괜찮아요
The English phrase "okay" can be translated into Korean as 괜찮아요.
괜찮아요 can be used to politely decline an offer, meaning "I'm fine" or "No thank you".
Meaning: OK (intj)
Which one should you use?
알겠습니다 (algetseumnida) is a polite and formal way to say "okay" meaning "I understand". 그래 (geurae) is an informal term similar to saying "yeah" or "okay" in English. 좋아 (joa) can be translated as "good" or "okay" depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version of the phrase is 괜찮아.
Did you know?
- In many social situations, instead of saying 'okay' to confirm an instruction, Koreans may simply nod or use a short, non-verbal grunt to show they have understood.
- When saying 괜찮아요 to decline something, Koreans often accompany the phrase with a small hand gesture, such as waving their hand in front of their chest to signal 'no thank you'.
- While 좋아 means 'good' or 'okay', using it in a romantic context can shift the meaning from 'this is fine' to 'I like you'.
Examples in context
- 손 들고 질문해도 괜찮아요.It's okay to raise your hand and ask a question.Tatoeba #8533617 by Eunhee, translation #8254586 by Hybrid
- 응, 좋아!Yeah, sounds good!
- 네, 알겠습니다.Yes, understood.
- 아니요, 저는 괜찮아요.aniyo, jeoneun gwaenchanayo.No, I am okay.
Example conversation
Jihoon offers a seat to Jieun on a bus.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 여기 앉으셔도 괜찮아요.Jieun-ssi, yeogi anjeusyeodo gwaenchanayo.Jieun, it is okay for you to sit here.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말요? 감사합니다.Jeongmalyo? Gamsahamnida.Really? Thank you.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 괜찮아요. 앉으세요.Ne, gwaenchanayo. Anjuseyo.Yes, it's okay. Please sit.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨 덕분에 편하게 가겠네요.Jihoon-ssi deokbun-e pyeonhage ganetneyo.Thanks to you, Jihoon, I will travel comfortably.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
