안 vs 못: Two Ways to Say 'Not' in Korean
10-Second Answer
안 negates a verb as a choice — "don't/doesn't/won't." 못 negates a verb as an inability — "can't." Both go right before the verb. 안 가요 = "I'm not going (I don't want to)." 못 가요 = "I can't go (something prevents me).
Side by Side
| Sentence | Meaning | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 안 가요. | I'm not going. | Choice — just don't want to |
| 못 가요. | I can't go. | Inability — sick, busy, blocked, etc. |
| 안 먹어요. | I don't eat (it) / I'm not eating. | Choice — diet, preference, refusal |
| 못 먹어요. | I can't eat (it). | Inability — allergy, too spicy, no time |
Quick Examples
저는 매운 음식을 안 먹어요.
jeoneun maeun eumsigeul an meogeoyo.
I don't eat spicy food.
Personal choice/preference.
저는 매운 음식을 못 먹어요.
jeoneun maeun eumsigeul mot meogeoyo.
I can't eat spicy food.
Physical inability — it's too spicy for them.
오늘 술 안 마셔요.
I'm not drinking today.
Choosing not to.
저 운전 못 해요.
I can't drive.
Doesn't have the skill/license.
Two Positions for Each
Both 안 and 못 have a short form (before the verb) and a long form (attached to the verb stem with -지 않다 / -지 못하다). The short form is far more common in speech.
| Short form | Long form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 안 가요 | 가지 않아요 | not going (choice) |
| 못 가요 | 가지 못해요 | can't go (inability) |
The 하다-Verb Exception
For verbs built on 하다 (to do) + a noun, 안/못 usually slot BETWEEN the noun and 하다, not before the whole verb:
공부 안 해요.
I'm not studying.
NOT 안 공부해요 — 안 goes between 공부 and 해요.
운동 못 해요.
I can't exercise.
Same pattern: noun + 못 + 해요.
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Using 안 when you mean inability
안 결혼해요 ("I'm not getting married" — choice) vs 못 결혼해요 ("I can't get married" — circumstances prevent it). Mixing these changes the whole implied story.
Mistake #2 — Placing 안/못 before a 하다-verb noun compound
안 공부해요 sounds off to natives; 공부 안 해요 is standard.
Mini Quiz
1. You simply don't like spicy food and choose not to eat it. You say:
2. You're allergic to shellfish and physically cannot eat it. You say:
3. How do you say "I'm not studying" (공부하다 = to study)?
Related Knowledge
Learn Next
입니다 vs 이에요: Which 'To Be' Should You Use?
Negation done — next up is the other verb every beginner mixes up: the two faces of 'to be.'
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Start today's study →Last updated: 2026-08-10 · Written and reviewed by a native Korean speaker.