Which one should you use?
The form 괜찮은 is the modifier used before a noun, such as in 괜찮은 사람 (a decent person). In contrast, 괜찮다 is the dictionary base form of the adjective. If you want to use the word as a predicate to say "It is okay" or "It is decent", you use the polite verb form 괜찮아요.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
When using the word as a predicate, the form 괜찮아 is the casual/informal version used with friends or people younger than you, while 괜찮아요 is the polite form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjectival form 괜찮은 is used to modify nouns. To use the word as a predicate to mean "It is okay" or "It is decent", the adjective changes to the polite verb form 괜찮아요.
When do people say it?
In response to an offer of food or help, 괜찮아요 is commonly used to mean "No, thank you" or "I am fine" rather than just describing quality.
Did you know?
- The word 괜찮다 is actually a contraction of the older phrase 괴안찮다, which relates to the idea of not being 'disturbing' or 'troublesome'.
- When used to describe a person as 괜찮은 사람, it often implies they are a 'catch' or a suitable marriage partner, not just someone who is polite.
- In a business context, describing a proposal as 괜찮아요 can sometimes be a polite way of saying it is mediocre and lacks a 'wow' factor.
Examples in context
- 그 분은 정중한 태도로 말씀하셨습니다.The person spoke with a polite attitude.
- 오늘 날씨 괜찮네요.The weather is decent today.
- 그 영화 나쁘지 않은 것 같아.I think that movie is not bad.
- 괜찮은 곳을 알고 있어요.gwaenchaneun go-seul algo isseoyo.I know a decent place.
- 그는 괜찮은 성격이에요.geu-neun gwaenchaneun seonggyeog-ieyo.He has a decent personality.
- 괜찮은 가격의 옷을 찾아요.gwaenchaneun gagyeog-ui ot-eul chajayo.I am looking for clothes at a decent price.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing where to eat lunch.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 점심 먹을 괜찮은 식당 있어요?hyeon-u ssi, jeomsim meogeul gwaenchaneun sikdang isseoyo?Hyunwoo, is there a decent restaurant for lunch?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저기 앞에 괜찮은 파스타 집이 있어요.jeogi ap-e gwaenchaneun pasuta jib-i isseoyo.There is a decent pasta place right in front of us.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말요? 그럼 거기로 가요.jeongmalyo? geureom geogiro gayo.Really? Then let's go there.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요, 서연 씨.joayo, seo-yeon ssi.Sounds good, Seoyeon.
