💬 Phrases A2 ✓ Native Reviewed

안 돼요

an dwaeyo

It's not allowed / No / It can't be

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What it means

안 돼요 means "it's not allowed," "you can't," or "that won't work." One of the most emotionally charged phrases in K-dramas — from forbidden love to parental disapproval.

Nuance & when to use

안 돼 (casual) / 안 돼요 (polite) / 안 됩니다 (formal). Multiple meanings: (1) Not allowed: 여기 주차 안 돼요 (parking not allowed here). (2) Won't work: 이 방법은 안 돼요 (this method won't work). (3) Emotional refusal: 안 돼! (No! I won't accept this!) K-drama staple.

⚠ Common mistake

안 돼 ≠ 못 해요. 안 돼 = won't/not allowed (choice/rule). 못 해요 = can't (lack of ability). 저는 수영 못 해요 (I can't swim). 여기서 수영 안 돼요 (Swimming not allowed here).

Example sentences

여기서는 사진 찍으면 안 돼요. Yeogiseo-neun sajin jjigeumyeon an dwaeyo. You can't take photos here.
안 돼! 포기하면 안 돼! An dwae! Pogihimyeon an dwae! No! You can't give up!
그렇게 하면 안 돼요. Geureoke hamyeon an dwaeyo. You can't do it that way.

See also

돼요 못해요 괜찮아요
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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← 시간 애교 →

FAQ

When is this used?

안 돼 (casual) / 안 돼요 (polite) / 안 됩니다 (formal). Multiple meanings: (1) Not allowed: 여기 주차 안 돼요 (parking not allowed here). (2) Won't work: 이 방법은 안 돼요 (this method won't work). (3) Emotional refusal: 안 돼! (No! I won't accept this!) K-drama staple.

What's a common mistake?

안 돼 ≠ 못 해요. 안 돼 = won't/not allowed (choice/rule). 못 해요 = can't (lack of ability). 저는 수영 못 해요 (I can't swim). 여기서 수영 안 돼요 (Swimming not allowed here).

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