안 vs 지 않다
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.
This page focuses on “안 vs 지 않다.” Read for meaning first, then re-read looking only at formality and particle choice — those two details decide whether you sound natural.
After the explanation, study the worked examples and the common mistakes. Then take the one-question check so you know you did not only skim.
Connect this page to nearby Chamelingo lessons and tools. Isolated tips do not stick; a graph of vocabulary + grammar + speaking does. Use the related links at the bottom to keep walking the graph.
When you can explain “안 vs 지 않다” in one plain English sentence and produce one new Korean example without looking, you are ready to move on — then review again within 24 hours.
Examples
이 표현을 문장에서 써 보세요.
Practice putting “안 vs 지 않다” into a full polite sentence.
비슷한 말과 비교해서 말해 보세요.
Say a near-miss pair out loud and notice the meaning shift.
오늘 배운 걸 한 번 더 복습해요.
Review once more today so the pattern sticks.
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.
How to practice
- Level: beginner–friendly explanation; still re-check formality with a native conversation partner when stakes are high.
- Say every example out loud, then change one slot (place, time, or person) to force production — not only recognition.
- After reading, open Chamelingo and recycle the same pattern in a lesson or speaking practice so it enters long-term memory.
Check yourself
Question 1 of 1
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