못 하다 vs 못하다

1. Title : The Difference Between "못 하다" and "못하다"

2. Grammar Explanation

"못 하다" (with a space) consists of the adverb "못" (cannot) and the verb "하다" (do), indicating an inability to act due to lack of skill, knowledge, or capability. For example, it's used when someone cannot do something at all, like not being able to speak a language or play an instrument because they never learned how.

Conversely, "못하다" (written together) serves as a verb implying that something is done poorly or inadequately. This form is utilized when someone can act but does so in a manner that is below a standard level of proficiency or expectation, such as drawing poorly or singing off-key despite having the basic ability to draw or sing.

3. Example Sentences

• 저는 한국어를 못 해요 (I can not speak Korean.)

• 저는 춤을 못 춰요. (I can not dance.)

• 지민이는 요리를 못해요. (Jimin is a bad cook.)

• 제 친구는 운전을 못해요. (My friend is bad at driving.)

4. Sample Dialogues

• A: 이 한국 책을 읽을 수 있어요? (Can you read this Korean book?)

  B: 아니요, 저는 한국어를 못 해요. (No, I cannot speak Korean.)

• A: 수현이가 그림을 잘 그려? (Does Suhyun draw well?)

  B: 아니, 걔는 그림을 못그려. (No, he is bad at drawing.)

5. Make Korean Sentences from English!

• I can not swim.

• My mom cannot see well.

• My sister writes poems poorly.

• My brother is not good at playing basketball.

• My friend can not remember names well.

• Kim Minsu can not speak Korean.

• My teacher is bad at singing.

• I cannot play computer games at home.

• My boyfriend is a bad cook.