A2 Expression Formal

그건 안 됩니다.

geugeon an doemnida.

That is not allowed.

Phrase in 30 Seconds

A firm, polite way to state that something is prohibited, impossible, or socially unacceptable in a formal setting.

  • Means: 'That is not allowed' or 'That won't work.'
  • Used in: Customer service, office rules, or rejecting a request politely.
  • Don't confuse: '안 됩니다' (prohibited) with '못 합니다' (lack of ability).
🚫 + 👔 = {안 됩니다|不可-}

Explanation at your level:

This phrase is a simple way to say 'No' or 'Not allowed.' It uses the word '안' (not) and '됩니다' (is okay). Together, they mean 'It is not okay.' Use it when you see a rule or when you want to say something is impossible.
At this level, you should recognize '안 됩니다' as a formal refusal. It is used to state that an action is prohibited by rules or that a request cannot be fulfilled. You will often hear this in shops, restaurants, or from teachers. It is important to distinguish this from '못 해요,' which is about your own ability.
Intermediate learners should understand the nuance of '되다' as a modal verb of permission. '안 됩니다' is the standard formal negation of permission. You should be able to use it in professional contexts and understand that adding '죄송하지만' makes it more socially acceptable. You should also master the spelling difference between '되' and '돼'.
Upper-intermediate learners should analyze '안 됩니다' as a tool for maintaining social boundaries. It is a 'frozen' or 'consultative' register expression that upholds institutional authority. You should be able to contrast it with more indirect refusals like '어려울 것 같습니다' (It seems it will be difficult) and know when to choose the directness of '안 됩니다' for clarity versus the indirectness for politeness.
Advanced learners should explore the pragmatic functions of '안 됩니다' in legal and administrative discourse. The phrase functions as a performative utterance that enacts a prohibition. Analysis should include its role in the 'Honorific System' and how the choice of the '-ㅂ니다' ending reinforces the speaker's position as a representative of a rule-making body or institution.
At the mastery level, one examines '안 됩니다' through the lens of cognitive linguistics, specifically the conceptual metaphor 'PERMISSION IS A PATHWAY.' When something 'becomes' (되다), the path is open; when it 'does not become' (안 되다), the path is blocked. Mastery involves navigating the subtle sociolinguistic pressure points where this phrase might be used ironically or to assert dominance in high-stakes negotiations.

Meaning

Stating that something is not permitted or possible.

🌍

Cultural Background

In Korean business culture, saying '안 됩니다' directly to a superior is rare. Instead, employees use 'softeners' or explain the obstacles first to avoid sounding rebellious. Signs in Korea are very direct. You will see '주차 안 됨' (No parking) or '출입 금지' (No entry). '안 됩니다' is the spoken version of these strict signs. Parents often use '안 돼' as one of the first words to teach boundaries. It is often repeated three times for emphasis: '안 돼, 안 돼, 안 돼!' Korean customer service is known for being extremely polite. Even when the answer is 'no,' they will use '안 됩니다' with a bow or a very soft tone to minimize the customer's frustration.

🎯

The 'Soft' No

If you want to sound like a native, add '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry but) before '안 됩니다'. It makes a huge difference in how you are perceived.

⚠️

Spelling Matters

Never write '않 됩니다'. It's a hallmark of a beginner mistake. Remember: '안' is for 'not'.

Meaning

Stating that something is not permitted or possible.

🎯

The 'Soft' No

If you want to sound like a native, add '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry but) before '안 됩니다'. It makes a huge difference in how you are perceived.

⚠️

Spelling Matters

Never write '않 됩니다'. It's a hallmark of a beginner mistake. Remember: '안' is for 'not'.

💬

Body Language

When saying '안 됩니다' in a formal setting, a slight bow or a polite hand gesture (palm up) helps soften the refusal.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of '안 되다' in a formal setting.

죄송하지만 여기서 담배를 피우면 ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 안 됩니다

The sentence is formal ('죄송하지만'), so '안 됩니다' is the most appropriate ending.

Which sentence is spelled correctly?

Choose the correct spelling for 'It's not allowed.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 그건 안 됩니다.

'안' is the correct negation, and '됩니다' is the correct spelling of the verb ending.

Match the phrase to the situation.

Situation: A child is trying to touch a hot stove.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 안 돼!

When speaking to a child in an urgent situation, the informal '안 돼!' is most natural.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 이 구두 환불하고 싶어요. (I want a refund for these shoes.) B: 죄송합니다. 세일 상품은 환불이 ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 안 됩니다

Refunds being 'not possible' is a rule, so '안 됩니다' is the correct choice.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Where you'll hear '안 됩니다'

🚌

Public Transport

  • • No eating
  • • No smoking
  • • No loud calls
🏢

Business

  • • Deadlines
  • • Budget limits
  • • Policy
🏠

Daily Life

  • • Safety
  • • Borrowing things
  • • Invitations

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

No, you should say '한국말 못 합니다.' Using '안 됩니다' sounds like you are forbidden from speaking it.

