수 없다 in 30 Seconds
- Expresses 'cannot' or 'unable to'.
- Attached to verb stems.
The Korean phrase 수 없다 (su eopda) is a fundamental grammatical structure that expresses inability or impossibility. It functions as an auxiliary verb phrase, meaning 'cannot' or 'to be unable to'. It is attached to the stem of a verb to indicate that the action of that verb cannot be performed.
This phrase is incredibly common in everyday Korean and is used across various situations, from simple statements of personal inability to more complex expressions of universal impossibility. Understanding 수 없다 is crucial for forming grammatically correct and natural-sounding Korean sentences.
For example, if someone asks if you can do something, you might respond with a verb stem followed by 수 없다 to indicate you are unable to. It's a versatile expression that can convey a wide range of meanings depending on the context and the verb it modifies.
- Verb Stem + 수 없다
- The basic structure involves taking the stem of a verb (the part that remains after removing the '-다' ending) and appending -ㄹ 수 없다 if the stem ends in a vowel or -을 수 없다 if it ends in a consonant. However, in informal speech and common usage, the -을 is often dropped, leading to the simplified form -수 없다, especially when the preceding verb stem ends in a consonant. For stems ending in a vowel, -ㄹ 수 없다 is the standard form, but colloquially, -수 없다 can also be heard.
저는 지금 갈 수 없어요. (Jeoneun jigeum gal su eopseoyo.) - I cannot go right now.
이 문제는 풀 수 없다. (I munjeneun pul su eopda.) - This problem cannot be solved.
It's important to note that 수 없다 is essentially a fixed phrase. While it's formed by combining a verb stem with '수' (meaning 'way' or 'method') and '없다' (meaning 'to not exist' or 'to be absent'), its idiomatic meaning is 'cannot'. Think of it as 'there is no way to do X' or 'the possibility of doing X does not exist'.
The concept of 'cannot' can also be expressed with 못 하다 (mot hada), which often implies a lack of skill or a deliberate refusal, whereas -수 없다 generally refers to objective impossibility or a lack of capability. We will explore these nuances later.
Mastering 수 없다 will significantly enhance your ability to express a wide range of limitations and impossibilities in Korean, making your communication more nuanced and accurate. It is a building block for expressing many common scenarios.
- Contextual Usage
- You will encounter 수 없다 in various situations:
- Personal limitations: 'I can't do this.' 'I can't go there.'
- Situational impossibilities: 'It cannot be done this way.' 'It's impossible to see from here.'
- Universal truths: 'Humans cannot live without water.'
- Expressing frustration or regret: When something is impossible, it can carry an emotional undertone.
시간이 없어서 빨리 갈 수 없었어요. (Sigani eopseoseo ppalli gal su eopseosseoyo.) - Because I didn't have time, I couldn't go quickly.
The politeness level of the sentence will depend on the ending attached to 없다 (e.g., 없어요 for polite informal, 없습니다 for formal polite, or no ending for plain form). The core meaning of inability remains consistent.
In summary, 수 없다 is your go-to phrase for expressing 'cannot' in Korean. It's versatile, widely used, and essential for fluent communication.
Using 수 없다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the variations based on verb stems. The fundamental rule is to attach it after the verb stem. Remember that Korean verbs conjugate by adding endings, and 수 없다 acts as one such ending or an auxiliary phrase.
1. Verb Stem + -ㄹ 수 없다 (for vowel-ending stems):
When the verb stem ends in a vowel, you add -ㄹ 수 없다. This applies to verbs like '가다' (to go), '오다' (to come), '보다' (to see), '하다' (to do - when used as a verb, not as part of '수 없다' itself), '자다' (to sleep), etc.
Example: '가다' (gada - to go)
Stem: 가 (ga)
Sentence: 저는 지금 집에 갈 수 없어요. (Jeoneun jigeum jibe gal su eopseoyo.) - I cannot go home now.
