Gaining basic Korean conversational skills can open doors to meaningful interactions and friendships with Korean speakers. Learning to say “Yes, I agree” is a fundamental phrase that will serve you well in various contexts. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express agreement in Korean. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Yes, I Agree” in Korean
Formal language is typically used when speaking to someone older, higher in status, or in professional settings. Here are several ways to express agreement formally:
- 예, 동의합니다. (ye, dong-ih-ham-ni-da)
This is a straightforward and polite way to say “Yes, I agree.” By using the formal ending “-니다” after “동의하다” (to agree), you show respect and politeness in your response. This phrase is suitable for formal situations where respect and courtesy are important. - 그렇습니다. (geu-reo-seub-ni-da)
This phrase, which means “That’s correct,” can also be used to express agreement. It is a commonly used formal expression that conveys a similar meaning to “Yes, I agree” in formal contexts. It is especially appropriate when responding to a statement. - 맞습니다. (mat-seub-ni-da)
If you want to convey a more affirmative agreement, you can use this phrase, which means “That’s right.” This expression is often used to confirm what the other person has said, showing your complete agreement.
Informal Ways to Say “Yes, I Agree” in Korean
When speaking to friends, colleagues of the same age, or in casual settings, informal language is used. Here are some informal expressions to show agreement:
- 응, 그래. (eung, geu-rae)
This is a simple and commonly used way to say “Yes, I agree” informally. It consists of the informal affirmative response “응” (eung) followed by “그래” (geu-rae), which means “That’s right.” It’s a casual and friendly way to express agreement in everyday conversations. - 맞아. (ma-ja)
Similar to the previous phrase, “맞아” (ma-ja) is a casual way to say “That’s right.” It exhibits agreement in a friendly manner. You can use this phrase among friends, peers, or in informal settings to show your agreement. - 그렇지. (geu-reo-ji)
This phrase, meaning “That’s so,” expresses agreement in an informal way. It is often used in casual conversations to show your concurrence. Make sure to use it among friends or people of the same age as you.
Regional Variations
The Korean language exhibits minor regional differences in expressions. While the phrases mentioned earlier are standard throughout most regions, here’s a variation common in some areas:
같이 생각해요. (ga-chi saeng-gak-ae-yo)
This expression, meaning “I think the same,” is used to convey agreement. It is particularly common in regions where the dialect tends to differ from standard Korean. While not as widely used as the previous phrases, it remains an appropriate way to express agreement.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are a few additional tips and examples to help you use these phrases naturally:
- Feel free to add “네” (ne) or “어” (eo) before the phrases mentioned above, as they act as softeners and make your response sound friendlier.
- When agreeing in more detail, you can combine phrases like “예, 동의합니다” (Yes, I agree) with “말씀하신 대로” (As you said) to show you agree with the specific points raised.
- In casual conversations, it’s common to use gestures like nodding or adding non-verbal expressions, such as “어, 그래, 그렇지” while saying “Yes, I agree” to reinforce your agreement.
Examples:
- Formal:
Person A: 이 의견에 동의하시나요? (Do you agree with this opinion?)
Person B: 네, 동의합니다. (Yes, I agree.) - Informal:
Friend A: 오늘 영화 보러 가자. (Let’s go watch a movie today.)
Friend B: 응, 그래. (Yes, I agree.)
By familiarizing yourself with these phrases and tips, you can confidently express agreement in Korean. Remember to adapt your speech depending on the formality of the situation, and always consider the relationship between you and the person you are speaking to. Embrace the Korean language with warmth and respect, and enjoy your language learning journey!
