아니에요
anieyo
In Korean, "I am not" is expressed as 아니에요 (anieyo).
The phrase is used to deny a statement or to say that something is not true.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, the subject 'I' is often omitted in Korean when using 아니에요 if the context is clear.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 아니에요 is the polite form of 'to not be' used to deny a noun-based identity or state.
How do you pronounce it?
anieyo
Did you know?
- Koreans use 아니에요 to disagree with a compliment, effectively saying 'I am not [that great]' to show humility.
- The word 아니 is frequently used as a filler word at the start of sentences, even when the speaker is not actually denying anything.
- When refusing a gift or offer, Koreans may say 아니에요 while waving their hand in front of them to signal a polite decline.
Examples in context
- 그건 제 잘못이 아니에요.geugeon je jalmot-i anieyo.That is not my fault.
- 제가 범인이 아니에요.je-ga beom-in-i anieyo.I am not the culprit.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-woo are talking about their jobs.
- 지은 Ji-eun지은 씨는 선생님이에요?jieun ssi-neun seonsaengnim-ieyo?Are you a teacher, Ji-eun?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니요, 저는 선생님이 아니에요.aniyo, jeoneun seonsaengnim-i anieyo.No, I am not a teacher.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 무슨 일을 하세요?geureom museun ireul haseyo?Then what do you do?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저는 회사원이에요.jeoneun hoisawon-ieyo.I am an office worker.
