How do I use the Korean verb ending -지 말다 (-ji malda)?

The Korean verb ending "-지 말다" ("-ji malda") is used to give strong advice or prohibition. It is equivalent to saying "Don't" or "Must not" in English. Here's how you can use this verb ending:

Construction:

Verbstem+−지말다Verbstem+−지말다

Examples:

1. 먹다 (meokda) - to eat:

   • 먹지 말다 (meokji malda) - Don't eat.

   • Example: 초콜릿을 너무 많이 먹지 말아요. (Chokolit-eu neomu mani meokji mal-ayo.) - Don't eat too much chocolate.

2. 마시다 (masida) - to drink:

   • 마시지 말다 (masi-ji malda) - Don't drink.

   • Example: 운전할 때 술을 마시지 말아요. (Unjeonhal ttae sul-eul masi-ji mal-ayo.) - Don't drink alcohol when driving.

3. 가다 (gada) - to go:

   • 가지 말다 (gaji malda) - Don't go.

   • Example: 저녁에는 밤에 혼자 밖으로 가지 말아요. (Jeonyeog-eneun bam-e honja bak-eulo gaji mal-ayo.) - Don't go outside alone at night.

4. 하다 (hada) - to do:

   • 하지 말다 (haji malda) - Don't do.

   • Example: 공부할 때 휴대폰을 사용하지 말아요. (Gongbuhal ttae hyudaepon-eul sayonghaji mal-ayo.) - Don't use your phone while studying.

Notes:

• "-지 말다" is used to give strong advice or to prohibit an action.

• It is often used in a direct and authoritative manner, especially in situations where it's crucial to emphasize the avoidance of a certain action.

• This form can be used with various verb stems, and you simply attach it to the verb stem to create a negative imperative sentence.

• Be mindful of the level of formality based on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.

Using "-지 말다" is an effective way to convey strong advice or prohibition in Korean.