Example: '보다' (boda - to see)
Stem: 보 (bo)
Sentence: 너무 어두워서 아무것도 볼 수 없어요. (Neomu eoduwoseo amugeotdo bol su eopseoyo.) - It's too dark, so I can't see anything.
2. Verb Stem + -을 수 없다 (for consonant-ending stems):
When the verb stem ends in a consonant, you add -을 수 없다. This applies to verbs like '먹다' (to eat), '읽다' (to read), '듣다' (to hear), '앉다' (to sit), '찾다' (to find), etc.
Example: '먹다' (meokda - to eat)
Stem: 먹 (meok)
Sentence: 저는 매운 음식을 먹 을 수 없어요. (Jeoneun maeun eumshigeul meokeul su eopseoyo.) - I cannot eat spicy food.
Example: '읽다' (ikda - to read)
Stem: 읽 (ik)
Sentence: 이 책은 너무 어려워서 읽 을 수 없었어요. (I chaeg-eun neomu eoryeowoseo ikeul su eopseosseoyo.) - This book was too difficult, so I couldn't read it.
3. Informal/Colloquial Usage (Dropping -을):
In casual conversation, especially when the verb stem ends in a consonant, the '을' in -을 수 없다 is often omitted. This results in the simplified form -수 없다 being directly attached to the consonant-ending stem. This is very common.
Example: '먹다' (meokda - to eat)
Colloquial: 저는 매운 음식을 먹수 없어요. (Jeoneun maeun eumshigeul meoksu eopseoyo.) - I cannot eat spicy food.
Example: '듣다' (deutda - to hear)
Colloquial: 너무 시끄러워서 소리가 잘 들수 없어요. (Neomu shikkeureowoseo soriga jal deulsu eopseoyo.) - It's too noisy, so I can't hear the sound well.
4. Politeness Levels:**
The '없다' part can be conjugated to match the desired politeness level:
- -ㄹ/을 수 없어요 (polite informal, -어요 ending)
- -ㄹ/을 수 없습니다 (formal polite, -ㅂ니다 ending)
- -ㄹ/을 수 없어 (plain form, often used in writing or with close friends/younger people)
Formal: 저희는 더 이상 기다릴 수 없습니다. (Jeohuineun deo isang gidaril su eopseumnida.) - We cannot wait any longer.
Plain: 나는 그걸 할 수 없어. (Naneun geugeol hal su eopseo.) - I can't do that.
5. With '하다' verbs:**
For verbs ending in '하다', like '공부하다' (to study), '운동하다' (to exercise), '일하다' (to work), the stem is '공부하', '운동하', '일하'. Then you apply the rule:
- 공부하다 -> 공부하 + -ㄹ 수 없다 -> 공부할 수 없다 (gongbuhal su eopda)
- 운동하다 -> 운동하 + -ㄹ 수 없다 -> 운동할 수 없다 (undonghal su eopda)
- 일하다 -> 일하 + -ㄹ 수 없다 -> 일할 수 없다 (ilhal su eopda)
Example: '공부하다' (gongbuhada - to study)
Sentence: 시험이 너무 어려워서 공부할 수 없었어요. (Shiheomi neomu eoryeowoseo gongbuhal su eopseosseoyo.) - The exam was too difficult, so I couldn't study.
6. Negating existence of possibility:**
The literal meaning of '수 없다' is 'there is no way' or 'there is no possibility'. This is why it attaches to the verb stem to negate the action. '방법이 없다' (bangbeobi eopda - there is no method) is closely related in meaning.
- Key Takeaway
- Always identify the verb stem first. If it ends in a vowel, use -ㄹ 수 없다. If it ends in a consonant, use -을 수 없다. Be aware of the colloquial simplification where -을 is dropped after consonant stems. Conjugate the final '없다' for politeness.
Practice forming sentences with different verbs to solidify your understanding of these rules. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.
You will hear 수 없다 everywhere in Korean, from casual conversations among friends to formal speeches and media. Its ubiquity makes it a cornerstone of everyday communication.
