Meaning
말도 안 돼
maldo an dwae
That's impossible / No way!
Real Feeling
What Koreans really mean
This phrase is widely used among friends and close acquaintances when something truly unbelievable or absurd happens. It's common in K-dramas during moments of shocking revelation or intense frustration. While versatile, it's generally too informal for formal settings or speaking to elders/superiors.
💬 Used in real life
• Said when a friend tells you an outrageous story that seems too wild to be true.
• Used when facing a completely unexpected and frustrating turn of events, like a flight cancellation right before boarding.
How It's Used
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Similar Expressions
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Grammar Breakdown
Part by part — learn the structure, not just the meaning
말malnoun
noun
Means 'word' or 'speech'.
-도-doparticle
particle
Means 'also' or 'even', emphasizing that 'even words' cannot describe it.
안anadverb
adverb
A short-form negative adverb meaning 'not'.
되-doe-verb stem
verb stem
Stem of the verb '되다' (doeda), meaning 'to become' or 'to be possible'.
-돼-dwaesentence-final ending (-어/아)
sentence-final ending (-어/아)
A casual, informal declarative ending derived from -어/아요, used for stating facts or expressing one's opinion.
Tags
Korean expressions carry layers of meaning that direct translation misses. The real meaning lives in the emotion, context, and cultural moment.
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