Phrase in 30 Seconds
Use '없어요' to say something does not exist or that you do not have it.
- Means: To not have or to not exist in a specific location.
- Used in: Checking item availability, stating lack of possession, or denying presence.
- Don't confuse: Do not use with '안' (negation); '없어요' is already a negative verb.
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
Used to indicate non-existence or lack of possession.
Cultural Background
Koreans often use '없어요' to avoid saying a direct 'no' to a request, as it sounds softer.
Particle usage
Always use -이/가 before 없어요.
Particle usage
Always use -이/가 before 없어요.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank for 'I don't have a pen'.
저는 펜이 ____.
You are stating you do not have the pen.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercises저는 펜이 ____.
You are stating you do not have the pen.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, '사람이 없어요' means 'There is no one here'.
Related Phrases
있다
contrastTo have/exist
Where to Use It
At a restaurant
Customer: 물 있어요?
Waiter: 죄송합니다, 지금 물이 없어요.
Checking schedule
Friend: 내일 시간 있어요?
You: 아니요, 내일은 시간이 없어요.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Up-so-yo' (sounds like 'up' is 'so' far away it's gone).
Visual Association
Imagine an empty fridge with a sign that says 'Up-so-yo'.
Rhyme
When you have nothing to show, just say '없어요'.
Story
Min-su went to the store. He wanted bread. He looked at the shelf. It was empty. He told the clerk, '빵이 없어요'.
In Other Languages
Similar to 'non' in French or 'no hay' in Spanish. It is a universal way to express absence.
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room and name 3 things you don't have using '없어요'.
Review in 1, 3, 7, and 14 days.
Pronunciation
The 'b' sound is silent, focus on the 'p' ending.
Formality Spectrum
없습니다. (General statement)
없어요. (General statement)
없어. (General statement)
없네. (General statement)
Derived from the Middle Korean '업다'. It represents the state of void.
Fun Fact
It is the exact opposite of '있다', which is the most common verb in Korean.
Cultural Notes
Koreans often use '없어요' to avoid saying a direct 'no' to a request, as it sounds softer.
“시간이 없어요 (I don't have time - implies I cannot do it).”
Conversation Starters
오늘 시간이 있어요?
Common Mistakes
먹 없어요
안 먹어요
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
No hay
Spanish uses 'no hay' for existence, whereas Korean uses '없어요' for both existence and possession.
Il n'y a pas
Korean is a single word, while French requires a multi-word phrase.
Es gibt nicht
German focuses on 'giving', Korean focuses on 'being'.
ない (nai)
Korean '없어요' is slightly more formal than the plain 'nai'.
لا يوجد (la yujad)
Arabic implies 'not found', Korean implies 'not present'.
Spotted in the Real World
“돈이 없어요.”
Character explaining his financial situation.
Easily Confused
Learners use '안' with nouns.
Use '없어요' for nouns, '안' for verbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (1)
Yes, '사람이 없어요' means 'There is no one here'.
usage contexts
