안 돼
an dwae
The English phrase "oh no" can be translated into Korean as 안 돼 (an dwae).
안 돼 is used as an exclamation of alarm. It can also function as a command meaning "no", "no way" or "don't do that".
Meaning: exclamation of alarm (intj)
Which one should you use?
While 안 돼 is used for casual speech with friends or people younger than you, the polite or formal version is 안 돼요.
How do you pronounce it?
an dwae
Did you know?
- In Korean dramas, 안 돼 is often shouted in slow motion during a tragic climax to emphasize a feeling of helplessness against fate.
- The phrase is often accompanied by a gesture of placing both hands on the cheeks or covering the mouth to emphasize the 'alarm' aspect.
- Because 안 돼 literally means 'it does not become' or 'it is not possible', it is used in situations where English speakers would say 'this isn't working'.
Examples in context
- 안 돼, 숙제를 안 했어!an dwae, suk-je-reul an haess-eo!Oh no, I didn't do my homework!
- 안 돼, 너무 늦었어.an dwae, neo-mu neu-jeoss-eo.Oh no, it is too late.
- 아, 안 돼! 핸드폰을 떨어뜨렸어.a, an dwae! haen-deu-pon-eul tteol-eo-tteu-ryeoss-eo.Ah, oh no! I dropped my phone.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Minjun realize they missed the last bus.
- 서연 Seo-yeon안 돼, 버스가 벌써 갔어!an dwae, beo-seu-ga beol-sseo gas-seo!Oh no, the bus already left!
- 민준 Min-jun정말? 이제 어떻게 하지?jeong-mal? i-je eo-tteok-hae ha-ji?Really? What should we do now?
- 서연 Seo-yeon택시를 불러야 할 것 같아.taek-si-reul bul-leo-ya hal geot gat-a.I think we should call a taxi.
- 민준 Min-jun그래, 서연아 내가 부를게.geu-rae, Seo-yeon-a nae-ga bul-eul-ge.Okay, Seoyeon, I will call one.
