네
ne[ne̞(ː)]
The English phrase "yes formally" is translated into Korean as 네 (ne).
네 is the standard polite way to say "yes" to acknowledge a statement, answer a question or confirm understanding in daily polite conversation.
Which one should you use?
While 네 is the most common and straightforward way to say "yes" formally, 예 is a more formal and traditional variation often used in highly professional or military contexts. For an even more polite manner of saying "yes," you can use 네 맞습니다. In contrast, 응 is the informal version used with close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
ne
Did you know?
- The word 네 can also mean 'your' when it functions as the genitive form of the word for 'you'.
- Depending on the speaker's intonation, 네 can be used as a question to ask 'What did you say?' or 'Excuse me?'
- Koreans often repeat 네 several times in a row during a conversation to show they are actively listening and agreeing with the speaker.
Examples in context
- 네, 맞습니다.ne, matseumnida.Yes, that is correct.
- 네, 알겠습니다.ne, algetseumnida.Yes, I understand.
- 네, 좋아합니다.ne, joahamnida.Yes, I like it.
Example conversation
Jihoon is checking a document with Jieun in an office.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 내용이 정확한가요?i naeyongi jeonghwakangayo?Is this content accurate?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 정확합니다.ne, jeonghwakhamnida.Yes, it is accurate.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수정할 부분은 없나요?sujeonghal bubuneun eomnayo?Are there no parts to correct?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 없습니다.ne, eopseumnida.Yes, there are none.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 네, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 네, CC BY-SA 4.0.
