N + 말고 / V + -지 말고N + malgo / V + -ji malgo
Intermediate 3 · #11Lesson 4: 요리 – Cooking

N + 말고 / V + -지 말고 – Not N, but... / Instead of Doing V1

Meaning: Not X (but Y); rather than X; do not do X, instead...

Conjugation & Pattern

  • Noun: N1 + 말고 + N2 (Not N1, but N2)
  • Verb: V1 + -지 말고 + V2 (Do not do V1, do V2 instead)

Detailed Usage

Used to reject or exclude the first option (N1 or V1) and choose or suggest an alternative (N2 or V2). Very common in everyday conversation when ordering food, shopping, or making plans.

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    오늘 점심에는 밥 말고 빵을 먹을래요?

    Oneul jeomsimeneun bap malgo ppangeul meogeullaeyo?

    For lunch today, shall we eat bread instead of rice?

  2. 2

    이 색깔 말고 다른 색깔로 보여 주세요.

    I saekkkal malgo dareun saekkkallo boyeo juseyo.

    Please show me a different color, not this one.

  3. 3

    택시를 타지 말고 지하철을 타고 갑시다.

    Taeksireul taji malgo jihacheoreul tago gapsida.

    Let's not take a taxi, let's take the subway instead.

Important Notes

Follows nouns directly as 'N 말고' (e.g., 밥 말고 빵), whereas with verbs it takes the negative connective form 'V-지 말고'.

Grammar Topics