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A1 verb #300 الأكثر شيوعاً 9 دقيقة للقراءة

없어요

eopseoyo الأكثر شيوعاً #300

At the A1 level, '없어요' is introduced as a basic existential verb. Learners focus on its two primary meanings: 'there is not' and 'to not have'. The emphasis is on simple sentence structures like 'N-이/가 없어요'. Students learn to use it with concrete nouns like '물' (water), '친구' (friend), or '돈' (money). At this stage, the goal is to be able to state simple facts about one's surroundings or possessions. For example, '저는 차가 없어요' (I don't have a car). Learners also learn the polite 'haeyo-che' ending, which is the most versatile form for daily life. The distinction between '없어요' and '있어요' is a key milestone in early Korean studies. Understanding that '없어요' is the natural negative of '있어요'—and that '안 있어요' is incorrect—is a critical A1 concept. Pronunciation is also a focus, specifically the 'eop-seo-yo' sound where the final consonant of the root moves to the next syllable.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of '없어요' to include location-based sentences using the particle '에'. For example, '가방에 지갑이 없어요' (There is no wallet in the bag). Learners also begin to use '없어요' with more abstract nouns like '시간' (time) or '약속' (plans/appointment). A significant addition at this level is the introduction of the honorific counterpart '안 계세요'. A2 learners are expected to know when to switch from '없어요' to '안 계세요' when talking about respected elders or superiors. They also start to recognize '없어요' in negative questions and learn how to answer them correctly using '네' or '아니요' based on Korean logic. The use of '없어요' in compound sentences or with basic connectors like '고' (and) or '지만' (but) is also practiced, such as '돈은 없지만 행복해요' (I don't have money, but I am happy).

At the B1 level, '없어요' becomes a building block for more complex grammatical structures. The most prominent is the '-을 수 없어요' pattern, which expresses inability or impossibility (e.g., '매운 음식을 먹을 수 없어요' - I cannot eat spicy food). Learners also encounter '없어요' in more idiomatic expressions and common collocations like '정신이 없어요' (to be hectic/distracted) or '어쩔 수 없어요' (it can't be helped). At this stage, students should be comfortable using '없어요' in various speech levels, including the formal '없습니다' and the informal '없어'. They also begin to use '없다' as a modifier for nouns, such as '돈 없는 사람' (a person without money). The nuance of using '없어요' with different particles like '도' (also/even) to say '하나도 없어요' (there isn't even one) is also mastered at this level.

At the B2 level, '없어요' is used in sophisticated grammatical patterns and nuanced social contexts. Learners study patterns like '-지 않을 수 없어요' (cannot help but...) which uses a double negative for emphasis. They also learn the difference between '없다' and '부족하다' (to be insufficient) or '결여되다' (to lack) in formal writing. B2 learners are expected to understand the use of '없다' in literature and news reports, where it might appear in the plain form '없다'. They also explore the use of '없다' in hypothetical situations using '-으면' (if), such as '공기가 없으면 살 수 없어요' (If there were no air, we couldn't live). The ability to use '없어요' to express subtle shades of meaning, such as '필요 없어요' (I don't need it) in a polite yet firm way, is also developed.

At the C1 level, '없어요' is analyzed through its role in complex rhetorical structures and formal discourse. Learners study how '없다' functions in proverbs and ancient sayings. They also explore the philosophical implications of '없다' (nothingness/void) in Korean thought and literature. C1 learners can use '없다' in academic writing to describe a lack of evidence or a gap in research. They understand the subtle differences between '없다' and more specialized vocabulary like '무관하다' (to be unrelated/have no connection) or '전무하다' (to be non-existent/unprecedented). At this level, the focus is on precision and the ability to choose the most appropriate word for 'absence' depending on the register and the specific field of study (law, science, etc.).

At the C2 level, a learner has a near-native grasp of '없다' and its myriad forms. They can appreciate the poetic use of the word in classical Korean poetry (Sijo) and modern literature. They understand how the word has evolved historically from Middle Korean. C2 learners can navigate the most complex social hierarchies, using the correct honorifics and humble forms related to existence and possession without hesitation. They can also use '없다' in high-level debates to construct logical arguments involving negation. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for nuanced expression, capable of conveying everything from existential dread to the simple absence of a physical object. They can also identify and use very rare or archaic idioms involving '없다' that are not commonly known to lower-level learners.

