Learn Korean Ep. 7: Negative Sentences | ~지 않다 vs. 안

Summary

This video explains how to form negative sentences in Korean using two methods: 'an' (안) and 'chiant' (지 않다). The video covers the differences between informal and formal negation, with practical examples. It also introduces the distinction between pure Korean and Sino-Korean verbs, highlighting how verb type affects negation usage. Pure Korean verbs can use both 'an' and 'chiant,' while Sino-Korean verbs can only use 'chiant.' The video offers helpful tips and rules for learners to confidently navigate negation in Korean sentences.

Takeaways

• 😀 There are two main ways to make negative sentences in Korean: using 'an' (안) or 'chant' (지 않다).
• 😀 'An' is informal and used with pure Korean verbs, while 'chant' is formal and used with Sino-Korean verbs.
• 😀 To use 'an', take the verb stem, remove the 'da' ending, and add 'an'.
• 😀 To use 'chant', take the verb stem, remove the 'da' ending, and add 'chant' to the end.
• 😀 The sentence structure remains the same when asking questions in negative form (e.g., 'Don’t you like Kim?' or 'Aren’t you going to school?').
• 😀 When in doubt, use 'chant' as it's more universally acceptable, especially for Sino-Korean verbs.
• 😀 Some verbs, especially Sino-Korean ones with one syllable, can use either 'an' or 'chant' for negation.
• 😀 Pure Korean verbs allow negation with either 'an' or 'chant' (e.g., 'shim' – bored).
• 😀 Sino-Korean verbs generally only use 'chant' for negation (e.g., 'kung' – to study).
• 😀 60% of the Korean language is derived from Chinese (Sino-Korean), and understanding this helps you choose the correct negation form.
• 😀 If you're unsure about a verb's origin, it’s safest to use 'chant' for negation.

Q & A

What are the two ways to make a sentence negative in Korean?

The two ways to make a sentence negative in Korean are by using 'an' before the verb or 'chiant' after the verb.

What is the difference between using 'an' and 'chiant'?

'An' is considered more informal, while 'chiant' is more neutral. They both negate sentences but are used with different types of verbs.

Can you use both 'an' and 'chiant' for all verbs?

No, you cannot. 'An' can be used with pure Korean verbs, while 'chiant' is used with Ceno Korean verbs (those borrowed from Chinese).

How do you form a negative sentence using 'an'?

To form a negative sentence with 'an', you remove the verb's ending 'da' and add 'an' before the verb stem.

What is an example of a negative sentence using 'an'?

An example would be 'I don't study Korean' (using 'an' before the verb 'study').

What is the main rule to remember if you're unsure about using 'an' or 'chiant'?

If you're unsure, just use 'chiant' to be safe, as it works with all verbs.

What is the role of Chinese influence in Korean verbs?

Around 60% of Korean words come from Chinese, and this affects how verbs are conjugated, especially when forming negatives.

When should you use 'chiant' instead of 'an'?

'Chiant' should be used with Ceno Korean verbs (those borrowed from Chinese) because 'an' cannot be used with them.

What happens if you try to use 'an' with Ceno Korean verbs?

'An' cannot be used with Ceno Korean verbs, and doing so would be incorrect. For these verbs, you must use 'chiant'.

Are there exceptions to the rule about 'an' and 'chiant'?

Yes, some Ceno Korean verbs with only one character can use both 'an' or 'chiant'. However, certain verbs, like 'want', cannot use 'an'.