Learn Korean: Verb + 말아야 돼?

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 말아야 돼. You need to have prior knowledge on the pattern Verb + 야 하다 or 되다. This verb ending is attached to the 아/어/여 form of the verb to express obligation which is similar to should, must, or have to in English. In here, we are adding the negative part in the form of 말아야 되다. It comes from the negative verb-ending –지 말다and it is also conjugated into 야 되다. Altogether, the person is asking for advice or opinion whether something should be done or not as in should I order pizza or not?

내가 형을 믿어야 돼 말아야 돼?

Should I believe you or not?

아빠한테 말해야 돼 말아야 돼?

Should I tell dad about it or not?

정장을 입어야 돼 말아야 돼?

Should I wear a suit or not?