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

없어요 في 30 ثانية

Expresses the absence of an object or person in a specific location (e.g., 'The milk is not in the fridge').
Indicates a lack of possession or ownership (e.g., 'I do not have a car' or 'I have no money').
Serves as the polite, natural negative form of '있어요', and is used at the very end of sentences.
Commonly paired with the subject particles '이' or '가' to identify the thing that is missing or not owned.

The Korean word 없어요 (eop-seo-yo) is a fundamental pillar of the Korean language, primarily serving as the negative counterpart to the verb '있어요' (it-seo-yo). To an English speaker, this word is fascinating because it performs a double duty that usually requires two distinct verbs in English: 'to not be' (existence) and 'to not have' (possession). When you are first learning Korean, mastering 없어요 is essential because it allows you to describe the world in terms of what is missing or what you lack. In terms of existence, it indicates that a person, animal, or object is not present in a specific location. For example, if you are looking for your friend at a library and they are not there, you would use this word. In terms of possession, it is the standard way to say you do not own or possess something, such as money, time, or a car.

Existence (Non-presence): This usage describes the absence of something in a physical space. If a teacher asks if a student is in the classroom and they are not, the response would be '없어요'. It translates to 'is not here' or 'does not exist'.

Possession (Lack of ownership): This usage describes not having an item. In English, we say 'I do not have a pen'. In Korean, you say 'A pen does not exist (to me)', which is '펜이 없어요'. This is the most common way to express lack of ownership.

교실에 선생님이 없어요.

Translation: The teacher is not in the classroom.

저는 지금 돈이 없어요.

Translation: I do not have money right now.

People use 없어요 in almost every social context imaginable. In a restaurant, if they are out of a certain dish, the server will say '재료가 없어요' (We don't have the ingredients). In an office, if a colleague is away from their desk, someone might say '지금 자리에 없어요' (They are not at their seat right now). It is a polite, standard form (haeyo-che) that is appropriate for talking to strangers, elders, or colleagues. It strikes a perfect balance between being respectful and being natural.

질문 없어요?

Translation: Do you not have any questions?

Abstract Absence: Beyond physical objects, '없어요' is used for abstract concepts like time (시간), courage (용기), or interest (관심). Saying '관심 없어요' means 'I am not interested'.

시간이 전혀 없어요.

Translation: I have no time at all.

In summary, 없어요 is a versatile tool for negation. Whether you are describing an empty fridge, a missing person, or a lack of feelings, this word is your primary vehicle for expressing 'not being' or 'not having'. Its simplicity in form belies its massive importance in daily Korean conversation.

Using 없어요 correctly requires an understanding of Korean sentence structure and particle usage. In Korean, the verb always comes at the end of the sentence. Therefore, 없어요 will almost always be the final word in your statement or question. The most critical rule for English speakers to remember is the use of the subject markers 이 and 가.

The Subject Marker Rule: When you want to say 'I don't have X' or 'There is no X', the 'X' is the subject of the sentence. Use '이' if the word ends in a consonant (like '물' -> '물이') and '가' if it ends in a vowel (like '커피' -> '커피가').

우유가 없어요.

Translation: There is no milk. / I don't have milk.

핸드폰이 없어요.

Translation: There is no phone. / I don't have a phone.

When describing location, you use the location particle 에. The structure is: [Location] + 에 + [Subject] + 이/가 + 없어요. This clearly states that something is not in a specific place.

냉장고에 수박이 없어요.

Translation: There is no watermelon in the refrigerator.

Questions and Intonation: In the 'haeyo-che' (polite) style, a statement and a question look exactly the same in writing. The only difference is the question mark and the rising intonation at the end when speaking. '돈이 없어요.' (I have no money) vs '돈이 없어요?' (Do you have no money?).

지금 집에 없어요?

Translation: Are you not at home right now?

Finally, 없어요 can be used with verbs to express inability when combined with the pattern '-을 수 없어요'. This is an intermediate usage, but it shows how the word evolves. For example, '갈 수 없어요' means 'I cannot go'. However, for A1 learners, focusing on the simple existence and possession meanings is the most important first step. Always remember: Subject + Particle + 없어요 is the golden rule.

You will hear 없어요 everywhere in South Korea, from the bustling streets of Myeongdong to quiet residential neighborhoods. It is one of the top ten most frequently used words in daily life because humans are constantly checking for the presence or absence of things.

