Korean Grammar Point
~해서는 안 되다 [haeseoneun an dwae] (Must not, shouldn't)

~해서는 안 되다 [haeseoneun an dwae] (Must not, shouldn't)

Short explanation:

This grammar point is used to express prohibition or things that shouldn't be done.

Formation:

Verb + 기, 어/아 + 야 (+ 는데) + 않다

Examples:

너는 남의 물건을 가져서는 안 된다. 그것은 도둑질이다.
Neoneun namui mulgeoneul gajyeoseoneun an doenda. Geugeoseun dodukjilida.
You must not take other people's belongings. That's stealing.
아이들은 먼저 숙제를 해서는 안 된다. 그들이 놀려고 할 수 있도록 먼저 공부해야 한다.
Aideuleun meonjeo sukjeleul haeseoneun an doenda. Geudeuli nollyeogo hal su issdorok meonjeo gongbuhaeya handa.
Children must not do their homework first. They should study first so they can play.
당신은 늦게 자서는 안 된다. 건강을 해칠 수 있습니다.
Dangsin-eun neutge jaseoneun an doenda. Geongangeul haechil su issseubnida.
You should not stay up late. It can harm your health.
우리는 문제를 무시해서는 안 된다. 대신, 우리는 그것을 해결해야 한다.
Ulineun munjeleul musihaeseoneun an doenda. Daesin, ulineun geugeoseul haegyeolhaeya handa.
We must not ignore the problem. Instead, we have to solve it.

Long explanation:

'~해서는 안 되다' is a common end phrase used in Korean grammar that translates to 'must not' or 'shouldn't'. It signifies things that are prohibited or to be refrained from, and is often used to express restrictions, warnings, or advice. It can be attached to both action verbs and descriptive verbs.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~해서는 안 되다 [haeseoneun an dwae] (Must not, shouldn't)

Korean Grammar Point: ~해서는 안 되다 [haeseoneun an dwae] (Must not, shouldn't)

~해서는 안 되다 [haeseoneun an dwae] (Must not, Shouldn't)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern ~해서는 안 되다 is an essential structure in Korean that expresses prohibition or strong discouragement. It is used to indicate that an action is not allowed or should not be done. Understanding this pattern is crucial for proper communication, especially in formal and polite contexts.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

Meaning: The phrase ~해서는 안 되다 translates to "must not" or "shouldn't" in English. It is used to express that a certain action is prohibited or discouraged. Structure:

  • Verb Stem + -아/어/여서 + 는 안 되다 Formation Diagram:
[Verb Stem] + 아/어/여서 + 는 안 되다

Breaking it Down:

  1. Verb Stem + -아/어/여서: This part connects the verb to the rest of the sentence, indicating a reason or cause.
    • -아서 is used if the verb stem ends with a vowel "ㅏ" or "ㅗ".
    • -어서 is used if the verb stem ends with other vowels.
    • -여서 is used with the verb "하다" (becomes "해서").
  2. 는 안 되다: This phrase means "should not" or "must not".

Visual Aid: Conjugation Table

Verb Verb Stem + 아/어/여서 Complete Form
먹다 (to eat) 먹어서 먹어서는 안 되다
가다 (to go) 가서 가서는 안 되다
하다 (to do) 해서 해서는 안 되다

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Patterns:

  • ~(으)면 안 되다: Also means "should not" or "must not".
    • 가면 안 되다 ("You must not go.")
  • ~지 말아야 하다: Means "should not".
    • 가지 말아야 해요 ("You should not go.") Differences:
  • ~해서는 안 되다 often emphasizes the reason or method leading to the prohibition.
  • ~(으)면 안 되다 is a conditional form, focusing on the outcome if an action is taken.
  • ~지 말아야 하다 is more formal and is used to suggest that something ought not to be done.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

  1. 시험 시간에 늦게 와서는 안 됩니다.
    • You must not come late to the exam time.
  2. 여기에서 담배를 피워서는 안 됩니다.
    • You must not smoke here.

Informal Context

  1. 거짓말해서는 안 돼.
    • You shouldn't lie.
  2. 쓰레기를 길에 버려서는 안 돼.
    • You must not throw trash on the street.

Written Context

  1. 중요한 정보를 공유해서는 안 된다.
    • One must not share important information.
  2. 타인의 작품을 무단으로 사용해서는 안 된다.
    • You must not use another person's work without permission.

Spoken Context

  1. 지금 떠나서는 안 돼요.
    • You shouldn't leave now.
  2. 식사 전에 과자를 많이 먹어서는 안 됩니다.
    • You must not eat a lot of snacks before meals.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, there is a strong emphasis on societal norms and respecting rules. Using ~해서는 안 되다 appropriately reflects awareness of these norms and shows respect for expectations in various social settings.

Politeness Levels

  • The use of 습니다 form (e.g., 안 됩니다) is formal and polite.
  • Using 안 돼요 is polite but less formal.
  • 안 돼 is casual and used among close friends or those of the same age.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 선을 넘어서도 안 돼.
    • You must not cross the line. (Meaning not to overstep boundaries)
  • 약속을 어겨서는 안 됩니다.
    • You must not break promises.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Incorrect Conjugation: Mixing up -아/어/여서 endings.
    • 가서는 안 돼 (Correct)
    • 가어서는 안 돼 (Incorrect)
  • Omitting 는: Forgetting to include after -아서/어서/여서.
    • 해서 안 돼요 (Incorrect)
    • 해서는 안 돼요 (Correct)

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember that 해서는 안 되다 is like saying "By doing this (해서는), it doesn't work (안 되다)".
  • Practice Conjugation: Regularly practice conjugating different verbs with -아서/어서/여서 to become familiar with the pattern.
  • Contextual Learning: Use the pattern in sentences related to rules or prohibitions you encounter daily.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~해서는 안 되다 is used to express prohibition or strong discouragement.
  • Formed by attaching -아/어/여서 to the verb stem, followed by 는 안 되다.
  • Important to use correct verb endings and include after the connector.
  • Reflects awareness of social norms and is essential for polite communication.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you say "You must not eat that" using ~해서는 안 되다?
  2. What is the correct conjugation of 하다 with ~해서는 안 되다?
  3. Which part of the pattern indicates prohibition? Answers:
  4. 그거 먹어서는 안 돼.
  5. 해서는 안 되다
  6. 는 안 되다

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