How to Say "Nope" in Korean - How To Say Guide

아니

ani[a̠ni]

The Korean phrase for the informal "nope" is 아니 (ani).

아니 is used to express a casual and laid-back refusal.

Meaning: informal "no" (particle)

Which one should you use?

While 아니 is the informal "nope", you can add the particle 요 to create 아니요, which is the polite way to say "no" when speaking to strangers or elders.

아니 is an informal form and should only be used with friends or people younger than you. The form 아니야 is also used as an informal way to say "nope".

In casual speech, the form 아니 often takes the ending 야 to become 아니야 when it is used as a complete sentence meaning "It is not".

ani

Koreans 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 like 'well' or 'actually' rather than a refusal.
Depending on the intonation, 아니 can be turned into a question that means 'What?' or 'Excuse me?' A rising tone transforms the 'nope' into a request for clarification.
The Middle Korean form 아니 is actually etymologically linked to the concept of 'not knowing', stemming from the Old Korean root *ANti.

우리 이번 주말에 일을 좀 같이 할까? / 아니, 나는 이번 주말은 쉬고 싶어.
Wanna work together this weekend? / Nope, I want to take a break this weekend.
아니, 아직 안 했어.
ani, ajik an haesseo.
Nope, I haven't done it yet.
아니, 그거 내 거 아니야.
ani, geugeo nae geo aniya.
Nope, that's not mine.
아니, 별로 안 좋아.
ani, byeollo an joa.
Nope, I don't really like it.

Subin asks Dohyeon if he has finished his homework.

수빈 Su-bin

도현아, 숙제 다 했어?
Dohyeon-a, sukje da haesseo?
Dohyeon, did you finish your homework?
도현 Do-hyeon

아니, 아직 못 했어.
ani, ajik mot haesseo.
Nope, I haven't been able to do it yet.
수빈 Su-bin

도와줄까?
dowajulkka?
Do you want some help?
도현 Do-hyeon

아니, 괜찮아. 고마워.
ani, gwaenchana. gomawo.
Nope, I'm fine. Thanks.

Sources

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