At the Convenience Store (Pyeonuijeom): If you are looking for a specific brand of ramen or a limited-edition snack and can't find it, you might ask the clerk. They will often reply with a polite '죄송합니다, 지금 그 물건은 없어요' (I'm sorry, we don't have that item right now).

손님, 지금 잔돈이 없어요.

Translation: Customer, I don't have small change right now.

In Social and Romantic Contexts: When meeting new people, questions about relationships are common. Someone might ask '남자친구 있어요?' (Do you have a boyfriend?). A common answer is '아니요, 없어요' (No, I don't have one). It is also used to express that someone is 'not here' during a phone call.

김 대리님은 지금 회의 중이라 자리에 없어요.

Translation: Assistant Manager Kim is in a meeting, so they are not at their desk.

At Restaurants and Cafes: If a restaurant is full, the host might say '자리가 없어요' (There are no seats). If they have run out of a menu item, you will hear '재료가 다 떨어져서 없어요' (We are out of ingredients, so we don't have it).

빈 테이블이 하나도 없어요.

Translation: There isn't a single empty table.

In the digital world, you'll see 없어요 on websites when search results are empty: '검색 결과가 없어요' (There are no search results). It is truly a universal word for 'zero' or 'null' in the human experience. Whether you are navigating a physical space or a digital one, 없어요 will be your constant companion in identifying what is missing.

Learning 없어요 is generally straightforward, but there are several pitfalls that English speakers frequently fall into. The most common mistake is confusing 없어요 with 아니에요 (a-ni-e-yo).

Mistake 1: 아니에요 vs 없어요: '아니에요' means 'is not [Noun]'. It is used for identity. '없어요' means 'does not exist' or 'do not have'. - Wrong: 저는 학생이 없어요 (I don't exist as a student - implies you don't have a student). - Right: 저는 학생이 아니에요 (I am not a student).

이것은 제 책이 아니에요. (Identity) 제 책이 없어요. (Existence/Possession)

Comparison: 'This is not my book' vs 'My book is missing/I don't have my book'.

Mistake 2: Using the wrong particles: English speakers often try to use the object markers 을/를 because they think of 'have' as an action. However, '없어요' is an existential verb/adjective. - Wrong: 돈을 없어요. - Right: 돈이 없어요.

Mistake 3: Double Negation: In Korean, you cannot use the negation prefix '안' (an) with '있어요' to mean 'don't have'. You must use the dedicated word '없어요'. - Wrong: 안 있어요. - Right: 없어요.

시간이 안 있어요 (X) -> 시간이 없어요 (O).

By keeping these common errors in mind, you will sound much more natural and accurate. The distinction between identity (아니에요) and existence (없어요) is the most vital concept to grasp. Practice saying 'I am not a doctor' (의사가 아니에요) versus 'There is no doctor' (의사가 없어요) to feel the difference.

While 없어요 is the most common way to express absence, there are other words and expressions that carry similar meanings but are used in specific contexts. Understanding these alternatives will help you refine your Korean and understand more complex conversations.

안 계세요 (An gye-se-yo): This is the honorific version of '없어요' used when the subject is a person you must show respect to. If your boss is not in the office, you say '사장님은 안 계세요'. Using '없어요' in this case would be a social faux pas.

부재중 (Bu-jae-jung): This is a formal noun meaning 'absence' or 'out of the office'. You will often see this on phone screens for 'missed calls' (부재중 전화) or on office doors. It is more clinical and formal than '없어요'.

지금은 부재중입니다. 메시지를 남겨주세요.

Translation: I am currently away. Please leave a message.

모자라다 (Mo-ja-ra-da): While '없어요' means there is zero, '모자라요' means there is 'not enough' or 'insufficient'. If you have some money but not enough for a coffee, you would use '모자라요'.

시간이 조금 모자라요.

Translation: Time is a little insufficient.

품절 (Pum-jeol): This is a specific term used in shopping meaning 'sold out'. While a clerk might say '물건이 없어요', a sign on a website or a shelf will say '품절'.

죄송합니다, 그 사이즈는 품절입니다.

Translation: Sorry, that size is sold out.

In conclusion, while 없어요 is your go-to word for most situations, being aware of honorifics (안 계세요), formal terms (부재중), and specific conditions (모자라다, 품절) will make your Korean much more sophisticated. Start with '없어요' and gradually add these nuances to your vocabulary as you progress.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

محايد

غير رسمي

Child friendly

عامية

حقيقة ممتعة

The double consonant 'ㅄ' in the root '없' is a rare remnant of old Korean phonology where multiple consonants could cluster more freely.