1. Daily Conversations:**
This is where 수 없다 shines. When friends are making plans, discussing difficulties, or expressing personal limitations, it's constantly used.
Friend A: 오늘 저녁에 영화 볼 수 있어? (Oneul jeonyeoge yeonghwa bol su isseo?) - Can you watch a movie tonight?
Friend B: 미안, 오늘 약속이 있어서 갈 수 없어. (Mian, oneul yaksogi isseoseo gal su eopseo.) - Sorry, I have plans today, so I can't go.
2. Dramas and Movies:**
Korean dramas and movies are rich with this expression, often used to convey emotional struggles, impossible situations, or characters' limitations.
Character A: 다시는 너를 볼 수 없을 거야. (Dasineun neoreul bol su eopseul geoya.) - I will never be able to see you again.
3. News and Documentaries:**
In more formal contexts, 수 없다 can be used to describe limitations or impossibilities related to events, scientific phenomena, or societal issues.
News Anchor: 현재 상황에서는 문제를 해결할 수 없습니다. (Hyeonjae sanghwang-eseoneun munjereul haegyeolhal su eopseumnida.) - In the current situation, the problem cannot be resolved.
4. Songs:**
Ballads and emotional songs frequently use 수 없다 to express heartbreak, longing, or the inability to change a situation.
Song Lyric: 너 없이는 살 수 없어. (Neo eopsineun sal su eopseo.) - I can't live without you.
5. Public Announcements and Signs:**
You might see it on signs indicating restrictions or rules.
Sign: 관계자 외 출입 금지 (This is a related concept, but '출입할 수 없습니다' - churiphal su eopseumnida - 'Entry is not permitted' would use the structure).
6. Educational Content:**
Textbooks, language learning apps, and educational videos will use 수 없다 extensively to teach Korean learners about expressing impossibility.
- Importance of Listening
- Actively listening to Korean media will expose you to countless examples of 수 없다 in natural contexts. Pay attention to the verb it's attached to and the overall situation to grasp the nuances of its usage.
The phrase is so ingrained in the language that native speakers use it without conscious thought. By immersing yourself in Korean content, you'll naturally internalize its correct usage.
Even in simple everyday interactions like ordering food, you might hear it:
Customer: 이 메뉴는 없수 없나요? (I menyuneun eopssu eomnayo?) - Isn't this menu available? (Literally: Can't this menu not exist? - implying 'Is this menu not available?')
The phrase's versatility means it can express anything from a mild inconvenience ('I can't find my keys') to a profound existential statement ('We cannot escape our fate').
While 수 없다 is a fundamental phrase, learners can sometimes make mistakes, often related to conjugation, choosing the right auxiliary, or understanding its nuances compared to similar expressions.
1. Incorrect Verb Stem Formation:**
The most common error is incorrectly identifying or using the verb stem. Forgetting to remove the '-다' or misapplying the vowel/consonant rule leads to incorrect forms.
Mistake: 저는 한국어를 배우다수 없어요. (Jeoneun hangugeoreul baeudasu eopseoyo.)
Correction: 저는 한국어를 배우ㄹ 수 없어요. (Jeoneun hangugeoreul baeul su eopseoyo.) - I cannot learn Korean.
Explanation: '배우다' (baeuda) has a vowel stem '배우' (baeu), so it needs '-ㄹ 수 없다'. Attaching it directly to the full verb is incorrect.
2. Confusing -ㄹ/을 수 없다 with 못 하다:**
As mentioned earlier, 못 하다 (mot hada) also means 'cannot'. However, it often implies a lack of skill, ability, or a deliberate choice not to do something, whereas -ㄹ/을 수 없다 usually refers to objective impossibility or inability due to circumstances.
Mistake (in certain contexts): 저는 운전 못 해요. (Jeoneun unjeon mot haeyo.) - I can't drive (could mean lack of skill).
