How To Say Yes In Korean(11+ Best Ways To Show Agreement) (2024)

Saying “yes” in Korean can be a very tricky thing.

Try greeting your familyandfriends with “네” along with a bow and see if it works for you

but is one word enough? not exactly

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).

Alright world, Let’s go say “yes” in Hangul.

How To Say “Yes” In Korean?– the correct way

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
• 응 [Eung]- Informal and Cute Way Of Saying Yes In Korean Language (Used By Women)
• 엉 [Ung] – The Korean word for Yes In an informal way (Used By Men)

Respect is a big deal in Korean culture. so we need to learn Korean greetings for all situations.

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 elders a 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.

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.

There’s no need to be shy!

When to use

• You are talking to someone older than you.
• You are not sure if they are older or younger than you and don’t know them, like a stranger.
• 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.

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.

Let’s see some examples ……, shall we?

Do you like soju?

소주 좋아해요?soju joahaeyo

Yes

네- ne

Is this an apple?

이게 사과예요?- ige sagwaeyo

Yes, it is

네, 사과예요 – ne sagwaeyo

Sample Korean conversation

Here is a general conversation between a senior and his junior in a college

Sunbae: Did you read the magazine?

그 잡지 읽었어요?- geu japjji ilgossoyo

Hubae: Yes, I read it last night.

네. 어젯밤에 읽었어요. – ne ojetppame ilgossoyo

Sunbae: Did you see our article today?

오늘 우리 기사 뜬 거 봤어요?- oneul uri gisa tteun go bwassoyo

Hubae: Yes, but I didn’t know it was so long

네, 하지만 그렇게 긴 줄 몰랐어요.

ne hajiman geuroke gin jul molrassoyo

Sunbae: Did you understand everything?

다 알아들으셨나요?

Hubae: yes,roughly

네, 대충?-daechung

Hubae: I think it will help. Thank you, senior

도움이 될 것 같은데.진짜 감사합니다, 선배님.

doumi dwel got gateunde.jinjja gamsahamnida sunbaenim

예 (de)| How To Write “Yes” In Korean politely?

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)” in everyday 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 saying yes in Korean. So, when in doubt, just use the word “네(ne)”.

it’s better to safe than sorry

How to use

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?

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 by women. 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)

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.

Example

Billy: Hello, Min-ho

안녕, 민호야 – annyong minhoya

Min-ho: Hello, billy

안녕, 빌리 – annyeong bilri

Billy: Do you have plans tonight? Let’s go eat Chimaek (치맥).

오늘 약속 있나?치맥 먹으러 가자.oneul yaksok inna?chimaek mogeuro gaja

Min-ho: uhuh

어 (eo)

Billy: Let’s meet up at Hanchu Chicken.

그러면 한추치킨서 만나자.- geuromyon hanchuchikinso mannaja

Min-ho: Ok. See you then.

그래. 그럼 그때 보자. – geurae geurom geuttae boja

Billy: bye

안녕!- annyong

8 Advanced and Different Ways To Say Yes In Korean Language For Beginners.

Ne is more than just yes 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

Dambi: Yes

네- ne

Seo-Jun: I really like the color but it’s too expensive

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!”
“저녁먹었어요?” “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?)

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!’

You can use Korean to show your excitement. Just say “네, Neeee!”

Sample Korean Conversation

I’m going to buy some food. Do you want anything?

먹을 것 좀 사 올게요. 뭐 먹을래요?

Yes, chicken

네, 치킨- ne chikin

I will go buy it

내가 사올게- naega saolge

Yay. thanks, friend

네. 고마워 친구야 – ne. gomawo chinguya

YES, PARDON ME/WHAT DID YOU SAY

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 English are 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 Korean it’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.

Here are some of the resources I found on the web

https://quizlet.com/571528411/yes-and-no-in-korean-flash-cards/

https://quizlet.com/547262880/yesnohello-korean-flash-cards/

Other Online Resources

We live in the era of the 20th century.

And I bet you love to surf (well, who doesn’t?)

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

Here is a list (I hope it might help you)

https://how.co/ht/how-to-say-yes-in-korean-40655/

https://www.koreanwikiproject.com/wiki/Yes_and_no_questions

Conclusion and korean vocabulary quiz

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!