How To Say Yes In Korean (with Audio!)

Alright, let’s dive into Korean 101! Ready to learn how to say “Yes” in Korean? It’s simpler than you think, and hey, it’s a great start!

First off, there’s “네 (Ne).” This is your go-to for yes in most situations, especially the formal ones. This is the phrase you always see in K-dramas, TV shows and other Korean programs.

Think of talking to a teacher or meeting someone new at work. Use “네” and you’re golden. But hey, if you’re chatting with your friends, buddies or someone younger, maybe keep “네” in your back pocket – it might be a bit too formal.

Ways To Say Yes in Korean

Your go-to “Yes” for formal settings. This is perfect for when you’re chatting with a teacher, a new colleague or a boss. It’s like saying “Yes, please” when someone offers you a sandwhich, but in Korean, it’s “네, 주세요.”

But remember, whenever you’re with your close friends or familly, switch it up a bit. 네 might sound a bit too formal.

Sounds like the chill English “yeah.” It’s your polite “Yes,” with a bit more respect towards the person. This is great for impressing elders or in formal-ish settings. Often used in restaurants and going out. 

Imagine agreeing that you like kimchi – “예, 좋아합니다.”

Your casual, laid-back “Yes.” Perfect for hanging out with friends. Just a heads-up, don’t use it with older folks or strangers. Keep it informal but respectful at the same time.

Three flavors of “Okay” in Korean. Pick the politeness level based on who you’re talking to. It’s like saying “OK, see you then” when agreeing to meet someone.

These mean “That’s right” or “That’s correct.” Again, it’s all about who you’re talking to. Use it to agree with someone or to confirm a fact.

To assure something is true or to say “Yes, it is.” Fun fact: The last one, “그래,” is often used sarcastically among the younger crowd. It’s like the English “Yeah, sure…”

These are for when you agree with someone’s opinion. It’s like ticking the “I agree” box on a website. You see this on all websites these days.

Use these when you’re all in for a suggestion, like agreeing to a roadtrip. It’s your way of saying, “Yes, let’s do it!”

Here’s the twist – these actually mean “No.” But in Korean, sometimes your answer depends on how the question is phrased.

If someone asks, “You’re not a student, right?” and you say “네,” you’re actually agreeing that you’re not a student. So try to use this in the correct context.

Korean Phrase	Romanization	English Translation
네, 이해했습니다.	Ne, ihaehaetseumnida.	Yes, I understand.
예, 동의합니다.	Ye, donguihabnida.	Yes, I agree.
응, 좋아해.	Eung, joahaeyo.	Yes, I like it.
네, 그렇게 하겠습니다.	Ne, geureohge hagesseumnida.	Yes, I will do it that way.
예, 맞습니다.	Ye, matseumnida.	Yes, that’s correct.
네, 감사합니다.	Ne, gamsahamnida.	Yes, thank you.
응, 할 수 있어.	Eung, hal su isseo.	Yes, I can do it.
네, 저도 그렇게 생각해요.	Ne, jeodo geureohge saenggakhaeyo.	Yes, I think so too.
예, 거기에 가본 적이 있어요.	Ye, geogie gabon jeogi isseoyo.	Yes, I have been there before.
네, 지금 시작할게요.	Ne, jigeum sijakhalgeyo.	Yes, I will start now.

3 Short Stories with “Yes” in Korean

Story 1: A Day at the Market

소미는 시장에 갔다. “이 사과는 신선합니까?”라고 물었다. 상인은 “네, 매우 신선합니다!”라고 대답했다. 소미는 “네, 사과를 살게요”라고 말하며 사과를 샀다. 그녀는 또 “이 꽃도 예쁘네요, 하나 주세요”라고 말했다.

English Translation:

Somi went to the market. She asked, “Are these apples fresh?” The merchant replied, “Yes, very fresh!” Somi said, “Yes, I’ll buy the apples,” and bought them. She also said, “These flowers are pretty, I’ll take one, please.”

Story 2: Learning Taekwondo

준호는 태권도 수업을 시작하기 전에 선생님께 인사했다. 선생님은 “준비됐습니까?”라고 물었다. 준호는 “네, 준비됐습니다!”라고 대답했다. 수업 동안, 선생님은 “이 동작을 할 수 있겠습니까?”라고 물었고, 준호는 “예, 할 수 있습니다!”라고 자신 있게 대답했다.

English Translation:

Before starting his Taekwondo class, Junho greeted his teacher. The teacher asked, “Are you ready?” Junho replied, “Yes, I’m ready!” During the class, the teacher asked, “Can you do this move?” and Junho confidently answered, “Yes, I can do it!”

Story 3: At the Library

하나는 도서관에서 친구에게 조용히 말했다. “이 책을 읽어볼래?” 친구가 물었다. 하나는 “네, 흥미로워 보여요”라고 대답했다. 그들은 책을 빌리기로 결정했다. 출구에서, 하나는 “이 책들을 모두 읽을 수 있을까요?”라고 물었다. 친구는 “네, 시간이 충분해요!”라고 말했다.

English Translation:

Hana whispered to her friend in the library, “Do you want to read this book?” Her friend asked. Hana replied, “Yes, it looks interesting.” They decided to borrow the book. At the exit, Hana asked, “Can we read all these books?” Her friend said, “Yes, we have enough time!”

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, mastering the different ways to say “Yes” in Korean, such as “네 (Ne)”, “예 (Ye)”, “응 (Eung)”, and “어 (Eo)”, is essential for anyone learning the language. Each term reflects varying degrees of formality and respect, crucial in Korean culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common ways to say “Yes” in Korean?

In Korean, the most common way to say “Yes” is “네 (Ne)” for formal situations and “응 (Eung)” or “어 (Eo)” for informal settings. Each of these words is used based on the context and the relationship with the person you’re speaking to.

Is there a difference between “네 (Ne)” and “예 (Ye)” in Korean?

Yes, there is a subtle difference. While both “네 (Ne)” and “예 (Ye)” are formal ways to express agreement or confirmation, “예 (Ye)” is often considered slightly more polite and respectful. It’s commonly used in formal settings or when speaking to someone of higher status or older age.

How do Koreans say “Yes” in informal situations?

In informal settings among friends or people of the same age, Koreans typically use “응 (Eung)” or “어 (Eo)” to say “Yes”. These expressions are more casual and should be used only in relaxed, familiar environments to avoid being perceived as rude or disrespectful.