Alternative/Correction for impossibility: 저는 지금 운전할 수 없어요. (Jeoneun jigeum unjeonhal su eopseoyo.) - I cannot drive right now (e.g., because the car is broken, or I don't have a license).
Explanation: While sometimes interchangeable, '못 하다' often carries a nuance of personal deficiency or unwillingness, whereas '-ㄹ/을 수 없다' points to external factors or inherent limitations.
3. Overusing the Formal -ㄹ/을 수 없다:**
Learners might stick to the formal '-ㄹ/을 수 없다' (without the -어요 or -ㅂ니다 ending) in casual settings, which can sound unnatural or overly blunt.
Mistake (in casual talk): 나는 이걸 할 수 없어. (Naneun igeol hal su eopseo.)
More natural casual: 저는 이걸 할 수 없어요. (Jeoneun igeol hal su eopseoyo.) or even just 할 수 없어 (hal su eopseo) if the context is very informal.
Explanation: The plain form (-어/아) is often used among close friends or when speaking to someone younger. Using the full formal structure without the polite ending can sound abrupt.
4. Incorrectly Dropping -ㄹ/을:**
While dropping '-을' after consonant stems is common colloquially, learners might incorrectly drop '-ㄹ' after vowel stems, or drop both when it's not appropriate.
Mistake: 저는 가수 없어요. (Jeoneun gasu eopseoyo.)
Correction: 저는 가ㄹ 수 없어요. (Jeoneun gal su eopseoyo.) - I cannot go.
Explanation: The '-ㄹ' is essential after vowel stems and should not be dropped.
5. Forgetting to Conjugate '없다':**
Sometimes learners might use '없다' in its base form without adding the appropriate politeness ending (-어요, -ㅂ니다) or tense marker.
Mistake: 저는 지금 갈 수 없다. (Jeoneun jigeum gal su eopda.) - This is grammatically correct in the plain form but might be too blunt.
Correction: 저는 지금 갈 수 없어요. (Jeoneun jigeum gal su eopseoyo.)
Explanation: In most conversational settings, a politeness marker is expected.
- Prevention
- To avoid these mistakes:
- Practice identifying verb stems diligently.
- Memorize the rules for vowel vs. consonant endings.
- Listen to native speakers to internalize the colloquial dropping of -을.
- Understand the subtle differences between -ㄹ/을 수 없다 and 못 하다.
- Always consider the politeness level required by the context.
Consistent practice and seeking feedback from native speakers or teachers are the best ways to refine your usage of 수 없다.
While 수 없다 is the most common way to express 'cannot', Korean offers other expressions that convey similar meanings, sometimes with subtle differences in nuance. Understanding these alternatives will enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise expression.
1. 못 하다 (mot hada): Cannot (Lack of Skill/Ability/Deliberate Choice)**
This is the most frequent alternative. '못' is an adverb meaning 'not' or 'unable to', and '하다' is the verb 'to do'.
- -ㄹ/을 수 없다 vs. 못 하다
-
- -ㄹ/을 수 없다: Generally implies external impossibility, lack of opportunity, or impossibility due to circumstances. It's often more objective.
- 못 하다: Often implies a lack of personal skill, talent, or a deliberate refusal. It can be more subjective.
Example: 운전할 수 없다 (undeonhal su eopda) vs. 운전 못 하다 (undeon mot hada)
운전할 수 없어요. (Undeonhal su eopseoyo.) - I cannot drive. (Perhaps the car is broken, or I don't have my license today.) - Focus on the circumstance.
운전 못 해요. (Undeon mot haeyo.) - I can't drive. (Usually implies I never learned, or I'm not good at it.) - Focus on personal skill.
2. -지 못하다 (-ji mothada): Cannot (More formal than 못 하다)**
This is a more formal way of saying 'cannot' and is often used in writing or more formal speech. It's grammatically similar to 못 하다 but with a different structure.
- -지 못하다 vs. 못 하다
-
- 못 하다: More colloquial, used frequently in everyday speech.
