beginner · freeInteractive lesson
안 vs 지 않다
Try it freeContrast quizPick the right form in a mini quiz.Open →Explanation
안 comes before the verb: 안 가요.
-지 않다 is the long form: 가지 않아요: common in careful speech and writing.
Both mean simple negative for many action verbs; pick by register and rhythm.
Mistake: putting 안 after the verb or splitting -지 않다 incorrectly.
Level: beginner. Read both sides of the contrast, say the examples out loud, then write one correct and one incorrect sentence and fix it.
Cross-link: open the related grammar or tools page the same day so the fix sticks in your study graph.
Examples
고기를 안 먹어요.
I don’t eat meat.
고기를 먹지 않아요.
I do not eat meat. (long form)
Common mistakes
- Translating the English pair word-for-word without checking which Korean form carries the real distinction.
- Treating the two forms as free synonyms after memorizing only one example.
Keep learning
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