싸우지 마
The English phrase "stop fighting" is translated into Korean as 싸우지 마.
The phrase functions as a direct command to cease the act of fighting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 싸우지 마 is composed of the verb 싸우다 (to fight) combined with the negative imperative construction –지 마 (don't).
Which one should you use?
While "stop fighting" in English often implies an ongoing action, the Korean phrase 싸우지 마 functions as a direct command to cease the act of fighting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 싸우지 마요 is a polite version that is slightly less formal than 싸우지 마세요 but still respectful. Adding –세요 to the end of the phrase makes it a polite request rather than a casual command. 싸우지 마세요 can be used to address a single person or a group.
Did you know?
- In highly confrontational situations, the polite 싸우지 마세요 can sound sarcastic or cold. Using extreme politeness during a heated conflict often signals that the speaker is distancing themselves emotionally from the other person.
- Korean possesses a specific term 부부싸움 for 'couple's fight'. This reflects a cultural acknowledgment that arguments between spouses are a distinct and common social category.
- The particle 마 in this context is a contraction of the Middle Korean word 맣〮, which was used to express a prohibition or a negative command.
Examples in context
- 싸우지 마세요. 평화로운 분위기를 조성합시다.Please stop fighting. Let's create a peaceful atmosphere.
- 형들, 싸우지 마!Guys, stop fighting!
- 둘이 제발 싸우지 마.duri jebal ssauji ma.Please, the two of you stop fighting.
- 친구랑 이제 싸우지 마.chingurang ije ssauji ma.Don't fight with your friend anymore.
- 가족끼리 싸우지 마세요.gajokkkiri ssauji maseyo.Please don't fight among family members.
Example conversation
Subin sees her brother and friend arguing.
- 수빈 Su-bin둘 다 싸우지 마.dul da ssauji ma.Both of you, stop fighting.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo현우가 먼저 시작했어.hyeonuga meonjeo sijakaesseo.Hyunwoo started it first.
- 수빈 Su-bin누가 그랬든 상관없어.nuga geuraetdeun sanggwaneopseo.I don't care who did it.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo알았어, 그만할게.arasseo, geumanhalge.Okay, I'll stop.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 마, CC BY-SA 4.0.
