안 돼요

What does 안 돼요 mean?

안 돼요 means "this doesn’t work or isn’t possible for me" in Korean.

How it works here

안 돼요 negates 돼요 and clearly states that the thing is not possible.

When it's used

Used to explain that something is impossible, unavailable, or not functioning, often while discussing alternatives.

The line

근데 저는 이게 안 돼요

But this doesn’t work for me.

The speaker explains in daily conversation that something cannot be done or does not work.

Scene from “Run BTS! 2022 Special Episode - Fly BTS Fly Part 1” · Channel: BANGTANTV Watch on YouTube

More examples

1. 이 서류는 오늘 안 되면 내일 다시 제출해야 해요.

   If this document can’t be done today, I have to submit it tomorrow.

2. 지금은 예약이 안 돼서 다른 시간으로 잡아야 해요.

   The reservation doesn’t work now, so we have to choose another time.

Quick check

When would you use this expression?

안 돼요

근데 저는 이게 안 돼요

But this doesn’t work for me.

• Saying that one gladly accepts the request.
• Praising the other person’s opinion as very good.
• Explaining casually that a machine does not work.

Other words in this line

근데

But; however

저

I; me (humble)

이것

This

안

Not

되다

To work; to be possible

Same expression in other scenes

• 안 되는데요 — It isn’t possible alone
• 안 되는데 — It is not possible or does not work
• 안 돼 — It is not allowed; you can’t.