- -지 못하다: More formal, often seen in written contexts or formal speeches. It attaches to the verb stem with '-지'.
Example: '이해하다' (ihaehada - to understand)
Colloquial: 저는 그 말을 이해못 했어요. (Jeoneun geu mareul ihaemot haesseoyo.) - I didn't understand those words.
Formal: 저는 그 말을 이해지 못했습니다. (Jeoneun geu mareul ihaeji mothaetseumnida.) - I did not understand those words.
3. 불가능하다 (bulganeunghada): To be impossible**
This is an adjective that directly means 'impossible'. It's used to describe a situation or action as impossible, rather than stating one's inability to perform it.
- -ㄹ/을 수 없다 vs. 불가능하다
-
- -ㄹ/을 수 없다: States an inability to perform an action.
- 불가능하다: Describes the state of being impossible.
Example: '이것은 불가능하다' (igeoseun bulganeunghada)
Sentence: 지금 이 일을 끝내는 것은 불가능해요. (Jigeum i ireul kkeunnaeneun geoseun bulganeunghaeyo.) - Finishing this work now is impossible.
Contrast: 저는 지금 이 일을 끝낼 수 없어요. (Jeoneun jigeum i ireul kkeunnael su eopseoyo.) - I cannot finish this work now (due to lack of time, resources, etc.).
4. 금지하다 (geumjihada): To prohibit**
This verb means 'to prohibit' or 'to forbid'. While it implies something cannot be done, it's about an external rule or restriction, not inherent inability.
- -ㄹ/을 수 없다 vs. 금지하다
-
- -ㄹ/을 수 없다: States inability.
- 금지하다: States a prohibition.
Example: '사진 찍다' (sajin jjikda - to take a photo)
Sentence: 이 구역에서는 사진 촬영이 금지되어 있습니다. (I guyeog-eseoneun sajin chwaryeongi geumjidwaeeo itseumnida.) - Photographing is prohibited in this area.
Contrast: 저는 사진을 찍을 수 없었어요. (Jeoneun sajineul jjigeul su eopseosseoyo.) - I couldn't take a photo (maybe my camera broke).
By understanding these alternatives, you can choose the most precise and natural expression for your intended meaning in Korean.
Examples by Level
물 못 마셔요.
Cannot drink water.
Uses '못 하다' which is simpler for A1.
이거 못 해.
Cannot do this.
Simple, informal '못 하다'.
안 가요.
Not going.
Basic negation, not 'cannot'.
이거 몰라요.
Don't know this.
'모르다' (to not know), not 'cannot'.
못 먹어요.
Cannot eat.
'못 하다' for inability to eat.
바빠요. 못 가요.
I'm busy. Cannot go.
Two simple sentences showing inability due to circumstance.
이거 어려워요.
This is difficult.
Describes difficulty, not direct inability.
못 들어요.
Cannot hear.
'못 하다' for inability to hear.
지금 갈 수 없어요.
Cannot go now.
Introduces '-ㄹ 수 없다' with a vowel stem.
이 책을 읽을 수 없어요.
Cannot read this book.
Uses '-을 수 없다' with a consonant stem.
그것은 할 수 없어요.
Cannot do that.
General statement of inability.
시간이 없어서 못 만나요.
Don't have time, so cannot meet.
Combines reason ('시간이 없어서') with inability ('못 만나요').
너무 피곤해서 더 일할 수 없어요.
Too tired, so cannot work more.
Expresses inability due to fatigue.
이 소리는 들을 수 없어요.
Cannot hear this sound.
Focuses on sensory inability.
그는 한국어를 잘 못 해요.
He cannot speak Korean well.
Uses '못 하다' to indicate lack of skill.
오늘은 밖에 나갈 수 없어요.
Cannot go outside today.
Inability due to weather conditions.
죄송하지만, 그 약속을 지킬 수 없을 것 같습니다.
I'm sorry, but it seems I cannot keep that promise.
