동의하지 않아요
dong-uihaji anayo
In Korean, "I disagree" is expressed as 동의하지 않아요 (dong-uihaji anayo).
This phrase is used to state that you do not share the same opinion as another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the noun 동의, which means "agreement".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more professional or official settings, you can use the more formal version 동의하지 않습니다. In casual situations, such as when speaking with close friends or people younger than you, you can use the informal version 동의 안 해.
How do you pronounce it?
dong-uihaji anayo
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, stating disagreement directly can sometimes feel confrontational. A softer, more polite way to express this is to say 제 생각은 달라요, which means "My thought is different".
Did you know?
- If you want to disagree with a suggestion in a very soft, almost apologetic way, you can use the phrase 글쎄요, which is similar to saying 'Well…' or 'Let me see…' while shaking your head slightly.
- The word 동의 (agreement) is a Sino-Korean word, meaning it is rooted in Chinese characters, which is why it carries a more formal, academic weight than native Korean words.
- To be even more indirect and polite, a Korean speaker might say 그럴 수도 있겠지만…, which translates to 'That could be so, but…', as a way to soften a disagreement.
Examples in context
- 그 의견에 동의하지 않아요.geu uigyeone dongui-haji anayo.I do not agree with that opinion.
- 저는 그 생각에 동의하지 않아요.jeoneun geu saenggage dongui-haji anayo.I do not agree with that thought.
- 그 방식에는 동의하지 않아요.geu bangsikeneun dongui-haji anayo.I do not agree with that method.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new project plan at the office.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 계획이 가장 좋다고 생각해요.i gyehoegi gajang jotdago saenggak-haeyo.I think this plan is the best.
- 서연 Seo-yeon죄송하지만, 저는 동의하지 않아요.joesong-hajiman, jeoneun dongui-haji anayo.I am sorry, but I disagree.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨는 어떤 의견이 있어요?Seoyeon ssineun eotteon uigyeoni isseoyo?Seoyeon, what is your opinion?
- 서연 Seo-yeon다른 방법이 더 효율적일 것 같아요.dareun bangbeobi deo hyoyul-jeogil geot gatayo.I think another way would be more efficient.
