Learning how to say ‘Yes’ in Korean is an essential step in mastering the Korean language and understanding Korean culture. The Korean language places great emphasis on politeness, making it crucial to choose the correct way to express agreement depending on the situation and the person you are speaking to.
Whether you are engaging in casual conversations with friends or responding to a superior at work, knowing the appropriate form of ‘Yes’ will help you communicate effectively and respectfully.
This guide will introduce seven different ways to say ‘Yes’ in Korean, covering both formal and informal ways. Each variation has specific contexts where it is most suitable, and using the wrong one could lead to misunderstandings.
By understanding these differences, learners can enhance their confidence and fluency in Korean communication. Learning Korean involves grasping these important phrases, as they are fundamental to daily conversations.
What Does ‘Yes’ Mean in Korean?
In Korean, ‘Yes’ is commonly translated as 네 (ne) or 예 (ye), both of which indicate agreement or acknowledgment. These words are frequently used in everyday conversations, business interactions, and social settings. The standard form of ‘Yes’ depends on the level of formality required in the conversation.
Common Usage Scenarios
- Responding affirmatively to questions
- Confirming information
- Expressing agreement in a conversation
- Speaking with strangers, teachers, or parents in formal situations
- Using informal ways when talking to close friends
How to Pronounce ‘Yes’ in Korean
Phonetic Breakdown
Each variation of ‘Yes’ has a distinct pronunciation:
- 네 (ne) – Pronounced as “neh” (soft ‘e’ sound)
- 예 (ye) – Pronounced as “yeh” (soft ‘e’ sound, similar to the English word ‘yeah’)
- 응 (eung) – Pronounced as “eung” (nasal ‘ng’ ending)
- 어 (eo) – Pronounced as “uh” (neutral vowel sound)
Common Pronunciation Mistakes
- 네 vs. 예 – Learners sometimes mispronounce them interchangeably. ‘Ne’ is slightly more neutral, while ‘Ye’ is a polite form used in more formal language.
- 응 (eung) – This word 응 is very casual and should not be used in professional settings.
- 어 (eo) – Ensure it doesn’t sound like ‘O’ in English; it has a relaxed ‘uh’ sound.
Suggested Practice Methods
- Listen to native speakers in K-dramas or Korean language videos.
- Repeat after recordings to perfect pronunciation.
- Use language learning apps with pronunciation feedback.
- Join physical or online language classes or courses that can help you practise Korean.
Different Ways to Say ‘Yes’ in Korean
1. 네 (Ne)
- Pronunciation: “Neh”
- Usage: Standard polite way to say ‘Yes’
- Example Sentence:
- Q: 오늘 회의 있어요? (Oneul hoeui isseoyo?) – Do we have a meeting today?
- A: 네, 있어요. (Ne, isseoyo.) – Yes, we do.
- Tip: Used in polite situations, such as workplaces and formal discussions. An interesting tip worth noting is that 네 (ne) can also be used as a sign of acknowledgment during conversations.
2. 예 (Ye)
- Pronunciation: “Yeh”
- Usage: More formal than 네 (Ne)
- Example Sentence:
- Q: 이게 당신의 가방인가요? (Ige dangsinui gabang-ingayo?) – Is this your bag?
- A: 예, 제 가방입니다. (Ye, je gabang-imnida.) – Yes, it is my bag.
- Tip: Often heard in news reports, official speeches, and formal customer service. This is the correct way to sound polite in formal language.
3. 응 (Eung)
- Pronunciation: “Eung” (with nasal ‘ng’ sound)
- Usage: Casual form, used with close friends or people younger than you
- Example Sentence:
- Q: 점심 먹었어? (Jeomsim meogeosseo?) – Did you eat lunch?
- A: 응, 먹었어. (Eung, meogeosseo.) – Yes, I ate.
- Tip: Never use this in professional or formal situations.
4. 어 (Eo)
- Pronunciation: “Uh”
- Usage: Extremely informal, used in close relationships
- Example Sentence:
- Q: 영화 보러 갈래? (Yeonghwa boreo gallae?) – Want to go watch a movie?
- A: 어, 가자! (Eo, gaja!) – Yeah, let’s go!
- Tip: Best used among close friends.
