응
eung[ɯŋ]
The Korean phrase for "ya" is 응 (eung).
응 is used as an informal way to say yes or to express agreement with someone.
How do you pronounce it?
eung
Did you know?
- To express a cute or aegyo style of speaking, some speakers change 응 to 웅, which sounds softer and more childlike.
- The sound of 응 is closely related to the Japanese informal 'yeah', which is うん.
- Because 응 is purely informal, using it with a stranger or a superior could be perceived as quite rude or even childish.
Examples in context
- 저기 야! 왜 그러니?Hey, you there! Why are you behaving like that?
- 얘, 나 좀 여기로 와봐.Ya, come over here for a moment.
- 응, 알았어.eung, arasseo.Yes, I got it.
- 응, 나도 좋아.eung, nado joa.Yes, I like it too.
- 응, 지금 갈게.eung, jigeum galge.Yes, I'm coming now.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- 민지 Min-ji현우야, 우리 비빔밥 먹을까?Hyunwoo-ya, uri bibimbap meogeulkka?Hyunwoo, shall we eat bibimbap?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 좋아!eung, joa!Yes, sounds good!
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 근처 식당으로 가자.Geureom geuncheo sikdang-euro gaja.Then let's go to a nearby restaurant.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 가자.eung, gaja.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 응, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 응, CC BY-SA 4.0.
