하지 마
haji ma
In Korean, "stop it" can be translated as 하지 마 (haji ma).
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to cease doing something that is annoying or unwanted.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 하지 마 is a combination of the verb 하다 (to do) and the negative imperative auxiliary 마 (don't), meaning "don't do (it)".
Which one should you use?
While 하지 마 literally means "don't do it", the form 그만해 is more commonly used when someone wants another person to cease an ongoing behavior or action that has already started.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you can use 그만하세요 or 그만두세요. The informal versions include 그만해 and 그만둬.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix -세요 to the end makes the command polite and suitable for use with strangers or elders, resulting in 하지 마세요.
How do you pronounce it?
haji ma
Did you know?
- While 하지 마 is the standard 'stop it', using the form 그만둬 can imply a more permanent cessation, such as quitting a job or ending a relationship.
- Depending on the region, some speakers may shorten the phrase to a sharp 마!, which in certain dialects like Busan can serve as a strong, multifunctional exclamation to stop someone.
- The word 마 in 'stop it' is written identically in Hangul to the Sino-Korean word for 'demon', despite having no linguistic connection.
Examples in context
- 그거 하지 마.geugeo haji ma.Stop doing that.
- 장난하지 마, 하지 마.jangnanhaji ma, haji ma.Don't play around, stop it.
- 제발 그런 말 하지 마.jebal geureon mal haji ma.Please don't say things like that.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is teasing Jieun about her new haircut.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은아, 머리 진짜 웃기다!Jieun-a, meori jinja utgida!Jieun, your hair is really funny!
- 지은 Ji-eun현우야, 그런 말 하지 마.Hyunwoo-ya, geureon mal haji ma.Hyunwoo, stop saying things like that.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo진짜로, 너무 웃겨서 그래.jinjjaro, neomu utgyeoseo geurae.Seriously, it's just because it's so funny.
- 지은 Ji-eun진짜 하지 마, 기분 나빠.jinja haji ma, gibun nappa.Seriously, stop it, I feel bad.