5. 알아요 (Arayo)
- Pronunciation: “Ah-rah-yo”
- Usage: Means ‘I know,’ but often functions as an affirmative response
- Example Sentence:
- Q: 이거 어떻게 사용하는지 알아요? (Igeo eotteoke sayonghaneunji arayo?) – Do you know how to use this?
- A: 네, 알아요. (Ne, arayo.) – Yes, I know.
- Tip: Used in situations requiring confirmation of knowledge.
6. 있어요 (Isseoyo)
- Pronunciation: “Ee-ssuh-yo”
- Usage: Means ‘There is’ or ‘I have’
- Example Sentence:
- Q: 시간 있어요? (Sigan isseoyo?) – Do you have time?
- A: 네, 있어요. (Ne, isseoyo.) – Yes, I do.
- Tip: Used in polite conversations to indicate availability or possession.
7. 그럼요 (Geureomyo)
- Pronunciation: “Geu-reom-yo”
- Usage: Means ‘Of course’ or ‘Sure’
- Example Sentence:
- Q: 도와주실 수 있나요? (Dowajusil su innayo?) – Can you help me?
- A: 그럼요! (Geureomyo!) – Of course!
- Tip: Adds enthusiasm and politeness to an agreement.
When and How to Use ‘Yes’ in Korean
Formal vs Informal Usage
Korean culture places significant importance on politeness levels, making it essential to distinguish between formal and informal speech.
- Formal: 네 (Ne) and 예 (Ye) are used in business meetings, customer service, and when addressing older individuals or superiors.
- Informal: 응 (Eung) and 어 (Eo) are used in casual conversations, typically between close friends or younger people.
Examples:
- Business Meeting – 네, 이해했습니다. (Ne, ihaehaetseumnida.) – Yes, I understand.
- Casual Conversation – 응, 알았어. (Eung, arasseo.) – Yeah, got it.
Choosing the Right Form for the Situation
Using the wrong form can lead to misunderstandings or even offend the listener.
- Speaking to a teacher or employer: Use 예 (Ye) or 네 (Ne) to show respect.
- Talking to close friends: 응 (Eung) or 어 (Eo) is appropriate.
- Responding in professional settings: Stick to 네 (Ne) or 예 (Ye) to sound polite.
Cultural Notes:
- Older generations expect more formal language.
- Using an informal word with strangers can come across as rude.
- The younger generation may use casual forms more frequently in texting or online conversations.
| Expression | Formality Level | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 네 (Ne) | Polite | General conversations, work settings |
| 예 (Ye) | Very formal | Ceremonial speech, customer service |
| 응 (Eung) | Informal | Friends, younger generation |
| 어 (Eo) | Very informal | Close friends, casual settings |
| 알아요 (Arayo) | Polite | Confirming knowledge |
| 있어요 (Isseoyo) | Polite | Confirming possession or availability |
| 그럼요 (Geureomyo) | Polite | Expressing enthusiastic agreement |
Cultural Insights into Using ‘Yes’ in Korean
Politeness and Tone in Korean
Korean culture places great emphasis on politeness and hierarchy. The way ‘Yes’ is spoken can change meaning based on tone, volume, and formality. Speaking too casually in a formal situation can be seen as rude, while being overly formal in a casual setting may sound unnatural.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using 응 (Eung) or 어 (Eo) in professional settings.
- Overusing formal 예 (Ye) in casual speech.
- Confusing 네 (Ne) with 아니요 (Aniyo) (which means ‘No’).
- Speaking in a flat or monotone way, which can come across as unenthusiastic or impolite.
Checklist for Learners:
- Use 네 (Ne) or 예 (Ye) in formal situations.
- Use 응 (Eung) or 어 (Eo) only with friends or younger people.
- Avoid mixing formal and informal speech in one conversation.
- Pay attention to tone and pronunciation when speaking.
- Practice with native speakers to build confidence.
Conclusion
Mastering the different ways to say ‘Yes’ in Korean is essential for effective communication and cultural understanding. Since the Korean language has different levels of formality, choosing the right expression based on the situation is crucial. Using the correct form helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures respectful interactions.
By practicing with native speakers, watching Korean dramas, joining Korean Explorer and using language learning tools, learners can improve their pronunciation and confidence. Developing an awareness of politeness levels, tone, and context will allow for more natural and appropriate communication. With regular practice, learners can become more fluent and comfortable using these expressions in daily conversations.
