Example Sentences#

1. 세상에서 가장 다행스러운 것은 인간의 마음이 모든 것을 연결하지 못하는 능력이라고 생각합니다.¹
   I think the most fortunate thing in the world is the human mind’s inability to connect everything.

   • 연결하다 means ‘to connect’.
   • 지 is part of the negation pattern -지 못하다, an expression used to indicate that the state mentioned in the preceding statement cannot be attained.

2. 비록 그는 새로운 삶을 즐겼지만, 그의 만족은 오래가지 못했습니다.²
   Although he enjoyed his new life, his satisfaction did not last long.

   • 오래가다 is a compound verb meaning ‘to last long’, combining 오래 (for a long time) and 가다 (to go).
   • 지 is part of the negation pattern -지 못하다, an expression used to indicate that the state mentioned in the preceding statement cannot be attained.

3. 하지만 곧, 만족하지 못하는 마음이 그를 괴롭히기 시작했습니다.²
   But soon, dissatisfaction began to torment him.

   • 만족하다 means ‘to be satisfied’.
   • 지 is part of the negation pattern -지 못하다, an expression used to indicate that the state mentioned in the preceding statement cannot be attained.

4. 그러나 그의 만족은 오래가지 못했습니다.²
   But his satisfaction did not last long.

   • 오래가다 is a compound verb meaning ‘to last long’, combining 오래 (for a long time) and 가다 (to go).
   • 지 is part of the negation pattern -지 못하다, an expression used to indicate that the state mentioned in the preceding statement cannot be attained.