Don't

This pattern is the most common way to tell someone not to do something in Korean. It functions as a direct negative command, equivalent to "Don't..." in English.

Formation

Simply attach -지 마 to the stem of any verb, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.

가다 (to go) → 가 + 지 마 → 가지 마 (Don't go)

먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 지 마 → 먹지 마 (Don't eat)

하다 (to do) → 하 + 지 마 → 하지 마 (Don't do it)

Usage

Use -지 마 when you want to prohibit an action or command someone to stop. It's direct and can be used in a wide range of situations, from casual warnings to firm instructions.

하지 마. / 먹지 마. / 가지 마. / 잊지 마.

While -지 마(요) is common in conversation, Korean has more formal ways to express prohibition, often seen in public spaces or formal settings.

Polite & Firm: -지 마세요

Adding the honorific -세- makes the command -지 마세요. This is still polite (해요체) but feels more formal and authoritative than -지 마요. It's commonly used by staff toward customers or on public signs.

Example: 사진 찍지 마세요. (Please don't take pictures.)

Very Formal: -지 마십시오

This is the most formal and strongest level of prohibition (하십시오체). You will frequently encounter it in written notices, public announcements (like on the subway), and in very formal speeches. It is rarely used in casual conversation.

Example: 문에 기대지 마십시오. (Do not lean on the doors.)

여기서 담배 피우지 마세요. / 뛰지 마십시오. / 문에 기대지 마십시오.

Learners often confuse -지 마 with -(으)면 안 되다. While both express prohibition, they have different nuances.

-지 마: Direct Command

As we've learned, -지 마 is a direct order from the speaker to the listener. The focus is on the speaker's will.

Meaning: "I am telling you not to do this."

Example: 움직이지 마. (Don't move. - A direct order from me to you.)

-(으)면 안 되다: Stating a Rule

This pattern means "you shouldn't..." or "it's not allowed to...". It states a general rule, social convention, or explains that a certain action will lead to a negative consequence. It's less of a personal command and more of an objective statement of fact.

Meaning: "Doing this is not permitted/advisable (by the rules)."

Example: 여기서는 움직이면 안 돼요. (You're not supposed to move here. - It's a rule.)

이거 먹지 마. / 그건 약이랑 같이 먹으면 안 돼. / 지금 나가지 마. / 밤에는 혼자 나가면 안 돼요.

The politeness level of this command is controlled by adding or omitting the politeness marker -요. The script for this lesson alternates between the casual and polite forms.

Casual Form: -지 마

This is the 반말 (casual) form. Use it with close friends, family members you're familiar with, or people younger than you. It can sound blunt or even rude if used with strangers or superiors.

Example: 걱정하지 마. 내가 있잖아. (Don't worry. I'm here.)

Polite Form: -지 마요

This is the standard polite 해요체 form. By adding -요, the command becomes softer and appropriate for use with strangers, colleagues, or anyone you would normally speak to politely.

Example: 걱정하지 마요. 제가 있잖아요. (Don't worry. I'm here.)

까불지 마. / 까불지 마요. / 나가지 마. / 나가지 마요. / 만지지 마. / 만지지 마요.