Learn Hardcore Korean: jeoneun geoui taeksireul taji anhayo.

저 means “I” and 는 is the topic marker. Together they establish “as for me…” in the sentence. You can omit 저는 if context already makes it clear you’re talking about yourself, especially in casual speech. However, including 저는 is more explicit and natural when stating personal habits.

What does 거의 mean and why is it placed before the verb?

거의 means “almost” (in English you might say “almost never” with a negative verb). It’s an adverb that modifies the verb phrase. In Korean, adverbs like 거의 generally come directly before the verb or the negation structure, so 거의 타지 않아요 = “I almost never ride.”

Why is 택시를 followed by 를?

를 is the object marker, indicating that 택시 (taxi) is the direct object of the verb 타다 (to ride). In other words, the taxi is what you’re “taking” or “riding,” so it needs the object particle 를.

What exactly does 타다 mean in this context?

Here, 타다 means “to ride” or “to take” (a vehicle). English speakers say “take a taxi,” but in Korean you simply use 타다 for boarding or riding any mode of transportation (버스를 타다, 자전거를 타다, etc.).

Why is the sentence negated with 타지 않아요 instead of 안 타요?

Korean offers two main negation methods:

Prefix 안 before the verb stem (안 타요).
Add 지 않다 to the verb stem and then conjugate 않다 (타지 않아요).
Both mean “do not ride,” but 지 않아요 is often seen as a bit more formal or softer in tone.

Is there any nuance difference between 안 타요 and 타지 않아요?

Yes, although both are correct. 안 타요 is more direct and common in everyday, casual conversation. 타지 않아요 (using 지 않다) can sound slightly more polite or emphatic in denying the action. The difference is subtle, and Koreans use them interchangeably depending on style and emphasis.

What level of politeness is marked by -아요? Can we change it?

The -아요 ending is polite informal speech (존댓말). You can adjust the politeness level by choosing different endings:

Casual (반말): 거의 택시 안 타 or 거의 택시 타지 않아
Polite formal: 거의 택시를 택지 않습니다 (using 습니다 form)
Choose based on your relationship with the listener and the formality of the situation.

Can the sentence be shortened to 거의 택시 안 타요?

Yes. In casual spoken Korean, it’s common to drop the object marker 를 and use 안 for negation. 거의 택시 안 타요 is a natural, more colloquial way to say the same thing.