Unlike no, The most common way to say yes in Korean language is 네(ne). The other way is to use 예 (Ye) to show respect and appreciation. But if you want to say yes in a causal situation, use the words 응 [eung] or 엉 [ung].
In this article, we explain the difference between the words 네 (ne) and 예 (ye) and show you how to say “yes in Korean” properly in different situations with examples, and exercises(free printable flashcards included).
The most common way to say “yes” in Korean is “네(ne)” and the other way is to say ” 예 (Ye)”. In casual situations, it’s okay to use the Korean word for yes 응 [eung] or 엉 [ung].
Here are the 4most common ways to say yes in Korean language,depending upon politeness level (the other person’s age) and situations.
네 [Ne]—Standard Way To Say Yes In Korean
예 [Ye] – Politer/More Formal Way To Say Yes In Korean
Basically, there are two levels of politeness in Korean: casual (반말) and polite (존댓말), and each has unique terms for each of them.
Let’s start with….
Yes In Korean Formal: How Do You Say Yes In Korean Politely?
There are two ways to say “yes” in Korean language in formal situations like talking to someone older than you like eldersa boss, parents, teacher, senior, or stranger. One is to use the word“네 (Ne)” and the other way is 예 (Ye).
The main difference between 네(ne) and 예(de) is that “예(de)” sounds more formal than the other.
QUICK TIPS
An interesting tip worth noting is that because 예[ye] was the original word for “yes” in Korean, the older generation tends to use it more.
Let’s see how to use each of them in sentences.
The Basic Polite Way To Say “Yes” In Korean: What Is 네 (Ne) In Korean?
It’s a polite and standard way to say yes in Korean.It’s okay to use it in formal situations between strangers or parents, but also between teachers, students, and business partners.
There are so many ways to use 네(ne) in Korean! Here is a list of situations you can use depending on what you’re talking about.
You are talking with seniors, the boss, teachers, or business partners.
You are talking to a group of people or in a debate (like a formal situation)
You are unsure if the situation requires formal or informal Korean.
Notice
If you want to emphasize “네,” Korean people often say “넵” to show more willingness and energy. It sounds like a military, right? Korean people use it often when someone asks them to do something and they reply verbally with 넵 like this. You can also write in text messages or Kakao Talk to your close boss or manager.
For example, if your boss asks you 어제 일찍 집에 갔어요? “Did you go home early yesterday?”Then you can reply, 넵! “Yes!”
How to use
You can bow once a little bit and then say “네(ne)” to express agreement in Korean. The bow is a sign of respect in Korea.
Just like “네(ne)” 예 (de) is a super formal way to say yes in Korean language. However, Koreans don’t tend to use it as much as “네(ne)” ineveryday situations.
When to use
So, when you are talking with older people who you want to be rude like elders(grandma or grandpa) or you are meeting your “in-laws” for the first time, it is wise to use the Korean word for yes“예(de)”.
However, “네(ne)” is the common way of sayingyes in Korean. So, when in doubt, just use the word “네(ne)”.
You can’t just say “yes” in Korean. You need to bow your head once and then say “예(de)” for agreement.
Sample Korean Conversation
Grandma: Minji, are you ok?
민지, 괜찮아?- minji, gwaenchanha?
Minji: yes, grandma
민지: 예, 할머니.- minji: ye halmoni
Grandma: Did you eat?
할머니: 밥 먹었어?- halmeoni: bab meog-eoss-eo?
Minji: yes, grandma
민지: 예, 할머니.- minji: ye halmoni
So, what’s next?
Difference between 네 and 예
네 and 예 have the same meaning. Korean people use this with superiors or in business situations where courtesy is especially important.
If you are talking to a stranger, a store assistant, or even an acquaintance, I think 네 (yes) is sufficient.
Yes In Korean Informal: How to Say Yes In Korean In Casual Style.
You don’t have to worry about being polite with those close to you like when they’re your friends, siblings, or anyone younger than you, you can relax and talk freely.
To answer yes in Korean, there are two informal ways to say it. One is 응 (eung) and the other is 어 (eo). The only difference between 어 (eo) and 응 (eung) is that Korean people use the word 응 (eung) more often during a real-life conversation than a phone call.
(응) Eung In Korean: How To Say Yes In Korean In Cute Way
응 is the word for yes in Korean language, which is mostly used bywomen.The way it’s pronounced is a sound, “Eung”.
Now, when you want to go ahead and say yes to friends or siblings.
it’s really simple: just simply nod and say 응(eung).
How to use
Koreans usually say that when they are told something and they say 응 to confirm that they heard the person. But you can also type it “ㅇㅇ” because it’s easier to type on a keyboard.
