Which one should you use?
While 좋아요 is a standard way to say "it is good", it is also frequently used to mean "I like it" when responding to an object or a suggestion. In contrast, 괜찮아 is an informal expression that can specifically mean "it is good", "it's okay" or "no problem".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of politeness changes based on the form you choose. 좋습니다 is a formal version used in professional settings, news broadcasts or when speaking to superiors. 좋아요 is in the polite style, making it suitable for most everyday social situations. 좋아 is the informal version used with close friends or people younger than you. Similarly, 괜찮아 is an informal expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 좋아요 is a conjugated form of the dictionary form 좋다, which means "to be good".
How do you pronounce it?
joayo
Did you know?
- In the digital world, 좋아요 is the exact term used for the 'Like' button on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- While 좋아요 means 'it is good', if you want to say you like a person or a specific hobby, Koreans often switch to the verb 좋아해요.
- In certain contexts, 좋아요 can be used sarcastically to mean 'just great' when something goes wrong, similar to how an English speaker might use 'wonderful'.
Examples in context
- 제가 건강에 좋은 음식을 선호합니다.I prefer food that is good for my health.
- 날씨가 좋아요.nalssiga joayo.The weather is good.
- 이 노래 정말 좋아요.i norae jeongmal joayo.This song is really good.
- 그 영화는 아주 좋아요.geu yeonghwaneun aju joayo.That movie is very good.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are discussing a new cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 이 카페 분위기가 어때요?Minjun ssi, i kape bunwigiga eottaeyo?Minjun, how is the atmosphere of this cafe?
- 민준 Min-jun분위기가 정말 좋아요.bunwigaga jeongmal joayo.The atmosphere is really good.
- 수빈 Su-bin커피 맛도 좋아요?keopi matdo joayo?Is the coffee taste good too?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 커피도 아주 좋아요.ne, keopido aju joayo.Yes, the coffee is also very good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 좋아요, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
