아니요, 안 해요
aniyo, an haeyo
In Korean, "no, I don't" is 아니요, 안 해요 (aniyo, an haeyo).
This phrase is a polite way to deny that you perform a certain action or habit.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 아니요 (no) and 안 해요 (do not do).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite version, 아니요, 안 해요, uses the polite ending '-요' and is appropriate for speaking to strangers or superiors. The informal version, 아니, 안 해, uses 아니 instead of 아니요 and drops the polite '-요' ending.
How does it change in a sentence?
The negation in 안 해요 is formed by placing the adverb '안' before the verb '해요'.
How do you pronounce it?
aniyo, an haeyo
Did you know?
- In social settings, Koreans may use a softer, indirect denial or a hesitant tone rather than a blunt 아니요 to avoid sounding confrontational.
- The word 안 used in this phrase was first recorded in the 1447 text 용비어천가, one of the oldest works written in the Korean alphabet.
- In casual speech, the '요' at the end of 아니요 is often dropped, but doing so with a superior can change the meaning from a polite 'no' to an accidental insult.
Examples in context
- 죄송하지만, 그거는 안 되겠어요.I'm sorry, but I can't do that.
- 아니요, 할 수 없습니다.No, I can't do it.
- 운동을 자주 해요? 아니요, 안 해요.undongeul jaju haeyo? aniyo, an haeyo.Do you exercise often? No, I don't.
Example conversation
Seoyeon is asking Hyeonwoo about his smoking habits.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 담배 피워요?Hyeonu ssi, dambae piwoyo?Hyeonwoo, do you smoke?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니요, 안 해요.aniyo, an haeyo.No, I don't.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 다행이네요.jeongmal dahaeng-ineyo.That's a relief.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo건강이 중요하니까요.geongangi jungyohanikkayo.Because health is important.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 안, CC BY-SA 4.0.
