Meaning
A warning or piece of advice to consider consequences to avoid future regret.
Cultural Background
In Korea's fast-paced 'Pali-Pali' culture, missing a trend or a limited offer is a major source of social regret. This phrase is often used by marketers to trigger FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). The emphasis on 'foresight' stems from Confucian values where a wise person (Gunja) always considers the long-term consequences of their actions to maintain harmony. This is a 'cliché' line used when a character is about to leave for the airport. It's the ultimate prompt for a dramatic confession. Korean parents often use this to emphasize the importance of education, reflecting the high social stakes of academic success.
Softening the blow
Add '-고요' at the end (나중에 {後悔|후회}하지 마시고요) to make it sound like a friendly suggestion rather than a strict order.
Watch your status
Never say this to your boss unless they are asking for your very honest, personal opinion.
Meaning
A warning or piece of advice to consider consequences to avoid future regret.
Softening the blow
Add '-고요' at the end (나중에 {後悔|후회}하지 마시고요) to make it sound like a friendly suggestion rather than a strict order.
Watch your status
Never say this to your boss unless they are asking for your very honest, personal opinion.
Use with '-면'
Pair it with a conditional clause to explain *why* they might regret it (e.g., '지금 안 하면...').
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'regret'.
지금 안 사면 나중에 (______) 마세요.
The pattern '-지 마세요' requires the verb stem + '-지'.
Which sentence is the most natural warning to a friend?
Choose the best informal version.
With friends, the informal '반말' (banmal) ending '-마' is used.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
나중에 {後悔|후회}하지 말고 지금 사과해.
'사과해' means 'apologize', which fits a conflict situation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 이 가방 너무 비싼데 살까? B: 한정판이잖아요. (______)
The speaker is encouraging the purchase by warning against future regret.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises지금 안 사면 나중에 (______) 마세요.
The pattern '-지 마세요' requires the verb stem + '-지'.
Choose the best informal version.
With friends, the informal '반말' (banmal) ending '-마' is used.
나중에 {後悔|후회}하지 말고 지금 사과해.
'사과해' means 'apologize', which fits a conflict situation.
A: 이 가방 너무 비싼데 살까? B: 한정판이잖아요. (______)
The speaker is encouraging the purchase by warning against future regret.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt can be if said with a sharp tone. With a soft tone, it's helpful advice.
Yes, but use the more formal '나중에 {後悔|후회}하시는 일이 없도록 신중한 결정 부탁드립니다.'
'이따가' is for later on the same day. '나중에' is for a more distant, indefinite future.
Simply say '{後悔|후회}돼요' or '{後悔|후회}하고 있어요.'
Related Phrases
{後悔|후회}막급
specialized formExtreme regret that cannot be undone.
미련이 남다
similarTo have lingering feelings/regret.
이미 늦었어요
contrastIt's already too late.
신중하게 생각하세요
builds onPlease think carefully.
