Korean grammar patterns › Level 1
-지 못하다
cannot, could not
Level 1 · TOPIK I · beginner
How to use it
Means 'cannot / could not': the subject would like to, but can't because of ability or circumstances. The short form 못 + V is more common in speech.
Forming it
| 가다 | → 가지 못해요 / 못 가요 |
| 먹다 | → 먹지 못해요 |
| 수영하다 | → 수영 못 해요 |
With noun + 하다 verbs, 못 goes before 하다: 운동 못 해요 (✗ 못 운동해요). Normally verbs only; for adjectives use -지 않다. If it's your choice, use 안 instead.
Examples
어제는 바빠서 운동을 하지 못했어요.
I was busy yesterday, so I couldn't exercise.
저는 매운 음식을 못 먹어요.
I can't eat spicy food.
Compared with similar patterns
안/-지 않다 = don't (choice or simple fact). -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 = cannot; very close in meaning and often interchangeable.