It is very important! – If you use this to others, you may be seen as an impolite person. “네” is used to say to a stranger or someone who is older than you.
Example Conversation
Are you busy?
바빠?-bappa
Yes
응.(eung)
네넹- the cute way to say yes in Korean chat
Korean people also use 네넹. This creates a sound that makes the listener feel cute and charming. You should not use this expression in official documents. But if you are very close to your boss, you can say 넹 or 네넹 to the text or chat with close business partners when we communicate through Kakao Talk. For example, Tammy, can I ask you to do this task?” – 토미 씨, 이 업무 부탁해도 될까요? 네넹~! “Yes, yes~!”
Sample Korean Conversation
Su jin: Did you work last night?
너 어젯밤에 일했어?
Mi Rae: Yes, I washed the dishes.
응, 설거지를 했어 – eung solgojireul haesso
Su jin: What else did you do?
또 뭐 했어? – tto mwo haesso
Mi Rae: I listened to the radio for a while
잠시 라디오를 들었어- jamsi radioreul deurosso
Su jin: I see. I thought you were working.
그랬구나.나는 일하는 줄 알았어.-geuraetkkuna .naneun ilhaneun jul arasso
Mi rae: No, I am on leave.
아니,휴가 중이었다- anihyuga jungiottt
어 (Eo): How To Say Yeah In Korean Language To Friends.
You need to watch out for “어 (eo)”, guys!
Similar to 응 (eung), you can use the word 어 (eo) while you are talking to close friends, siblings, and those younger than you. It is similar to “yeah” and “uhuh.
Korean people also use 응 twice like 응응. Both have the same meaning. For example, when your friend says,점심 먹었어? means “Did you eat lunch?” Then you can answer 응. “Yeah.”
8 Advanced and Different Ways To Say Yes In Korean Language For Beginners.
Ne is more than justyes in Korea. It can also mean many things
Actually, “네(ne)” can also mean “I agree” and also what you said is correct. In fact, it has a lot of meanings like I see, yay, I understand, that’s right. It can also be used as a conversation filler sometimes.
If you listen to two Korean people talking to each other, you might hear them say “네(ne)” quite often, even if you do not agree with what the other person is saying.
Example
Seo-Jun: You know I bought this dress yesterday
서준: 제가 어제 이 드레스를 산 거 아시죠?- jega oje i deureseureul san go asijyo
서준: 색깔이 정말 마음에 드는데 너무 비싸네요.- saekkkari jongmal maeume deuneunde nomu bissaneyo
Dambi: Ne. How much is it?
담비: 네, 얼마나요?-Ne, olmanayo
Seo-Jun: 25000000 won ( equal to $2102)
서준: 25만원-isibo manwon
Dambi: Yes(what?)
담비: 네(ne)
Seo-Jun: I paid with my credit card.
서준: 신용카드로 결제했어요. – Sinyongkadeuro gyoljehaessoyo
Dambi: Yes(i see)
담비: 네 (Ne )
It might cause a problem if you don’t know about it. So we’ll give you examples.
So here it is
Here is the complete list of 6 alternate meanings of “yes” in Korean language with translations and examples
It is so. Yes, it is.
Okay in Korean
Yes, that’s right in Korean
YAY, AWESOME, SWEET(assa)
YES, PARDON ME/WHAT DID YOU SAY
Yes, I Think So” in Korean
Here ne
What? really? (ne)
So let’s learn with examples
It is so. Yes, it is.
그렇습니다(Geureosseubnida)
그래요 (Geuraeyo)
그래 (Geurae)
These Korean phrases are used to confirm that something is true. Unlike the phrases in number 5, you don’t use them when you agree with an opinion. You say these things after a simple yes, for example, “예, 그렇습니다”, “네, 그래요”, or “응(어), 그래”. Fun fact: the last one, “응, 그래.” is often used sarcastically among young people, much like you would say “YEAH, SURE…” in English.
Example:
“Tomorrow is Saturday.” “Is that so?” “Yes, it is.”
“내일은 토요일이에요.” “그래요?” “네, 그래요.”
How to say “Yes, of course” in Korean
You can use these phrases when you want to answer a question with a simple “Of course.” If you need to clarify after you say of course, for example, “Of course, I know what K-pop is.” you need a different variation (당연히) followed by the whole sentence. However, if you don’t want to mess with a full sentence, you can simply answer “당연하죠.”
당연합니다 (Dangyeonhabnida)
당연하죠(Dangyeonhajyo)
당연하지(Dangyeonhaji)
Example:
“Have you had dinner?” “Of course!” “저녁 먹었어요?” “당연하죠!
Okay in Korean[ 네 Or 응 ]: How to Say It’s Ok in Korean
OK could be translated into many different meanings in Korean. 네 or 응(Ne or Ung) is the most common way of saying “OK” or “good” to acknowledge and let the other person know that you understand what they said.
