beginner · freeInteractive lesson
-지 않다
Try it freeComplete examples with -지 않다Apply the formation rule before moving into the related grammar path.Open →Explanation
-지 않다 is the long form negation: 가지 않아요.
안 + verb is shorter and very common in speech: 안 가요.
Both are correct; written Korean and careful speech use -지 않다 more often.
Adjectives negate the same way: 크지 않아요.
Level: beginner. Read the pattern, say each example out loud, then write two new sentences of your own before moving on.
After you can produce the form, open related Chamelingo pages (vocabulary, conjugator, particles) so the pattern connects to words you actually study.
Examples
고기를 먹지 않아요.
I don’t eat meat.
그 영화는 재미있지 않았어요.
That movie wasn’t interesting.
Common mistakes
- Do not translate English word-for-word into “-지 않다”: match Korean order and speech level.
- Do not treat near-miss patterns as free synonyms of “-지 않다” without checking meaning and register.
How to practice
- Register: learn the polite 요 form first unless this page is specifically about formal 습니다 style.
- Production tip: use the pattern in a short dialogue (question + answer) the same day you study it.
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