아니요
aniyo[a̠nijo]
The English phrase 'no formally' is translated into Korean as 아니요 (aniyo).
Which one should you use?
While 아니요 is the standard way of saying 'no' in Korean and is a formal choice, the version 아니 is the informal version of 'no', used with close friends or people younger than you. For an even higher level of formality and respect, you can use 아닙니다.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아니요 is the polite way to say no, suitable for use with strangers or people older than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 아닙니다 is a more formal and highly respectful way to say 'no' than 아니요.
Did you know?
- Koreans frequently use 아니 to start a sentence even when they are agreeing with the previous speaker. In this context, it acts as a filler word similar to 'well' or 'actually' rather than a negation.
- While 아니요 is the polite standard, many Koreans will actually avoid saying 'no' entirely in formal social situations. Instead, they might use phrases that imply 'it is difficult' to preserve the listener's 'face' and avoid the harshness of a direct refusal.
- If you are asked if you have eaten, answering 아니요 might actually be interpreted as a polite way to initiate a conversation or request a meal. In Korean culture, 'Have you eaten?' is often a greeting rather than a literal inquiry into your hunger.
Examples in context
- 아니요, 괜찮습니다.aniyo, gwaenchansseumnida.No, I am fine.
- 아니요, 아직 안 했어요.aniyo, ajik an haesseoyo.No, I haven't done it yet.
- 아니요, 모릅니다.aniyo, moreumnida.No, I do not know.
Example conversation
Seoyeon asks Minjun if he has finished the report.
- 서연 Seo-yeon민준 씨, 보고서 다 끝냈어요?Minjun ssi, bogoseo da kkeutnaesseoyo?Minjun, did you finish the report?
- 민준 Min-jun아니요, 아직 하고 있어요.aniyo, ajik hago isseoyo.No, I am still doing it.
- 서연 Seo-yeon언제쯤 끝날까요?eonjejeum kkeutnalkkayo?About when will it be finished?
- 민준 Min-jun한 시간 정도 걸릴 것 같습니다.han sigan jeongdo geollil geot gatseumnida.I think it will take about an hour.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 아니요, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
