-지 않아도 되다
Quick answer: -지 않아도 되다 means do not have to — it is allowed either way.
How to form it
Verb stem + 지 않아도 되다 · same form whether or not the stem ends in a consonant
In Korean: 동사 어간 + 지 않아도 되다 받침과 상관없습니다
What to know
Learners mix this up with -(으)면 안 되다. 하지 않아도 돼요 means you may skip it; 하면 안 돼요 means you are forbidden to do it. The first is a permission, the second a ban, and they are almost opposites.
Examples
- 가방은 신고하지 않아도 돼요.You do not have to declare your bag.
- 줄을 서지 않아도 돼요.You do not have to queue.
- 여기에서 기다리지 않아도 돼요.You do not have to wait here.
Where it's taught
HanDa Level 2 (TOPIK I), Lesson 22: 사진을 찍으면 안 돼요 — You must not take photos. Also in the Level 2 book.
Learned in the same lesson: -(으)면 안 되다.
Practise -지 않아도 되다 out loud
In the HanDa app this is Level 2, Lesson 22 — drills, a speaking check and an AI teacher that corrects what you say. Free for 7 days.