Learn Korean: 안 + Verb + 면 안 돼?

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern 안 + Verb + 면 안 돼(?). We use this to make a gentle request so we would be spared from doing something we are unable to do or don’t want to do. For example, I am attending a friend’s wedding today and I find the dress code very awkward and uncomfortable. I am kind of tomboy and I am not used to wearing gowns and dresses. But I don’t want to let my friend down on such an important occasion. The make-up is okay, but not the lipstick. So I say Can I not apply lipstick? Please I am begging you. The main verb is 립스틱을 바르다 (to apply a lipstick). Its negative form is 립스틱을 안 바르다. We take the verb stem (바르) and attach 면 (바르면). If the verb stem ends in a consonant, use 으면. Then, we add 안 되다. The actual sentence is 립스틱을 안 바르면 안 돼(요)?

수학 여행 안 가면 안 돼요?

Can I not join the field trip? (I have been there so many times before)

소주 안 마시면 안 돼?

Can you spare me from drinking soju? (I am okay with beer)

운동 안 하면 안 돼요?

Can I not do the exercise? (it’s hard, I’d rather just diet)