네
nepolite, standard
The common way to say "yes" in Korean is 네 (ne). 예 (ye) is a slightly more formal variant, and 응 (eung) is the casual yes for friends and family. 맞아요 (majayo) means "that is right".
Meaning: affirmative answer (adverb)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 네 | ne | polite, standard |
| 예 | ye | formal |
| 응 | eung | casual |
| 맞아요 | majayo | polite, that is right |
Which one should you use?
네 agrees or acknowledges. 맞아요 confirms a fact. 그래요 (geuraeyo) means "that is so" or "I see".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
네 and 예 suit elders, bosses and strangers. Using 응 with them sounds rude.
How do you pronounce it?
In everyday speech 네 (ne) and 내 (nae) sound almost alike, so Koreans often use 예 to avoid confusion.
Did you know?
- Koreans say 네 even to show they are listening, not only to agree.
Examples in context
- 네, 알겠습니다.ne, algetseumnida.Yes, understood.
- 응, 좋아.eung, joa.Yeah, sounds good.
- 맞아요, 저도 그렇게 생각해요.majayo, jeodo geureoke saenggakaeyo.That is right, I think so too.
Example conversation
Teacher Ms. Baek checks attendance with student Jaemin.
- Ms. Baek재민 학생, 숙제 했어요?jaemin haksaeng, sukje haesseoyo?Jaemin, did you do the homework?
- Jaemin네, 했어요.ne, haesseoyo.Yes, I did.
- Ms. Baek잘했어요.jalhaesseoyo.Well done.
