I Can't, I Don't: 안 vs 못

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Written byLee Min-jung (이민정)

Two forms of negation, both placed immediately before a verb or adjective:

안 -- you didn't do it, but you had the ability to

못 -- you couldn't do it because you don't have the skills or ability

우유를 마셔요.

I can't drink milk. (I'm lactose intolerant)

우유를 마셔요.

I don't drink milk. (I think it tastes awful)

수줍어니까 자주 한국말을 해요.

I don't speak Korean often because I'm shy.

한국말을 배워 본 적 없으니까 한국말을 해요.

I can't speak Korean because I've never learned it.

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Lee Min-jung (이민정)
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