아니요, 괜찮아요
aniyo, gwaenchanayo
In Korean, "no thanks" is said as 아니요, 괜찮아요 (aniyo, gwaenchanayo).
The phrase 아니요, 괜찮아요 is a polite way to decline an offer or a suggestion. It is commonly used when someone offers you more food, a drink or assistance that you do not require.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'No, it is okay' or 'No, I am fine'.
Which one should you use?
While 아니요, 괜찮아요 is the standard polite way to decline, using 아니요, 됐어요 can sometimes sound more blunt or dismissive depending on your tone.
How do you pronounce it?
aniyo, gwaenchanayo
Did you know?
- In Korea, it is common to decline an offer several times before finally accepting it. Saying 아니요, 괜찮아요 the first time is often a social formality to avoid appearing greedy.
- The word 괜찮아요 can mean 'it is okay' when accepting something or 'no thanks' when declining it. The meaning depends entirely on the context and the speaker's intonation.
- The root of 괜찮아요 comes from a phrase meaning 'it is of no concern'. This reflects a cultural preference for harmony and reducing the burden on others.
Examples in context
- 감사합니다, 괜찮아요Thank you, I'm fine
- 죄송합니다, 못 가겠어요I'm sorry, I can't go
- 아니야No
- 감사합니다, 괜찮아요. 어제 한식 먹어서 다른 걸로 가볼래요?Thank you, but it's okay. I had Korean food yesterday, so how about trying something else?
- 아니요, 괜찮아요. 배불러요.aniyo, gwaenchannayo. baebulleoyo.No thanks, I'm full.
- 아니요, 괜찮아요. 이미 샀어요.aniyo, gwaenchannayo. imi sasseoyo.No thanks, I already bought it.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 커피 한 잔 더 드릴까요?Jihun ssi, keopi han jan deo deurilkkayo?Jihun, would you like another cup of coffee?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니요, 괜찮아요. 이미 많이 마셨어요.Aniyo, gwaenchannayo. Imi mani masyeosseoyo.No thanks. I've already had a lot.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 물이라도 좀 드릴까요?Geureom murirado jom deurilkkayo?Then, would you like some water?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 물은 주세요. 감사합니다.Ne, mureun juseyo. Gamsahamnida.Yes, please give me water. Thank you.
