못 / -지 못하다
cannot
Level 1 · Expression
Explanation
Says something cannot be done because of ability or circumstances, unlike 안 (choice). 못 goes before the verb, -지 못하다 after the stem. Not used with adjectives.
Examples
저는 수영을 못 해요.
I can't swim.
너무 바빠서 점심을 먹지 못했어요.
I was too busy to eat lunch.
감기 때문에 학교에 못 갔어요.
I couldn't go to school because of a cold.
TOPIK note
TOPIK I Reading 34–39, Listening 17–21.