못 + Vmot + V
Beginner 1 · #44Lesson 13: 생일 – Birthday

못 + V – Cannot do V (Short Ability Negation)

Meaning: Cannot do V (due to external circumstances or lack of ability)

Conjugation & Pattern

  • 못 + Action Verb (못 가요, 못 먹어요, 못 봐요)
  • Noun + (을/를) 못 + 하다 (수영을 못 해요, 운전을 못 해요)

Detailed Usage

Placed directly before an action verb to express that the subject cannot perform the action due to external reasons or lack of skill.

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    저는 수영을 못 해요.

    Jeoneun suyeongeul mot haeyo.

    I cannot swim.

  2. 2

    목이 아파서 노래를 못 불렀어요.

    Mogi apaseo noraereul mot bulleosseoyo.

    I couldn't sing because my throat hurt.

  3. 3

    오늘 일이 많아서 파티에 못 가요.

    Oneul iri manaseo patie mot gayo.

    I have a lot of work today, so I can't go to the party.

Important Notes

1) Used only with action verbs, never with adjectives. 2) With 'Noun + 하다' verbs, place 못 right before 하다 (e.g., 수영을 못 해요). The long-form equivalent is 'V + -지 못하다'.

Grammar Topics