-아/어도 되다 and -(으)면 안 되다
Use -아/어도 되다 for permission and -(으)면 안 되다 for prohibition or social non-acceptability.
Examples
KoreanTranslation
여기 앉아도 돼요。Yeogi anjado dwaeyo.
You may sit here.
이 방에 들어가면 안 돼요。I bang-e deureogamyeon an dwaeyo.
You must not enter this room.
먼저 가도 돼요。Meonjeo gado dwaeyo.
You may go first.
Pattern
verb stem + 아/어도 되다 / (으)면 안 되다
How it works
Use -아/어도 되다 for permission and -(으)면 안 되다 for prohibition or social non-acceptability. This pattern typically appears as verb stem + 아/어도 되다 / (으)면 안 되다 and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- One pattern grants permission, while the other blocks it.
- These forms carry social tone as well as grammar meaning.
Why it matters
Read and express permission, prohibition, and ability more naturally.
Use in context
These patterns are extremely practical in travel, class, service, and workplace situations.