돼요
dwaeyo
In Korean, "it works" can be expressed as 돼요 (dwaeyo).
Used to say that a device or system is functioning correctly or that a plan is successful.
What does it mean word for word?
돼요 is a polite form of the verb 되다, which literally means "to become" or "to be done".
Which one should you use?
The phrase 동작합니다 is used in formal settings to convey that something is functioning or working. 작동합니다 is an appropriate phrase to describe something working in a formal or professional context. 잘 돌아가 is a friendly phrase used to describe something smoothly working or functioning well.
How does it change in a sentence?
The formal/polite version used in professional settings or to strangers is 됩니다.
How do you pronounce it?
dwaeyo
Did you know?
- While 돼요 means 'it works', it is also the standard way to give permission or say 'it is okay' when someone asks for a favor.
- The word 돼요 is often used in Korean shops to ask if a certain payment method 'works' or is accepted, such as asking if a credit card 'works' at a small stall.
- If you want to say a machine is working well, you can use the phrase 잘 돌아가, which literally translates to 'it spins well'.
Examples in context
- 이 시스템은 정상적으로 동작합니다.The system is working properly.
- 새로운 프로그램이 성공적으로 작동합니다.The new program is working successfully.
- 이 차는 엔진이 정말 잘 돌아가.This car runs really well.
- 너의 아이디어는 항상 잘 되는 편이야.Your ideas always work well.
- 이제 잘 돼요.ije jal dwaeyo.It works well now.
- 이 방법은 잘 돼요.i bangbeobeun jal dwaeyo.This method works well.
- 와, 진짜 돼요!wa, jinjja dwaeyo!Wow, it really works!
Example conversation
Dohyun is helping Minji fix her laptop.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 다시 해보세요.Minji ssi, dasi haeboseyo.Minji, please try it again.
- 민지 Min-ji와, 이제 돼요!Wa, ije dwaeyo!Wow, it works now!
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 다행이네요.Jeongmal dahaeng-ineyo.I am really glad.
- 민지 Min-ji도와줘서 고마워요, 도현 씨.Dowajwoseo gomawoyo, Dohyun ssi.Thank you for helping me, Dohyun.
