네
nepolite
In Hangul "yes" is 네 (ne) in polite speech. The variant 예 (ye) is a bit more formal, and friends say 응 (eung).
Meaning: affirmative answer (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 네 | ne | polite |
| 예 | ye | polite, formal |
| 응 | eung | casual |
네 is also used to show you are listening, similar to "I see" or "right". It does not always mean you agree.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use 네 with teachers, elders and strangers. 응 is only for friends, younger people and family of the same level.
How do you pronounce it?
네 sounds like "neh" with a short vowel. In casual speech 어 (eo) and 그래 (geurae), "that is right", also appear.
Did you know?
- Koreans often nod and say 네 while someone is still speaking, just to show they are following.
Examples in context
- 네, 알겠습니다.Ne, algetseumnida.Yes, I understand.
- 응, 나도 갈게.Eung, nado galge.Yeah, I will go too.
- 예, 맞습니다.Ye, matseumnida.Yes, that is correct.
Example conversation
Seojun answers a question from his teacher Mr. Han in class, then from his friend Joon after class.
- Han숙제 했어요?Sukje haesseoyo?Did you do your homework?
- Seojun네, 했어요.Ne, haesseoyo.Yes, I did.
- Joon오늘 같이 갈래?Oneul gachi gallae?Want to go together today?
- Seojun응, 좋아.Eung, joa.Yeah, sounds good.
