-지 마라
Do Not (Plain)
-지 마라 is a plain form negative command, meaning 'Do not...'. It's used to prohibit an action.
How It Works
-지 마라 is a specific type of negative command used in the plain speech style (해라체). It directly translates to 'Do not (do something)'.
Formation:
It's very simple to form. Just attach -지 마라 to the verb stem.
- 가다 (to go) → 가지 마라 (Do not go)
- 먹다 (to eat) → 먹지 마라 (Do not eat)
- 만들다 (to make) → 만들지 마라 (Do not make)
This form is regular and does not change for irregular verbs because it attaches to -지.
Usage Contexts:
The plain form is not used in standard polite conversation. Its use is restricted to specific situations:
1. Speaking Down: An older person speaking to a much younger person (e.g., a parent to a child, a general to a soldier).
2. Written Prohibitions: On signs, in exam instructions, or in books (e.g., 'Do not touch', 'Do not write here').
3. Quoted Speech: When reporting a command that was given. For example: "아버지가 '거짓말하지 마라'고 하셨어요." (My father said, 'Do not lie.')
4. In Personal Writing: Such as a diary entry.
Comparison with other negative commands:
- -지 마세요: Standard polite form. 'Please don't...'. Use this in most daily situations.
- -지 마: Casual/informal form. 'Don't...'. Use with close friends.
- -지 마라: Plain form. 'Do not...'. Use in the specific contexts listed above.
- -지 마십시오: Formal polite form. 'Please do not...'. Used in very formal settings like public announcements.
Examples (5)
- 위험하니까 거기에 가지 마라.
It's dangerous, so do not go there.
Word by Word: Dangerous because there go do not.
This is a typical command a parent might give to a child.
- 수업 시간에 떠들지 마라.
Do not chat during class time.
Word by Word: Class time during chat do not.
This could be a rule written in a classroom or a teacher's command to students.
- 걱정하지 마라. 다 잘 될 거야.
Don't worry. Everything will be fine.
Word by Word: Worry do not. Everything well will become.
Used to reassure someone younger or in a close relationship, giving a strong sense of 'I'm telling you not to worry'.
- 잔디밭에 들어가지 마라.
Do not enter the lawn.
Word by Word: Lawn in enter do not.
A common phrase found on signs in parks.
- 아버지가 동생에게 '너무 늦게 다니지 마라'고 말씀하셨다.
Father told my younger sibling not to stay out too late.
Word by Word: Father to younger sibling 'too late go around do not' and said.
This example shows how -지 마라 is used in reported speech.
Common Mistakes
Using -지 마라 in situations requiring politeness.
Different Meaning사장님, 복도에서 뛰지 마라.Better사장님, 복도에서 뛰지 마세요.-지 마라 is a plain form command and is impolite to use with superiors, elders, or strangers. You must use the polite form -지 마세요 or the formal -지 마십시오 in such situations.
Learn This First
This plain-style negative command is derived from -지 말다.
Related Patterns
- -지 마세요Please Don't
This is the standard polite version of the negative command, 'Please don't...'. -지 마라 is the plain form equivalent.
- -지 마Don't (Casual)
This is the informal/casual version of the negative command, used with close friends or people younger than you. It's more common in casual speech than -지 마라.
- -아/어라Informal Command
This is the affirmative plain form command ('Do...'). -지 마라 is its negative counterpart ('Do not...'). Both are used in similar, non-polite contexts.
- -지 말라고Tell Not to Do
This is the quoted command form, meaning 'to tell someone not to do...'. It's often used to report a command that was originally given using -지 마라.