Uses '-ㄹ 수 없을 것 같다' for a softer expression of inability.
이 문제에 대한 답을 찾을 수 없었어요.
I couldn't find the answer to this problem.
Past tense '-ㄹ/을 수 없었어요'.
이 언어를 배우는 것은 매우 어렵지만, 불가능한 것은 아니에요.
Learning this language is very difficult, but it's not impossible.
Contrasts difficulty with impossibility using '불가능한 것은 아니에요'.
그는 너무 바빠서 우리를 도울 수 없었습니다.
He was too busy to help us.
Past tense formal '-ㄹ/을 수 없었습니다'.
이 기술로는 더 이상 처리할 수 없습니다.
With this technology, it cannot be processed further.
Formal '-ㄹ/을 수 없습니다' indicating technological limitation.
건강 때문에 매운 음식을 먹을 수 없어요.
Due to health reasons, I cannot eat spicy food.
Expresses inability due to health.
아무리 노력해도 성공할 수 없을 것 같아요.
No matter how much I try, it seems I cannot succeed.
Uses '아무리 노력해도' (no matter how much I try) with '-ㄹ 수 없을 것 같아요'.
밤늦게까지 공부해서 눈이 아파서 더 볼 수 없었어요.
Studied late into the night, so my eyes hurt and I couldn't see more.
Complex sentence showing cause and effect leading to inability.
그는 오랜 시간 동안 꿈을 좇았지만, 현실적인 제약 때문에 결국 포기할 수밖에 없었다.
He chased his dream for a long time, but due to realistic constraints, he eventually had no choice but to give up.
Uses '-ㄹ 수밖에 없었다' (had no choice but to) which implies inability to do otherwise.
정보 부족으로 인해 정확한 판단을 내릴 수 없었습니다.
Due to a lack of information, an accurate judgment could not be made.
Formal '-ㄹ/을 수 없었습니다' explaining inability due to missing information.
이러한 상황에서는 어떠한 조치도 취할 수 없다는 것이 중론입니다.
The general consensus is that no action can be taken in this situation.
Formal '-ㄹ/을 수 없다' expressing a collective inability.
기술 발전에도 불구하고, 아직까지는 인간의 감정을 완벽하게 이해할 수 없습니다.
Despite technological advancements, human emotions cannot yet be perfectly understood.
States a general, ongoing impossibility despite progress.
그는 너무 지쳐서 더 이상 질문에 답할 수 있는 상태가 아니었다.
He was so exhausted that he was no longer in a state to answer questions.
Describes a state of being unable to perform an action.
시간이 촉박하여 모든 요구 사항을 충족시킬 수 없었습니다.
Due to the tight deadline, all requirements could not be met.
Inability due to time constraints.
이 문제는 복잡하여 단시간에 해결할 수 없는 노드입니다.
This problem is complex and cannot be solved in a short time.
Describes the nature of the problem preventing quick resolution.
원자재 가격 상승으로 인해 생산량을 늘릴 수 없게 되었습니다.
Due to the rise in raw material prices, it has become impossible to increase production volume.
Inability resulting from economic factors.
역사적 맥락을 고려하지 않고서는 당시의 사건들을 제대로 이해할 수 없다.
Without considering the historical context, the events of that time cannot be properly understood.
Emphasizes the necessity of context for understanding.
그의 복잡한 심리 상태를 명확히 규명하기란 쉬운 일이 아니다.
It is not an easy task to clearly ascertain his complex psychological state.
Uses '쉬운 일이 아니다' (is not an easy task) which implies difficulty bordering on impossibility.
인간의 본질적인 고독감을 완전히 해소할 수 있는 방법은 존재하지 않는다.
There is no method that can completely resolve the fundamental human sense of loneliness.
Philosophical statement about inherent human conditions.
사회적 불평등이 심화된 상황에서는 모든 구성원이 동등한 기회를 누릴 수 없다.
In a situation of deepening social inequality, not all members can enjoy equal opportunities.