دليل النطق

UK /ʌp.sʌ.jo/

US /ʌp.sʌ.jo/

The stress is relatively even, but the second syllable 'seo' often carries a slight melodic rise in questions.

يتقافى مع

없어요 (eop-seo-yo) 무서워요 (mu-seo-wo-yo) 어서요 (eo-seo-yo) 서요 (seo-yo) 모셔요 (mo-syeo-yo) 마셔요 (ma-syeo-yo) 부서져요 (bu-seo-jyeo-yo) 웃겨요 (ut-gyeo-yo)

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing it as 'eob-eo-yo' (missing the 's' sound).
Pronouncing 'eo' as 'oh' (it should be more open).
Making the 'p' sound too explosive.
Forgetting the liaison where 'ㅅ' moves to the next syllable.
Using a falling intonation for questions.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

Very easy to recognize the unique 'ㅄ' patchim.

الكتابة 2/5

The 'ㅄ' spelling can be tricky for beginners to remember.

التحدث 2/5

Requires practicing the liaison of the 's' sound.

الاستماع 1/5

Very distinct sound in daily conversation.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

있다 (to exist) 이/가 (subject particles) 에 (location particle)

تعلّم لاحقاً

안 계세요 (honorific) -을 수 없어요 (cannot) 아니에요 (to not be)

متقدم

전무하다 (to be non-existent) 결여되다 (to lack) 무관하다 (to be unrelated)

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Subject Marker 이/가

돈이 없어요. (Not 돈을 없어요)

Location Particle 에

방에 없어요.

Topic Marker 은/는 for contrast

빵은 없어요. (But maybe there is cake)

Negation of Ability -을 수 없다

할 수 없어요.

Honorific form 안 계시다

부모님은 안 계세요.

أمثلة حسب المستوى

돈이 없어요.

I don't have money.

Subject (돈) + Particle (이) + 없어요.

친구가 없어요.

I don't have friends.

Subject (친구) + Particle (가) + 없어요.

물이 없어요.

There is no water.

Used for existence of an object.

선생님이 없어요.

The teacher is not here.

Used for the absence of a person.

시간이 없어요.

I don't have time.

Abstract noun (시간) used with 없어요.

우유가 없어요.

There is no milk.

Common household usage.

가방이 없어요.

I don't have a bag.

Possession meaning.

질문이 없어요.

I have no questions.

Standard response in a learning environment.

방에 침대가 없어요.

There is no bed in the room.

Location (방에) + Subject (침대가) + 없어요.

할머니는 지금 집에 안 계세요.

Grandmother is not at home right now.

Honorific form '안 계세요' used for grandmother.

오늘은 약속이 없어요.

I don't have any plans today.

Using '약속' (appointment/plans).

그 식당은 메뉴가 없어요.

That restaurant doesn't have a menu.

Topic marker '은' used for the restaurant.

주머니에 돈이 하나도 없어요.

I don't have a single cent in my pocket.

'하나도' (not even one) adds emphasis.

교실에 학생이 아무도 없어요.

There is nobody in the classroom.

'아무도' (nobody) used with negative verb.

근처에 은행이 없어요.

There is no bank nearby.

Asking for directions context.

저는 차가 없지만 자전거는 있어요.

I don't have a car, but I have a bicycle.

Contrast using '없지만' (don't have but).

지금은 바빠서 갈 수 없어요.

I am busy now, so I cannot go.

Pattern '-을 수 없어요' (cannot).

요즘 정신이 없어요.

I've been so hectic lately (literally: I have no spirit).

Common idiom for being very busy.

어쩔 수 없어요.

It can't be helped. / There's no other way.

Fixed expression for resignation.

그는 용기가 없어요.

He has no courage.

Abstract quality possession.

비밀이 하나도 없어요.

I have no secrets at all.

Emphasis on total absence.

재미가 없어요.

It is not fun. / It is boring.

Literal: 'There is no fun'.

필요 없어요.

I don't need it. / It's not necessary.

Common way to decline something.

자신감이 없어요.

I have no self-confidence.

Abstract noun usage.

그의 말은 믿을 수가 없어요.

I cannot believe his words.