'안 됩니다' is more formal and used in business or with strangers. '안 돼요' is polite but more common in daily life.

It's only rude if used with someone older or of higher status. With friends or children, it's perfectly normal.

You can say '절대 안 됩니다' (Jeoldae an doemnida).

It's due to conjugation rules. '되' + '-어요' becomes '돼요', but '되' + '-ㅂ니다' stays '됩니다'.

Related Phrases

🔗

안 돼요

similar

Polite informal version of 'not allowed'.

🔗

못 해요

contrast

Cannot do (lack of ability).

🔗

곤란합니다

similar

It is difficult/awkward.

🔗

불가능합니다

specialized form

It is impossible.

🔗

금지입니다

specialized form

It is prohibited.

Where to Use It

🖼️

At a Museum

Tourist: 여기서 플래시 써도 돼요? (Can I use flash here?)

Guard: 아니요, 플래시 사용은 안 됩니다. (No, flash use is not allowed.)

formal
💼

In an Office

Employee: 부장님, 이 서류 내일까지 해도 될까요? (Manager, can I finish this by tomorrow?)

Manager: 그건 안 됩니다. 오늘 퇴근 전까지 끝내세요. (That's not possible. Finish it before leaving today.)

formal
☕

At a Coffee Shop

Customer: 외부 케이크 여기서 먹어도 되나요? (Can I eat an outside cake here?)

Staff: 죄송하지만 외부 음식은 안 됩니다. (I'm sorry, but outside food is not allowed.)

formal
🚶

On the Street

Friend A: 무단횡단 하자! (Let's jaywalk!)

Friend B: 안 돼, 위험해! (No, it's dangerous!)

informal
🎤

Job Interview

Interviewer: 주말 근무도 가능합니까? (Is weekend work possible?)

Applicant: 죄송하지만 주말에는 안 됩니다. (I'm sorry, but it's not possible on weekends.)

very_formal
🛒

Online Shopping

User: 이미 배송된 상품 취소하고 싶어요. (I want to cancel the item already shipped.)

Chatbot: 배송 중에는 취소가 안 됩니다. (Cancellation is not possible during shipping.)

formal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '안' as 'Un-' and '됩니다' as 'Do-able'. Un-doable! (Though it actually means 'not allowed').

Visual Association

Imagine a large red 'X' appearing over a door that was about to open. The door represents '되다' (becoming/opening), and the 'X' is '안'.

Rhyme

안 됩니다, 선 넘지 마세요 (An doemnida, seon neomji maseyo - It's not allowed, don't cross the line).

Story

You are at a royal palace. You try to touch the throne. The guard steps forward, crosses his arms like an 'X', and says '안 됩니다!' You realize the throne is not a place you can 'become' a part of.

Word Web

안 돼요안 돼불가 (不可)금지 (禁止)곤란어렵다안 되다못 하다

Challenge

Go through your day and identify 3 things that are '안 됩니다' (e.g., parking in a certain spot, eating in a library) and say the phrase in your head.

In Other Languages

Japanese high

だめです (Dame desu)

Korean '안 됩니다' is more clearly derived from the verb 'to become'.

Chinese high

不行 (Bùxíng)

Chinese doesn't have the complex honorific endings that Korean does.

Spanish moderate

No se puede

Spanish focuses on 'power/ability' (poder) while Korean focuses on 'becoming' (되다).

French moderate

Ce n'est pas possible

French is more likely to use specific words for 'forbidden' (interdit).

German high

Das geht nicht

German uses 'go' (gehen) while Korean uses 'become' (되다).

Arabic moderate

لا يجوز (La yajuz)

Arabic has a stronger distinction between daily 'no' and formal 'not permitted'.

Portuguese moderate

Não dá

Portuguese 'Não dá' is much more informal than '안 됩니다'.

English moderate

That's not allowed / That won't do

Korean '안 됩니다' covers both permission and feasibility in one phrase.

Easily Confused

그건 안 됩니다. vs 안 돼요 vs 안 되요

Learners often misspell the polite ending.

Always use '돼요'. '되요' does not exist in Korean grammar.

그건 안 됩니다. vs 안 됩니다 vs 못 합니다

Mixing up 'not allowed' with 'cannot do'.

Use '안 됩니다' for rules/logic, and '못 합니다' for your own skills.

FAQ (5)

No, you should say '한국말 못 합니다.' Using '안 됩니다' sounds like you are forbidden from speaking it.

'안 됩니다' is more formal and used in business or with strangers. '안 돼요' is polite but more common in daily life.

It's only rude if used with someone older or of higher status. With friends or children, it's perfectly normal.

You can say '절대 안 됩니다' (Jeoldae an doemnida).

It's due to conjugation rules. '되' + '-어요' becomes '돼요', but '되' + '-ㅂ니다' stays '됩니다'.

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