없음
eopseum
The Korean phrase for "none" is 없음 (eopseum).
This phrase is used to indicate that there is not any of something or that no one is present.
Which one should you use?
While 없음 functions as a noun meaning "absence" or "none" in written contexts like forms, it is not used as a complete sentence in natural spoken conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 없음 is a nominalized version of the adjective 없다 (to not exist), often used in formal lists, forms or official documents to indicate "none" or "N/A". In spoken conversation, you would typically use the polite form 없어요 instead of the noun-form 없음 to say "there is none" or "I don't have any". In highly formal or professional settings, the form 없습니다 is used to state that something is absent or non-existent.
How do you pronounce it?
eopseum
Did you know?
- In many Korean mobile apps or menus, the word for 'none' or 'no' is often represented by the character 무 (無). This is a Sino-Korean root that translates to 'nothingness' or 'void'.
- In Korean, the concept of 'none' is often tied to the existence of the object itself. To say 'I have none' uses the same word for 'it does not exist', implying the object is fundamentally absent from the world.
- The phrase 없다 can be used to describe a person who lacks a certain quality, such as 예의 없다, which means 'to have none' of the quality of politeness.
Examples in context
- 저는 자동차가 하나도 없어요I don't have any cars at all.
- 네, 아무것도 없어요Yes, there is nothing.
- 지우 씨, 여기 과자 없어?Jiu, is there no snack here?
- 이 방에 아무 것도 없어There is nothing in this room.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Do-hyeon are checking the fridge for snacks.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현, 냉장고에 우유 있어?Dohyeon, naengjanggo-e uyu isseo?Do-hyeon, is there any milk in the fridge?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니, 우유 없음.Ani, uyu eops-eum.No, there is none.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말? 그럼 주스라도 있어?Jeongmal? Geureom jusurado isseo?Really? Then is there at least some juice?
- 도현 Do-hyeon그것도 없음.Geugeotto eops-eum.That's gone too.