Here are the ways you can say ok in Korean
OK = 네 or 응 (Ne or Ung: means Yes)
OK = 알았어 (arasseo: means I got it)
OK = 그래 (Grae: means Yes)
OK = ㅇㅋ (Okay: it is slang and an abbreviation of OK in a text message.)
OK = 오케이(This is the Korean pronunciation of OK.)
OK? = 알겠어? (algessu?: Do you get it?)
Do you know how to Say okay in Korean?
Check out our specific lesson on how to say “ok ” in Korean for more information about that word.
Example
Do you wanna go live on Instagram?
우리 SNS 라이브 할까? – uri esseuenesseu raibeu halkka
Yes
응
Please wait here for a minute.
여기서 잠깐 기다려 주세요.- yogiso jamkkan gidaryo juseyo
Ok
네(ne)
Sample Korean Conversation
Let’s go to the movies tonight.
오늘 밤에 영화 보러 가자.-oneul bame yonghwa boro gaja
Okay, Let’s do that. I don’t have a schedule today.
그래, 그러자.나 오늘 스케줄 없어.-geurae geuroja. na oneul seukejul opsso
What movie should we see?
무슨 영화를 볼까?-museun yonghwareul bolkka
Let’s watch a horror movie.
우리 공포 영화 보러 가자.-uri gongpo yonghwa boro gaja
okay. See you in the evening.
네. 저녁에 보자.-ne, jonyoge boja
Bye
안녕-annyeong
네, 맞아요– how to say That’s Right in Korean?
맞아요 means, “That’s right.” In Korean, it literally translates to “you’re not wrong.” or what you said is correct.
If you are talking to the elderly, customers, boss, or strangers, you can use 마자요.” (ma-ja-yo). 맞아(ma-ja) is the informal
I see, so Korean people often use 맞아요 [ma-ja-yo] after “네 [ne] ”. 네 [ne] is also used for “I see”.
Example
A: Isn’t this dress beautiful?
이 드레스 아름답지 않나요?-i deureseu areumdapjji annayo
B: yes, That’s right
네,맞아요.- ne, majayo
A: Isn’t there 12 fruits in the bag?
봉지에 과일 12개 들어있지 않아?-bongjie gwail sibi gae deuroitjji ana
B: yes, That’s right
응,맞아.- eung, maja
Sample Korean Conversation
Is there any supermarket here?
여기 슈퍼마켓이 있나요?-yogi syupomakesi innayo
There’s one besides to that drugstore
저 약국 옆에 하나 더 있어요.-jo yakkkuk yope hana do issoyo
Do you mean that blue building?
저 파란 건물 말씀하시는 건가요?-jo paran gonmul malsseumhasineun gongayo
Yes, that’s right
네,맞아요.- ne, majayo
Thank you
감사합니다.-gamsahamnida
YAY, AWESOME, SWEET-the happy yes in Korean
You’re so happy! You can’t wait to say yes. How are you going to let the world know? Say ‘yes!’
When someone says something to you but you don’t understand or you are not paying too much attention, you can say “ne”. It means“What did you say?”, “Pardon me?” or “Sorry, I didn’t hear you.
Sample Korean conversation
ji-woo: Hey, do you have an umbrella?
은우: 저기요, 우산 있어요? – Eunu : jogiyo usan issoyo
Soo-ah : pardon
수아 : 네 – ne
Jiwoo: Do you have an umbrella? Umbrella?
지우: 있어요? 우산? – usan issoyo? usan?
Soo-ah: yes, I have. you can take this
수아: 네, 있어요. 이거 가져가도 돼요 – sua: ne issoyo. igo gajogado dwaeyo.
Jiwoo : thank you
감사합니다 – gamsahamnida
Soo-ah: yes
수아: 네 – ne
How to express “yes, I Think So” in Korean?
You can use ‘네?’ to express your opinion when you are unsure of something or agree with the other person.
Example
Do you know the guy over there?
저기 있는 남자 알아요?
jogi inneun namja arayo
Yes, I think it’s my friend, Ji woo
네, 제 친구 지우인 것 같아요.
ne, je chingu jiuin got gatayo
Here -내(ne)
Let’s say the Teacher is Calling students’ names in the class and students are answering “yes, I am here”. Koreans use 내(ne) to express their presence in such cases.
Let me explain with an example
Teacher: Min ji
선생님: 민지- sonsaengnim minji
Min-ji: Yes
민지: 네.- minji ne
Teacher: Soo-ah.