Emphasized inability pattern '-을 수가 없어요'.

웃지 않을 수 없어요.

I cannot help but laugh.

Double negative '-지 않을 수 없어요'.

그 영화는 끝이 없어요.

That movie is endless.

Describing something without a limit.

그는 예의가 없어요.

He has no manners.

Describing character traits.

이 문제는 답이 없어요.

This problem has no answer. / It's a dead end.

Metaphorical usage.

기운이 없어요.

I have no energy. / I feel weak.

Physical state description.

상관없어요.

It doesn't matter. / I don't care.

Very common phrase meaning 'no relation'.

어처구니가 없어요.

It is absurd. / I'm dumbfounded.

High-level idiom.

그 이론은 근거가 없어요.

That theory has no basis/evidence.

Formal/Academic context.

그는 자비가 없어요.

He has no mercy.

Literary/Dramatic usage.

이곳은 인적이 없어요.

This place is deserted (no trace of people).

Advanced vocabulary '인적' (human trace).

그의 행동은 거침이 없어요.

His actions are hesitant-free / bold.

Positive use of '없다' to mean boldness.

그 계획은 빈틈이 없어요.

That plan is flawless (no gaps).

Describing perfection through absence of flaws.

이것은 전례가 없어요.

This is unprecedented (no precedent).

Formal/News context.

그는 욕심이 없어요.

He is not greedy (has no greed).

Describing a virtuous character.

말도 못 하게 예뻐요.

It is unspeakably beautiful.

Using '못 하게' (cannot do) derived from absence of ability.

무에서 유를 창조해요.

To create something from nothing.

Philosophical use of '무' (nothingness).

그의 논리는 허점이 없어요.

His logic has no loopholes.

Advanced argumentative language.

그는 세상에 부러울 게 없어요.

He has nothing to envy in the world.

Expressing ultimate satisfaction.

이보다 더 좋을 순 없어요.

It couldn't be better than this.

Superlative expression using negation.

그의 명성은 땅에 떨어질 리 없어요.

There is no way his reputation will fall.

Pattern '-을 리 없어요' (no way that...).

그는 가차 없어요.

He is relentless / shows no leniency.

Idiomatic expression for strictness.

실속이 없어요.

It lacks substance / It's not worth the effort.

Critiquing efficiency or value.

그는 온데간데없어요.

He vanished without a trace.

Advanced idiomatic compound word.

تلازمات شائعة

돈이 없어요

시간이 없어요

관심 없어요

자리가 없어요

정신이 없어요

필요 없어요

재미 없어요

생각 없어요

어이 없어요

가망이 없어요

العبارات الشائعة

별거 없어요

상관없어요

어쩔 수 없어요

말도 안 돼요

꿈도 꾸지 마세요

끝도 없어요

거침없어요

온데간데없어요

어처구니없어요

전혀 없어요

يُخلط عادةً مع

없어요 vs 아니에요

Used for 'is not [Noun]'. '없어요' is for existence/possession.

없어요 vs 안 있어요

This is grammatically incorrect. You must use '없어요'.

없어요 vs 계세요

This is the honorific for 'is here'. The negative is '안 계세요', not '안 없어요'.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"정신이 없다"

To be incredibly busy or distracted. Literally 'to have no spirit'.

아침에는 너무 정신이 없어요.

Neutral

"어이(가) 없다"

To be dumbfounded or taken aback by something ridiculous.

그런 말을 듣다니 어이가 없어요.

Neutral

"밑도 끝도 없다"

To have no rhyme or reason. Literally 'no bottom and no end'.

밑도 끝도 없는 이야기를 해요.

Neutral

"볼일 없다"

To have no business with someone or to be finished with them (often negative).

너랑은 이제 볼일 없어.

Informal

"손이 없다"

To be short-handed or to have no evil spirits (folk belief).

이삿날에 손이 없는 날을 골라요.

Cultural

"철(이) 없다"

To be immature. Literally 'to have no season/discretion'.

그는 나이가 많아도 철이 없어요.

Neutral

"싹수가 없다"

To have no manners or no future potential. Very rude.

그 사람은 정말 싹수가 없어요.

Slang/Rude

"밥맛 없다"

To be disgusting or unpleasant (person). Literally 'to have no appetite'.

그 사람 행동은 정말 밥맛 없어요.

Slang

"영혼 없다"

To be insincere or robotic. Literally 'to have no soul'.