Societal impossibility due to systemic issues.
이론적으로는 가능할지라도, 실제 구현에는 수많은 난관이 따를 것이기에 실행할 수 없다.
Although it may be theoretically possible, numerous obstacles will accompany its actual implementation, therefore it cannot be executed.
Distinguishes theoretical possibility from practical impossibility.
과거의 실수를 반복하지 않으려면, 그 원인을 철저히 분석하지 않고는 불가능하다.
To avoid repeating past mistakes, it is impossible without thoroughly analyzing their causes.
Conditional impossibility: 'without X, it's impossible'.
그는 자신의 신념을 굽힐 수 없는 강직한 성품을 지녔다.
He possessed an unyielding character, unable to bend his beliefs.
Describes an inherent character trait preventing compromise.
현대 과학으로는 아직 우주의 모든 비밀을 밝혀낼 수 없다.
With modern science, all the secrets of the universe cannot yet be revealed.
Limitations of current scientific knowledge.
시간의 제약을 넘어선 초월적인 존재가 아닌 이상, 인간은 필연적으로 죽음을 맞이할 수밖에 없다.
Unless one is a transcendent being beyond the constraints of time, humans inevitably cannot help but face death.
Existential statement using '-ㄹ 수밖에 없다' (cannot help but).
인간의 인지 능력으로는 무한한 우주의 복잡성을 온전히 파악하는 것이 불가능하다.
It is impossible for human cognitive abilities to fully grasp the complexity of the infinite universe.
Focuses on the limits of human perception and cognition.
개인의 자유 의지가 운명론적인 결정론과 어떻게 조화될 수 있는지에 대한 근본적인 질문은 아직 해결될 수 없는 난제이다.
The fundamental question of how individual free will can harmonize with fatalistic determinism remains an unsolvable conundrum.
Addresses a complex philosophical paradox as an unsolvable problem.
자연의 섭리를 거스르는 행위는 결국 예측 불가능한 파국을 초래할 뿐, 결코 성공할 수 없다.
Actions that go against the laws of nature will ultimately only lead to unpredictable catastrophe, and can never succeed.
Emphasizes the futility of defying natural laws.
진정한 의미의 이해는 언어적 표현의 한계를 넘어서는 직관적인 깨달음에 의존하기에, 언어로만은 전달될 수 없다.
True understanding relies on intuitive realization that transcends the limits of linguistic expression, and thus cannot be conveyed solely through language.
Discusses the inherent limitations of language in conveying profound understanding.
인간의 모든 감정과 경험을 완벽하게 재현할 수 있는 인공지능의 등장은 아직 요원하다.
The advent of artificial intelligence capable of perfectly replicating all human emotions and experiences is still a distant prospect.
Speculates on the future impossibility of replicating human consciousness.
역사의 수레바퀴를 되돌릴 수는 없으며, 과거의 잘못을 되풀이하지 않기 위한 끊임없는 성찰만이 있을 뿐이다.
The wheels of history cannot be turned back, and there is only constant introspection to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Metaphorical statement about the irreversible nature of time and the impossibility of changing the past.
궁극적으로, 인간 존재의 의미와 목적에 대한 질문은 명확한 답을 얻을 수 없는 영원한 탐구의 영역에 속한다.
Ultimately, the question of the meaning and purpose of human existence belongs to the realm of eternal inquiry, from which clear answers cannot be obtained.
Philosophical conclusion about the unanswerable nature of fundamental questions.
Summary
- Expresses 'cannot' or 'unable to'.
- Attached to verb stems.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More general words
몇몇
A2An unspecified small number of; some or a few.
조금
A1A little/a bit
적게
A1A little / Few
약간
A2A little; slightly; somewhat.
많이
A1A lot/much
잠시
A2For a moment; briefly.
잠깐
A2For a short time; a moment.
아까
A2A little while ago, earlier.
대해
A2About, concerning.
~에 대해서
A2Concerning or regarding a particular subject; about.
