괜찮습니다
gwaenchanhseumnida
In Korean, the phrase for no politely is 괜찮습니다 (gwaenchanhseumnida).
When someone offers you something, saying 괜찮습니다 functions as a polite way to decline the offer.
Which one should you use?
In everyday social situations, you may use the polite version 괜찮아요, while the casual version 괜찮아 is used with close friends or people younger than you.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite but less formal tone in everyday social situations, use 괜찮아요.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 괜찮습니다 uses the formal polite ending -습니다, which makes it suitable for business settings or for speaking to strangers.
How do you pronounce it?
gwaenchanhseumnida
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, it is common to say 괜찮습니다 several times even if you actually want the item, as a way of showing modesty and politeness before finally accepting.
- In Korea, refusing an offer with 괜찮습니다 often requires a small physical gesture, such as a slight wave of the hand in front of the chest, to signal your refusal clearly.
- The root of the word, '괜찮다', is historically linked to the idea of being 'worthwhile' or 'proper', suggesting that the situation is already in a proper state without the offer.
Examples in context
- 아니요, 괜찮습니다.aniyo, gwaenchansseumnida.No, I am fine.
- 커피는 괜찮습니다.keopineun gwaenchansseumnida.I am fine without coffee.
Example conversation
A colleague offers a snack to another colleague at the office.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 과자 좀 드실래요?Seoyeon ssi, gwaja jom deusillaeyo?Seoyeon, would you like some snacks?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니요, 괜찮습니다. 현우 씨가 드세요.aniyo, gwaenchansseumnida. Hyeon-u ssiga deuseyo.No, I'm fine. Please eat them, Hyeon-u.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 괜찮으시겠어요?jeongmal gwaenchaneusi-gesseoyo?Are you really sure you are okay?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 정말 괜찮습니다.ne, jeongmal gwaenchansseumnida.Yes, I am really fine.