그의 칭찬은 영혼이 없어요.

Modern Slang

"대책 없다"

To be hopeless or to have no plan/solution.

이 상황은 정말 대책 없어요.

Neutral

سهل الخلط

없어요 vs 아니에요

Both are negative verbs/adjectives.

아니에요 negates identity (A is not B). 없어요 negates existence (A does not exist).

저는 의사가 아니에요 (I am not a doctor). 저는 의사가 없어요 (I don't have a doctor).

없어요 vs 부족하다

Both imply a lack of something.

없어요 means zero. 부족하다 means some exists but not enough.

돈이 없어요 (Zero money). 돈이 부족해요 (Not enough money).

없어요 vs 모자라다

Both imply a lack.

없어요 is a general state. 모자라다 implies a specific requirement is not met.

시간이 없어요 (No time). 시간이 모자라요 (Running out of time).

없어요 vs 잃어버리다

Both result in not having something.

없어요 is the state of not having. 잃어버리다 is the action of losing.

지갑이 없어요 (Wallet is gone). 지갑을 잃어버렸어요 (I lost my wallet).

없어요 vs 안 계시다

Both mean 'not here'.

없어요 is neutral. 안 계시다 is honorific for people.

친구가 없어요 (Friend is not here). 할아버지가 안 계세요 (Grandpa is not here).

أنماط الجُمل

[Noun]이/가 없어요.

우유가 없어요.

[Location]에 없어요.

학교에 없어요.

[Noun]은/는 없어요.

사과는 없어요.

[Respected Person]은/는 안 계세요.

선생님은 안 계세요.

[Verb]-을 수 없어요.

먹을 수 없어요.

[Noun]이/가 하나도 없어요.

돈이 하나도 없어요.

[Verb]-지 않을 수 없어요.

울지 않을 수 없어요.

[Noun]이/가 전무해요.

지식이 전무해요.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

الأفعال

الصفات

مرتبط

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Extremely high; used in almost every conversation.

أخطاء شائعة

Using '안 있어요' instead of '없어요'. → 없어요.
Korean has a specific word for the negation of 'to be/have'. '안 있어요' is never used.
Using '을/를' particles. → 돈이 없어요.
없어요 is an existential adjective/verb, so the 'object' is actually the subject. Use 이/가.
Confusing '없어요' with '아니에요'. → 학생이 아니에요 (I am not a student).
Use '아니에요' for identity and '없어요' for existence/possession.
Using '없어요' for a respected person. → 선생님은 안 계세요.
You must use the honorific '안 계세요' for people you respect.
Pronouncing it 'eob-eo-yo'. → eop-seo-yo.
The 's' sound from the 'ㅄ' must be pronounced in the second syllable.

نصائح

Particle Choice

Always use 이/가 with 없어요. If the noun ends in a consonant, use 이 (돈이). If it ends in a vowel, use 가 (차 가).

The S Liaison

The double consonant ㅄ is tricky. In 없어요, the ㅂ stays with the first syllable and the ㅅ moves to the second. Pronounce it 'eop-seo-yo'.

Polite Refusal

You can use '시간이 없어요' (I have no time) as a polite way to decline an invitation without being too blunt.

Antonym Pairing

Learn 없어요 and 있어요 together as a pair. They are the most basic 'existence' words in the language.

Honorific Switch

Remember to switch to '안 계세요' when talking about your boss, parents, or teachers. It shows you know Korean etiquette.

Absurd Situations

If something is totally ridiculous, use '어이없어요'. It's a great way to express shock at a situation.

Spelling Check

The spelling of '없' with 'ㅄ' is unique. Practice writing it several times so you don't forget the silent 'ㅂ' and the 'ㅅ'.

Question Tone

Listen for the rising pitch. '돈이 없어요' (statement) vs '돈이 없어요?' (question). The words are identical.

Contrast with 은/는

Use '사과는 없어요' if you want to imply that while there are no apples, there might be something else available.

Double Negatives

Once you are comfortable, try '-지 않을 수 없어요'. It's a fancy way to say 'I have to' or 'I can't help but'.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'EOP' as 'Empty Of Possession'. If it's 'EOP-seo-yo', the shelf is empty!

ربط بصري

Imagine a person looking into a box and seeing only air. They say '없어요' while showing their empty palms.

