like that!)
8. 아직 포기해서는 안 돼요. (You must not give up yet.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, there is a strong emphasis on social harmony and following societal rules. Using 아/어/여서는 안 되다 appropriately shows respect for these norms and indicates awareness of acceptable behavior.

Levels of Politeness

The ending -습니다 / -ㅂ니다 makes the sentence formal, suitable for official contexts or when speaking to someone of higher status. Using -아요 / -어요 is less formal and used among peers or in casual situations.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 거짓말을 해서는 안 돼요. (You must not tell lies.) - Emphasizes honesty as a valued trait.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Misconjugating the verb stem
   • Incorrect: 가어서는 안 돼요.
   • Correct: 가서는 안 돼요.
2. Confusing with (으)면 안 되다
   • While both express prohibition, remember the formation differences.
3. Overlooking Politeness Levels
   • Using informal endings in formal situations can be rude.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of -서는 안 되다 as "doing X is not going to do" - it won't do to do X.
• Practice Conjugation: Regularly practice attaching -아/어/여서는 안 되다 to different verbs to become familiar with the patterns.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 아/어/여서는 안 되다 is used to express that something must not or should not be done.
• The conjugation depends on the vowel in the verb stem.
• It is important to use the correct level of politeness depending on the context.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "You must not smoke here" in Korean using 아/어/여서는 안 되다?
   • Answer: 여기서 담배를 피워서는 안 돼요.
2. Conjugate the verb 놀다 (to play) with 아/어/여서는 안 되다.
   • Answer: 놀아서는 안 되다
3. What is the difference between 아/어/여서는 안 되다 and (으)면 안 되다?
   • Answer: 아/어/여서는 안 되다 emphasizes that the action itself is unacceptable, whereas (으)면 안 되다 suggests that if the action occurs, it is not acceptable.

By mastering 아/어/여서는 안 되다, you'll be able to express prohibitions and strong dissuasions effectively in Korean, enhancing both your conversational skills and cultural understanding.