What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective '좋다' (to be good) and the polite ending '-아요'.
Which one should you use?
The choice of form depends on the level of formality required: 좋아요 is the standard polite form, 좋아 is the informal version and 좋겠습니다 is a more formal and professional way to express agreement or approval.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 좋아요 is polite and suitable for use with colleagues, acquaintances or people older than you. The form 좋아 is the casual/informal version used with close friends, peers or people younger than you. The form 좋겠습니다 is used in formal or business settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
In business settings, you can use the form 좋겠습니다 to express that something 'would be good' or 'sounds good' in a more professional manner.
How do you pronounce it?
joayo
Did you know?
- The word 좋아요 is used as the 'like' button on Korean social media platforms and websites.
- In a romantic context, the root word 좋다 can be used to describe a 'crush' or liking someone, moving beyond just agreeing to a plan.
- While 좋아요 means 'sounds good', if you say it with a rising intonation, it becomes a question meaning 'Is it good?' or 'Do you like it?'
Examples in context
- 교수님, 제안하신 계획은 좋아요.Professor, your proposed plan sounds good.
- 내일 카페에서 만나자. 좋아?Let's meet at the cafe tomorrow. Sounds good?
- 그 계획 좋아요.geu gye-hwoek jo-ayo.That plan sounds good.
- 내일 만나는 거 좋아요.nae-il man-na-neun geo jo-ayo.Meeting tomorrow sounds good.
- 영화 보는 거 좋아요.yeong-hwa bo-neun geo jo-ayo.Watching a movie sounds good.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyeon are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- 민지 Min-ji비빔밥 먹으러 갈까요?bibim-bap meok-eu-reo gal-kka-yo?Shall we go eat bibimbap?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 좋아요.ne, jo-ayo.Yes, sounds good.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 배고파요?Dohyeon ssi, bae-go-pa-yo?Dohyeon, are you hungry?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 아주 배고파요.ne, a-ju bae-go-pa-yo.Yes, I am very hungry.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 좋아요, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
