없이
eopsi
In Korean, "without" is expressed as 없이 (eopsi).
The term 없이 is used to express the concept of "without", indicating that something is not present or not used. Alternatively, the expression ~하지 않고 (-haji anhgo) can also be used to convey the meaning of "without."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 없이 functions adverbially, meaning it is often used to modify a verb or an entire clause to describe the manner in which an action occurs. To emphasize the necessity of the thing being absent, such as saying "without X, [impossible/cannot]", you can add the particle 는 to create the form 없이는. If you want to express "when there is no [something]" or "in the absence of," use the form 없을 때.
How do you pronounce it?
eopsi
Did you know?
- The word 없이 appeared in the Seokbo sangjeol as early as 1447. This text was written shortly after the invention of the Hangul alphabet to translate Buddhist texts into the vernacular.
- Korean speakers often use the term 없이 to describe things that are 'limitless' or 'boundless' by combining it with words for boundaries or limits.
- The root of 없이 is 없다, which is a unique type of verb in Korean called an adjective-verb. Unlike English, it functions as both a descriptive state and a predicate of existence.
Examples in context
- 사람은 물 없이 얼마나 살 수 있어?How long can a person live without water?This sentence is useful for asking about living without water using 없이.Tatoeba #8364907 by Eunhee, translation #5297847 by tabular
- 네 도움 없이는 절대 못 해낼 거야.I can't possibly do that without your help.This sentence is useful for expressing the impossibility of doing something without help using 없이는.Tatoeba #13039357 by Uwe, translation #6342373 by CK
- 신뢰가 없이는 민주주의가 존재할 수 없다.Democracy can't exist without trust.This sentence is useful for stating that democracy cannot exist without trust using 없이는.Tatoeba #7098216 by JayKim, translation #7096897 by AmarMecheri
- 식사 없이Without a meal
- 예약 없이Without a reservation
- 도움 없이 혼자Without help, alone
- 돈을 쓰지 않고Without spending money
- 공부 없이Without studying
- 놀이기구 없이Without rides
- 먹지 않고Without eating
- 자기 않고Without sleeping
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are deciding what to eat at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun서연 씨, 설탕 없이 마실래요?Seoyeon ssi, seoltang eopsi masillaeyo?Seoyeon, do you want to drink it without sugar?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 저는 설탕 없이 마시는 게 좋아요.Ne, jeoneun seoltang eopsi masineun ge joayo.Yes, I like drinking it without sugar.
- 민준 Min-jun그럼 제가 주문할게요.Geureom jega jumunhalgeyo.Then I will order.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워요, 민준 씨.Gomawoyo, Minjun ssi.Thank you, Minjun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 없이, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
