Korean Dictionary
How to say "Don't" in Korean
“Don't” in Korean is 안돼 (pronounced "andwae").
안돼
andwae
Usage & Context
A firm expression meaning don't or that's not allowed. In K-dramas, this word is used during moments of desperation or when characters are trying to prevent something from happening. It conveys urgency and emotion.
Example Sentence
안돼! 가지 마!
Don't! Don't go!
How to use 안돼 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Don't” is 안돼, romanized as andwae.
Usage tip
Drama lines are memorable, but some expressions are emotional or exaggerated compared with everyday Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 안돼.
What learners usually mean by “Don't in Korean”
People searching andwae usually heard 안돼 in a drama or song and want to know why it sounds so emotional.
Real usage
안돼 means 'no,' 'don't,' 'it can't happen,' or 'that's not okay' depending on tone. The polite form is 안 돼요, and the spacing is often written 안 돼 in standard Korean.
Avoid this mistake
Do not use 안돼 as a blunt no to strangers. It can sound sharp unless the relationship and tone allow it.
Better pattern
Use 안 돼요 for polite correction, 안 돼 with close people or emotional drama-style speech, and 하지 마세요 for 'please don't do that.'
polite rule
여기서 사진 찍으면 안 돼요.
You can't take photos here.
emotional drama-style line
안돼, 가지 마.
No, don't go.
Pronunciation Guide
"안돼" (andwae) is pronounced like "ahn-dway." The "an" part is similar to the "an" in "fan," and "dwae" rhymes with the English word "way," but starting with a 'd' sound.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
안돼요
andwaeyo
Adding '요' makes it a polite expression, used when politely stating something is not allowed or shouldn't be done.
More Example Sentences
A character desperately trying to stop another from entering a dangerous place.
안돼! 거기 가면 위험해!
No! It's dangerous to go there!
An elder advising a younger person on proper speech.
그렇게 함부로 말하면 안돼.
You shouldn't speak so carelessly.
A museum staff member politely warning a visitor.
이거 만지면 안돼요. 전시품입니다.
You shouldn't touch this. It's an exhibit.
Cultural Context
"안돼" is a powerful and emotionally charged expression in Korean, often conveying strong prohibition, desperation, or a plea. In K-dramas, it's frequently heard during moments of crisis, when characters are trying to prevent a disaster, stop someone from making a mistake, or express their absolute refusal. It's often accompanied by dramatic gestures or a look of despair.
Editorial note
We review drama-style expressions like 안돼 for tone, because lines that sound natural in a scene can feel too emotional or direct in everyday Korean.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
안돼!
No! / Don't!
그건 안돼.
That's not allowed.
절대 안돼.
Absolutely not.
Related Expressions
하지 마
haji ma
Don't do it (more direct command)
금지
geumji
Prohibition / Forbidden (noun)
안 됩니다
an doemnida
It is not allowed (very formal and declarative)
절대 안 돼
jeoldae an dwae
Absolutely not / Never
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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