선생님: 수아 – sonsaengnim sua
Soo-ah: Yes
수아: 네.- sua ne
Teacher: Jiwoo
선생님: 지우-sonsaengnim jiu Jiwoo:
Yes
지우:네. jiune
The surprised yes in Korean: What? (ne)
When someone says something that is too hard to think that it’s true or it’s way too unbelievable then, just like in English we say “what”? Korean use “ne” instead
Let’s see one example to see what I mean
Mi-soo: I bought earrings yesterday. This one
미소: 저 어제 귀걸이 샀어요. 이거.- Misu: jo oje gwigori sassoyo. igo.
Sun-Hee: So pretty. Where did you buy it?
선희: 너무 예뻐요. 어디서 샀어요?- sonhi: nomu yeppoyo. odiso sassoyo.
Mi-soo: At Galleria Department Store. But it’s expensive
미소: 갤러리아 백화점에서요. 하지만 비싸요
Sun-Hee: How much?
선희:얼마나요? – sonhi: olmanayo
Mi-soo: 10000000 won (note: equals to $844)
미소: 100만원 -Misu: baek manwon Sun-Hee:
What?
선희:네. – Sonhi: (Ne)
Mi-soo: I paid with my mother’s credit card. I think I’m in trouble.
미소: 나는 엄마 카드로 결제했어요. 나 큰일 난 것 같아
Sun-Hee: For sure.
선희: 물론 – sonhi: mulron.
The Contradictory Yes In Korean: How To Say Yes And No In Korean language properly?
Answering negative yes and no questions in Korean and Englishare the complete opposite.
In fact, it’s very confusing sometimes
but I promise you, It’s as easy as pie once you know how it works.
Here’s how to say and answer yes and no questions in Korean
In English, it’s about the fact, whether it’s true or not. So The answer yes or no in English is the same for both negative and positive questions. But to reply to questions with yes and no in Koreanit’s more about the agreement. 네 expresses your agreement with what the person is saying. 아니요 expresses your disagreement with what the person is saying.
Positive questions, it’s the same in both English and Korean but with negative questions, things get a little bit different.
Example conversation
Minji: Do you like coffee?
민지: 수지씨,커피 좋아해요? – sujissi,kopi joahaeyo
Suji: Yes, I like it
수지: 네, 좋아해요- suji, ne joahaeyo
Minji: Do you like tea?
민지: 수지씨, 차 좋아해요?-minji: sujissi ,cha joahaeyo
Suji: no, I don’t like
수지: 아니요, 안 좋아해요 – suji: aniyo an joahaeyo
If you’re asked in Korean, “You don’t drink soju?” and it’s not your favorite, the answer is “No” in English. In Korean, it would be “네” which means you agree with the negative question.
However, if the person DOES like coffee, he/she will say “Yes” in English but “아니요” in Korean. This means you didn’t agree with him/her.
While asking a negative question
Minji: Don’t you like coffee?
수지씨,커피 안 좋아해요?- sujissi ,kopi an joahaeyo
Suji: no, i like coffee
네-수지: 아니요, 좋아해요 – aniyo, joahaeyo ne
Minji: Don’t you like tea?
수지씨,차 안 좋아해요?- sujissi, cha an joahaeyo?
Suji: Yes, I don’t like tea?
수지: 네, 안 좋아해요?- suji: ne an joahaeyo
How To Memorize All the ways to Say In Korean & Never Forgets It?
Use Flashcard And Test
Maybe mnemonics is not your thing. What about flashcards?
I know it’s an old thing(you might be using Anki too)
But when it comes to mastering Korean vocabulary, you will never regret using these words.
The internet is full of free stuff and language resources that you haven’t explored yet. Here is what I found when I was learning day of the week in Korean
Knowing “how to say yes in Korean” is an important part of learning the language. With this basic guide, you’ll be able to know when to nod your head in agreement or how to politely show that you agree without hurting anyone’s feelings.
Practice makes perfect. It might seem confusing at first, but don’t worry! Koreans use this word a lot. You’ll get plenty of chances to practice it in everyday conversation.
How many can you answer? Take the quiz now to find out. (Answer in the comment below)
That’s it for today’s lesson. I hope you enjoyed it.
Can you think of more ways of saying yes in Korean? Please add them to the comment below – with an example if possible – and I’ll add them to the article!
Itishree Meher,the linguistic tongue behind this blog that'll get you saying "Korean,bring it on!". She's also busy flexing her muscle on besttechqna, catandpets,andcreditcardhustle while worked as a former freelance writer and Korean translator.She's now rocking it as a Google Ads specialist, while juggling her blogs and video creations.She is on a mission to conquer both Korean and Chinese. But when she isn't all that, you'll catch her glued to Korean/Chinese dramas (oops,a drama addicts) or working on her flower photography skills, which needs serious focus and patience.
