Processing keyword: ~지 않다 [ji anta] (Negative form)

Korean Grammar Point: ~지 않다 [ji anta] (Negative form)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing negation is an essential part of daily communication. The grammar point ~지 않다 is a versatile and commonly used negative form that allows speakers to negate verbs and adjectives in a sentence. Understanding how to use ~지 않다 will significantly enhance your ability to express negative statements in various contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The construction ~지 않다 attaches to the verb or adjective stem to indicate "do not" or "is not", effectively negating the action or state described.

Structure

The basic structure for negating verbs and adjectives using ~지 않다 is as follows:

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 지 않다

Formation Diagram

Verb/Adjective Stem + 지 않다

• Verb/Adjective Stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form.
• 지 않다: Negative suffix meaning "do not" or "is not".

Examples:

Positive Verb/Adjective	Verb/Adjective Stem	Negative Form with ~지 않다
가다 (to go)	가	가지 않다
먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹지 않다
쉽다 (to be easy)	쉽	쉽지 않다

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3. Comparative Analysis

~지 않다 vs. 안

Korean has two primary ways to form negative sentences:

1. 안 + [Verb/Adjective]
2. [Verb/Adjective Stem] + 지 않다

Aspect	안 + [Verb/Adjective]	[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 지 않다
Formality	Less formal	More formal
Usage	Spoken language	Written and spoken language
Placement	Before verb/adjective	After verb/adjective stem
Example (가다)	안 가다 (don't go)	가지 않다 (do not go)

Key Differences:

• Formality: ~지 않다 is slightly more formal and is often used in formal writing and speeches.
• Emphasis: 안 is used for simple negation, while ~지 않다 can add subtle emphasis to the negation.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 저는 고기를 먹지 않습니다.
   (I do not eat meat.)
2. 그 영화는 재미있지 않았습니다.
   (That movie was not interesting.)

Informal Context

1. 나는 아직 준비하지 않았어.
   (I haven't prepared yet.)
2. 그 사람을 믿지 않아.
   (I don't trust that person.)

Written Language

1. 이 제품은 품질이 좋지 않다.
   (This product is not of good quality.)

Spoken Language

1. 오늘 날씨가 좋지 않네요.
   (The weather isn't good today.)
2. 시간이 많지 않아서 빨리 가자.
   (I don't have much time, so let's go quickly.)

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~지 않아요: Polite present tense (used in everyday conversations).
• ~지 않습니다: Formal present tense (used in formal settings, presentations).
• ~지 않다: Dictionary form (used in writing and casual speech).

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 눈치 채지 않다
   (To not notice or realize something.)
2. 마음에 들지 않다
   (To not like something; it doesn't suit one's taste.)

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Misplacing 지 않다: Placing 지 않다 incorrectly in the sentence.
   • Incorrect: 저는 지 않아요 가지.
   • Correct: 저는 가지 않아요.
2. Confusion with Tenses: Forgetting to conjugate 않다 according to the tense.
   • Incorrect: 먹지 않다. (when speaking in the present polite form)
   • Correct: 먹지 않아요.

Tips

• Conjugation Reminder: Remember that 않다 behaves like a regular verb and should be conjugated accordingly.
  • Past tense: 않았다
  • Present tense: 않는다/않아요
  • Future tense: 않겠다
• Mnemonic Device: Think of 지 as a way to "tie" the verb to 않다, which negates it.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~지 않다 is used to form negative sentences by attaching it to the verb or adjective stem.
• It is more formal than using 안 before a verb or adjective.
• 않다 must be conjugated according to tense and politeness level.
• Placement is crucial: [Verb/Adjective Stem] + 지 않다.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I do not study" using ~지 않다?
   • Answer: 저는 공부하지 않아요.
2. Convert to negative using ~지 않다: 보다 (to see)
   • Answer: 보지 않다
3. True or False: ~지 않다 is less formal than using 안 before a verb.
   • Answer: False

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By mastering ~지 않다, you enhance your ability to convey negation clearly and appropriately across different contexts in the Korean language.

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