네, 알아요
ne, arayo
The English phrase "yes, I know" is expressed in Korean as 네, 알아요 (ne, arayo).
This phrase is used to politely confirm that you are already aware of the information being discussed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 네, which means "yes" and 알아요, which means "know" or "understand".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 네, 알아요 is polite and suitable for most daily social interactions. For highly formal situations, such as professional reports or when speaking to someone of much higher status, you can use 네, 알고 있습니다 or 예, 알고 있습니다. In casual settings with close friends or people younger than you, you can use the informal versions 어, 알았어 or 응, 알아.
How do you pronounce it?
ne, arayo
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word for 'yes' (네) can also be used as a 'backchannel' signal to show the listener is paying attention, even if they are not actually agreeing or confirming information.
- If a person says 알았어 (the casual form of 'I know') with a sharp or falling intonation, it can signal annoyance or a desire to end the conversation rather than simple agreement.
- The word 네 meaning 'yes' first appeared in the Hangul script in 1447 within the 용비어천가, a famous piece of early Korean literature.
Examples in context
- 네, 알고 있습니다. 제 시간에 마무리하겠습니다.Yes, I know. I will finish it on time.
- 어, 알았어. 그렇게 해 보자.Yeah, I got it. Let's give it a try.
- 예, 알고 있습니다. 이렇게 하면 되겠군요.Yes, I know. I understand that I should do it this way.
- 네, 알아요.ne, arayo.Yes, I know.
Example conversation
Dohyun is reminding Seoyeon about a meeting tomorrow.
- 도현 Do-hyeon내일 회의가 있어요.naeil hoeuiga isseoyo.There is a meeting tomorrow.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 알아요. 준비됐어요.ne, arayo. junbidwaesseoyo.Yes, I know. I'm ready.
- 도현 Do-hyeon오전 열 시예요.ojeon yeol siyeyo.It is at 10 a.m.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 그것도 알아요.ne, geugeotto arayo.Yes, I know that too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 네, CC BY-SA 4.0.
