KoreaTOPIKCenter
Lv 2Grammar expressionBeginner · TOPIK I

-지 말다

-ji malda

don't (negative command)

Attaches to a verb stem in commands, requests, or suggestions to prohibit an action—'don't.' Common forms include -지 마/마라 (casual) and -지 마세요 (polite).

Form

Attaches to
Verb, Auxiliary

Meanings

  1. 1

    An expression used to prohibit the act mentioned in the preceding statement.

    앞말이 나타내는 행동을 하지 못하게 함을 나타내는 표현.

    ※ 명령문과 청유문에서, 동사 또는 '-으시-' 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

Examples

  • 교실에서는 떠들지 마라.

    Don't make noise in the classroom.

  • 엄마가 동생이랑 싸우지 말라고 했지?

    Mom told you not to fight with your sibling, didn't she?

  • 아프지 말고 항상 건강하게 지내.

    Don't get sick, and always stay healthy.

  • 약은 하루 세 번 꼭 챙겨 드시고 술은 마시지 마세요.

    Be sure to take your medicine three times a day, and don't drink alcohol.

  • 술만 먹지 않으면 되나요? 다른 주의 사항도 말씀해 주세요.

    Is just not drinking enough? Please tell me any other precautions.

  • 교실에서는 떠들지 마라.

    Don't make noise in the classroom.

Examples: 한국어기초사전, CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.

Don’t confuse with

Forms with a close meaning — a favourite source of wrong answers on TOPIK.

Quick check

  1. 1. What does ‘-지 말다’ mean?

  2. 2. Which form means “don't (negative command)”?