너 말고
neo malgo
The English phrase "not you" is translated into Korean as 너 말고 (neo malgo).
This phrase is used to indicate that someone else is intended instead of the person being addressed. To be even more specific, you can say 너 말고 다른 사람 to mean "someone other than you".
What does it mean word for word?
너 말고 is composed of 너, which means "you" and 말고, which means "except" or "not".
Which one should you use?
While 너 말고 is used to mean "not you" (meaning someone else is intended), the form 너 아니야 is also an informal way to say "not you".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 너 말고 is informal and should only be used with friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
neo malgo
Did you know?
- The Korean word for 'four', 넷, is thought to share a possible linguistic connection to the word for 'you', 너.
- In Korean, the concept of 'not you' can be expressed through different verbs depending on whether you are excluding a person or denying an identity.
Examples in context
- 너 말고 다른 사람.neo mal-go da-reun sa-ram.Not you, someone else.
- 너 말고 그 사람이 할 거야.neo mal-go geu sa-ram-i hal geo-ya.Not you, that person will do it.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is looking for a helper for a project.
- 지은 Ji-eun제가 도와드릴까요?jega dowadrilkayo?Shall I help you?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니, 너 말고 다른 사람이 필요해.ani, neo malgo dareun sarami piryohae.No, not you, I need someone else.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 누구를 찾으세요?geureom nugureul chajuseyo?Then who are you looking for?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo영어 잘하는 사람을 찾고 있어.yeongo jalhaneun sarameul chatgo isseo.I am looking for someone who speaks English well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 너, CC BY-SA 4.0.