Word Web

돈 (Money) 시간 (Time) 친구 (Friend) 물 (Water) 없어요 재미 (Fun) 관심 (Interest) 자리 (Seat)

تحدٍّ

Try to find 5 things in your room right now that you DO NOT have, and say them out loud in Korean using '없어요'.

أصل الكلمة

Derived from the Middle Korean root '업다' (eop-da). It has been the standard way to express non-existence for centuries.

المعنى الأصلي: To not exist, to be lacking.

Koreanic

السياق الثقافي

Be careful when using '없어요' for people. If you say a person '없어요', it might imply they are dead if the context isn't clear. Usually, it just means 'not here'.

English speakers often confuse 'I am not' with 'I don't have'. Korean uses two different words (아니에요 vs 없어요).

The song '니가 없으면' (If I don't have you) by various artists. The common K-Drama trope of a character saying '돈 없어요' to a loan shark. The phrase '답이 없다' used in internet gaming culture to mean a hopeless situation.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

At a Restaurant

빈 자리가 없어요.
메뉴판이 없어요.
맵지 않은 음식이 없어요?
잔돈이 없어요.

At the Office

김 대리님이 자리에 없어요.
회의실에 사람이 없어요.
시간이 없어요.
자료가 없어요.

Shopping

이 사이즈는 없어요.
다른 색깔은 없어요?
할인이 없어요?
봉투가 없어요.

Socializing

애인 없어요.
관심 없어요.
비밀 없어요.
재미 없어요.

On the Street

근처에 화장실이 없어요.
지도가 없어요.
배터리가 없어요.
와이파이가 없어요.

بدايات محادثة

"혹시 질문 없어요? (Do you happen to have any questions?)"

"오늘 약속 없어요? (Do you have no plans today?)"

"이 근처에 맛집 없어요? (Are there no good restaurants nearby?)"

"지금 시간 없어요? (Do you not have time now?)"

"불편한 점은 없어요? (Are there no uncomfortable points/problems?)"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

오늘 하루 동안 가장 시간이 없었던 순간은 언제예요? (When was the moment you had the least time today?)

집에 꼭 있어야 하는데 지금 없는 물건이 뭐예요? (What is something that must be at home but is missing now?)

돈이 아주 많다면, 지금 없어서 슬픈 것들을 다 살 거예요? (If you had a lot of money, would you buy everything you're sad about not having?)

나에게는 없지만 친구에게는 있는 좋은 점이 뭐예요? (What is a good trait that you don't have but your friend does?)

세상에 이것만은 절대 없으면 안 된다고 생각하는 게 뭐예요? (What is one thing in the world you think must never be missing?)

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, '안 있어요' is grammatically incorrect in Korean. The language has a dedicated word for the negative of '있어요', which is '없어요'. Always use '없어요' to express non-existence or lack of possession.

This is the most common confusion. '아니에요' means 'is not' (identity), like 'I am not a student'. '없어요' means 'there is not' or 'do not have', like 'I don't have a book'. Use '아니에요' for 'A is not B' and '없어요' for 'A does not exist'.

In Korean, '없어요' is an existential adjective/verb. The thing that doesn't exist is the subject of the sentence, not the object. Therefore, it takes the subject particles '이' or '가'. Saying '돈을 없어요' is a common mistake for English speakers.

You can say '남자친구 없어요'. It is a very common and natural way to answer. If you want to be slightly more formal, you could say '남자친구 없습니다'.

Yes, it can be. When talking about a respected person (like a teacher or grandparent) not being present, you should use the honorific form '안 계세요'. Using '없어요' for them might sound like you are treating them as an object.

The spelling is '없어요', but because of the liaison rule, the 'ㅅ' sound moves to the next syllable. It is pronounced like '업서요' (eop-seo-yo). Make sure the 's' sound is audible.

Yes, when it is part of the grammar pattern '-을 수 없어요'. For example, '갈 수 없어요' means 'I cannot go'. On its own, however, it just means 'not exist' or 'not have'.

It is a very common idiom. Literally, it means 'I have no spirit/mind'. It is used to describe being extremely busy, hectic, or overwhelmed by a situation.

In standard Korean sentence structure, yes. The verb or adjective that ends the sentence always comes last. You might see it in the middle only if it's part of a connecting clause (e.g., '없어서' - because there isn't).

You can say '아무것도 없어요'. '아무것도' means 'nothing' when used with a negative verb like '없어요'.