What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 아니요, 아니에요 is composed of the adverb 아니요 (no) and the polite negative verb 아니에요 (it is not).
Which one should you use?
While 아니요, 아니에요 is the standard polite form, you may encounter other variations. The phrase 아니야, 아니야 is an informal way to say "no, it's not" and should be used instead of 아니요, 아니에요 when speaking to close friends or people younger than you. Additionally, 아니야, 그렇지 않아 serves as an informal way to express "No, it's not," where 그렇지 않아 specifically means "it's not like that."
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 아니요, 아니에요 combines the adverb 아니요 (no) with the polite negative verb 아니에요 (it is not).
How do you pronounce it?
aniyo, anieyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 아니요 (no) alone to mean "it is not". In Korean, you usually need the verb 아니에요 to complete the sentence.
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, using 아니에요 to respond to a compliment is a common sign of modesty. Instead of saying 'thank you', people often say 'no, it's not' to deflect praise.
- While 아니요 means 'no', the word 아니 can also be used as a filler word or an exclamation of surprise, similar to how English speakers use 'well' or 'no way'.
- The word 아니요 is actually a polite form of the word 아니, which is the root of many negative verbs in Korean. This means the 'no' you use in conversation is a direct relative of the 'not' used in 'it is not'.
Examples in context
- 거짓말이에요? 아니요, 아니에요.geojitmari-eyo? aniyo, anieyo.Is it a lie? No, it's not.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Do-hyun are looking for a specific book.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 이 책 맞아요?Dohyeon ssi, i chaek majayo?Do-hyun, is this the right book?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니요, 아니에요.aniyo, anieyo.No, it's not.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 어디에 있어요?geureom eodie isseoyo?Then where is it?
- 도현 Do-hyeon저기 선반 위에 있어요.jeogi seonban wie isseoyo.It is up there on the shelf.
