Signification
Politely asking someone to refrain from a specific action.
Contexte culturel
Public correction is rare due to the desire to avoid 'Chem-myeon' (loss of face). Using '그렇게' makes the correction about the *way* something is done, which is less offensive than saying the person is wrong. In offices, this phrase is often used by seniors to juniors. If a junior uses it to a senior, it must be preceded by an apology like '죄송하지만...' (I'm sorry, but...). The phrase is a trope for 'The Noble Idiocy' or 'The Cold Protagonist'. A character might say it to stop someone from being too kind, showing a hidden layer of care. With the rise of 'No Kids Zones' and strict public etiquette, you'll see this phrase on signs or heard in cafes to maintain a quiet environment.
Softening the Blow
Add '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry but) at the beginning to make it sound much less like a direct order.
The 'ㄹ' Rule
Never say '말세요'. The 'ㄹ' always drops before 'ㅅ'. This is a common test question!
Signification
Politely asking someone to refrain from a specific action.
Softening the Blow
Add '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry but) at the beginning to make it sound much less like a direct order.
The 'ㄹ' Rule
Never say '말세요'. The 'ㄹ' always drops before 'ㅅ'. This is a common test question!
Use '그러지 마세요' for Emotions
If someone is crying or feeling bad, '그러지 마세요' (Don't be like that) sounds more empathetic than '그렇게 하지 마세요'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to politely tell someone not to speak so loudly.
너무 시끄럽게 ______ ______.
'하지 마세요' is the correct polite prohibitive form.
Which situation is most appropriate for '그렇게 하지 마세요'?
Choose the best scenario:
It is used to politely but firmly stop an annoying or incorrect action.
Fill in the blank in the dialogue.
A: 이 기계는 손으로 만지면 위험해요. B: 아, 몰랐어요. A: 네, ______ ______ ______.
The context of danger requires a prohibition.
Which variation is most formal?
Select the most formal version of the phrase.
The '-십시오' ending is the highest level of formal politeness.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common Adverbs with '-지 마세요'
Manner
- • 그렇게 (Like that)
- • 함부로 (Thoughtlessly)
- • 대충 (Carelessly)
Intensity
- • 너무 (Too much)
- • 절대 (Never)
- • 다시는 (Again)
Banque d exercices
4 exercices너무 시끄럽게 ______ ______.
'하지 마세요' is the correct polite prohibitive form.
Choose the best scenario:
It is used to politely but firmly stop an annoying or incorrect action.
A: 이 기계는 손으로 만지면 위험해요. B: 아, 몰랐어요. A: 네, ______ ______ ______.
The context of danger requires a prohibition.
Select the most formal version of the phrase.
The '-십시오' ending is the highest level of formal politeness.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is polite because of the '-세요' ending. However, any prohibition can feel direct, so use a soft tone.
It's better to use '그렇게 하시면 안 됩니다' or '그렇게 하시면 곤란합니다' to be safer.
'하지 마세요' is 'Don't do it', while '그만하세요' is 'Stop what you are currently doing'.
The verb '말다' is irregular. When it meets a suffix starting with 'ㄴ', 'ㅂ', or 'ㅅ', the 'ㄹ' drops.
Yes, it's very common in group chats to keep things civil.
You can say '그렇게 하지 마' or '그러면 안 돼'.
No, you can just say '하지 마세요' (Don't do it). '그렇게' adds the nuance of 'in that way'.
Use '그렇게 하지 마십시오' with a flat, serious tone.
No, for 'Don't go', use '가지 마세요'. This phrase is specifically for the verb 'to do' (하다).
'작작 해' is a common way to say 'Stop it' or 'That's enough' in a very casual/rude way.
Expressions liées
하지 마
similarDon't do it (informal).
그만하세요
synonymStop it / Please stop.
안 돼요
similarNo / It's not allowed.
그러지 마세요
specialized formDon't be/act like that.
