아니요
aniyo[a̠nijo]
The English word 'no' is translated into Korean as 아니요 (aniyo). Wiktionary also lists 아뇨 (anyo) and 아니 (ani).
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 아니요 | aniyo | [a̠nijo] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 아뇨 | anyo | [a̠ɲo] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 아니 | ani | [a̠ni] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
These forms are used as particles to express disagreement or negation.
Which one should you use?
While 아니요 is the standard polite form, 아뇨 is a shortened, more rapid version used in natural, colloquial conversation. The form 아니 is used for casual speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아니요 is the polite way to say no when speaking to a stranger or someone of higher status. 아뇨 is a colloquial, shortened version of this polite form.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual speech, the form 아니야 is used as an informal non-polite ending to negate a noun or state a fact. For polite speech, the form 아니에요 is used to say 'it is not [noun]'.
How do you pronounce it?
aniyo
Did you know?
- In Korea, people often start a sentence with 아니 even when they are about to agree with the other person. In these cases, it functions as a filler word similar to 'well' or 'actually' rather than a literal 'no'.
- When answering a question in Korean, saying 'no' can sometimes be grammatically confusing because the word for 'yes' depends on whether the verb in the question was negative.
- In Korean, the word 아니 is historically linked to the concept of 'not knowing', stemming from the Middle Korean word 아니〮.
Examples in context
- 아니야, 새 남자친구가 아니야.No, he's not my new boyfriend.This sentence uses 아니 to negate a noun.Tatoeba #7965120 by EstasKorea, translation #1427 by LittleBoy
- 천문학은 결코 신생 과학이 아니야.Astronomy is by no means a new science.Tatoeba #8363689 by Eunhee, translation #278982 by CS
- "지난 주에 티비 봤어?" "아니.""Did you watch television last week?" "No."This sentence uses 아니 to express a direct negation.Tatoeba #8533885 by Eunhee, translation #8533313 by sundown
- 잘 할 수 없습니다I can't do it well.
- 이번에는 안 될 것 같아요I don't think I can do it this time.
- 미안하지만 바빠서 도움을 드릴 수 없어요I'm sorry, but I'm too busy to help.
- 아니야No.
- 그거 안 돼That's not possible.
- 나는 좀 바쁜데I'm a bit busy.
- 싫어I don't want to.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are at a cafe deciding on a menu.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 아이스 아메리카노 마실래요?Jihun ssi, aiseu amerikano masillaeyo?Jihun, do you want an iced americano?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니요, 저는 따뜻한 차를 마실게요.Aniyo, jeoneun ttatteuthan chareul masilgeyo.No, I will drink warm tea.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 홍차로 드릴까요?Geureom hongcharo deurilkkayo?Then, shall I get you black tea?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 좋아요.Ne, joayo.Yes, that is good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries 아니요, 아뇨, 아니, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아니, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
