Processing keyword: ~않게 [anhge] (So as not to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~않게 [anhge] (So as not to)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point ~않게 [anhge], which translates to "so as not to" in English. This expression is used to indicate the purpose of avoiding something or to prevent a certain action or state from occurring.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

The grammar pattern ~않게 is attached to verbs and adjectives to express the intention of not doing something or preventing something from happening. It conveys the meaning of doing an action in order not to cause a particular result.

Structure

The formation of ~않게 is straightforward:

1. Take the verb or adjective root (remove -다 from the dictionary form).
2. Add 않게 to the root.

Formation Diagram

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 않게

• Verb Examples:
  • 가다 (to go) → 가 않게
  • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 않게
• Adjective Examples:
  • 빠르다 (to be fast) → 빠르 않게
  • 어렵다 (to be difficult) → 어렵 않게 However, to make the expression sound natural, we often conjugate the base verb and then add 않게. But in practice, it's more common to use the negative form with 지 않게.

Corrected Formation

In modern Korean, the negative form is typically made using -지 않게:

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 지 않게

• Verb Examples:
  • 가다 → 가지 않게
  • 먹다 → 먹지 않게
• Adjective Examples:
  • 빠르다 → 빠르지 않게
  • 어렵다 → 어렵지 않게

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~지 않게 and ~않도록

Both ~지 않게 and ~지 않도록 are used to express "so as not to," but there's a slight nuance:

• ~지 않게: Focuses more on not doing the action.
• ~지 않도록: Emphasizes preventing the action or ensuring that something does not happen. Example:
• 늦지 않게 오세요.
  (Please come so as not to be late.)
• 늦지 않도록 오세요.
  (Please come to prevent being late.)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 회의에 늦지 않게 출발합시다.
   Let's depart so as not to be late for the meeting.
2. 혼동이 생기지 않게 설명해 주십시오.
   Please explain it so that confusion does not occur.

Informal Context

1. 시험에서 실수하지 않게 준비를 많이 했어.
   I prepared a lot so as not to make mistakes on the exam.
2. 감기에 걸리지 않게 옷 따뜻하게 입어.
   Dress warmly so as not to catch a cold.

Written Context

1. 데이터가 손실되지 않게 백업을 해 두세요.
   Make a backup so that the data is not lost.
2. 환경을 오염시키지 않게 노력해야 합니다.
   We must strive so as not to pollute the environment.

Spoken Context

1. 넘어지지 않게 조심하세요!
   Be careful so as not to fall!
2. 다투지 않게 서로 이해해야지.
   We should understand each other so as not to quarrel.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

Korean language has different levels of politeness. Using ~지 않게 is neutral, but the conjugation of the final verb in the sentence determines the politeness level.

• Formal Polite: -습니다/십시오 endings
• Informal Polite: -어요/아요 endings
• Casual: Plain form without polite endings

Idiomatic Expressions

• 길을 잃지 않게 지도를 가져가세요.
  Take a map so as not to get lost.
• 문제가 생기지 않게 미리 확인합시다.
  Let's check in advance so that problems don't arise.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using 않게 directly after the verb without 지
   • Incorrect: 가 않게
   • Correct: 가지 않게
2. Confusing with 않기
   • 않기 means "not doing" in a nominalized form, whereas 않게 is an adverbial form meaning "so as not to."

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that 지 is like a bridge between the verb root and 않게.
• Practice: Create sentences using daily activities to get comfortable with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~지 않게 means "so as not to" and is used to express the intention to avoid an action or prevent something.
• Attach ~지 않게 to the verb or adjective stem.
• Be mindful of the levels of politeness in your final verb conjugation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ~지 않게 with the verb 하다 (to do)?
   • Answer: 하지 않게
2. Translate to Korean: "Speak quietly so as not to wake the baby."
   • Answer: 아기를 깨우지 않게 조용히 말하세요.
3. Identify the mistake in the sentence: 맛있게 먹 않게 요리했어요.
   • Answer: The negative form is incorrect. It should be 먹지 않게.

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By understanding and practicing ~지 않게, you can effectively express intentions to avoid actions in Korean, enhancing both your speaking and comprehension skills.

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