하지마
hajima
The Korean phrase 하지마 (hajima) means "stop it".
This phrase is used to command someone to cease an action immediately, ranging from a playful "stop it" to a serious "don't do that".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal way to say it, use 하지 마십시오 (haji masipsio).
How do you pronounce it?
hajima
Did you know?
- When used in a flirtatious context, 하지마 functions as a 'social script' where the speaker actually wants the attention to continue despite the literal meaning of 'stop'.
- In certain intense social situations, instead of just saying 하지마, a person might simply stare silently at someone to signal they should stop. This non-verbal 'stop' can often be more powerful or intimidating than the spoken command itself.
- In Korean social dynamics, using 하지마 toward an elder is not just a breach of etiquette but can be interpreted as a linguistic 'attack' on their social status.
Examples in context
- 지금 공부하지 마십시오.Please do not study now.
- 제발 그걸 말하지 마십시오.Please don't mention that.
- 그거 하지마.geugeo hajima.Don't do that.
- 거짓말 하지마.geojitmal hajima.Don't lie.
Example conversation
Jihoon is teasing Jieun about her hair.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은아, 머리 진짜 웃겨.Jieun-a, meori jinja utgyeo.Jieun, your hair looks really funny.
- 지은 Ji-eun하지마, 진짜 화났어.hajima, jinja hwanasseo.Stop it, I'm actually angry.
- 지훈 Ji-hun미안해, 그냥 장난이야.mianhae, geunyang jangnaniya.Sorry, it's just a joke.
- 지은 Ji-eun진짜 기분 나빠.jinja gibun nappa.I really feel bad about it.
Thank you for this guide. Funnily enough, it was a BTS video (BTS Roasting and Exposing Each Other) that diverted my attention briefly to look up the word, Hajima. Is there an even more informal or slang version eg. Jima? I am wondering because of seeing Suga use what sounded like a shortened version or perhaps he slipped into Satoori?
Good ear! In fast speech 하지 마 often sounds like jima, and -지 마 is the don’t ending you hear on any verb, like 울지 마 (don’t cry). So it’s casual speech, not Satoori.