예 아니오
ye animyeon aniyo
The English phrase "yes or no" is translated into Korean as 예 아니오 (ye animyeon aniyo).
This phrase is used to ask for a clear, definitive answer between two opposite choices. It is commonly used in instructions to demand a binary, definitive response, such as in the sentence 예 아니오로 대답하세요 (Please answer with yes or no).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
An informal version of this phrase uses 응 (yes) and 아니 (no) instead of the polite forms: 응 아니면 아니.
How do you pronounce it?
ye animyeon aniyo
Did you know?
- Korean often avoids the binary 예 아니오 by using indirect phrasing or silence to signal a 'no', as a direct 'no' can be perceived as too blunt or rude.
- In Korean culture, a 'yes' like 예 can sometimes be used to indicate that you heard the speaker, rather than agreeing with the statement they made.
- While 예 is a polite way to say 'yes', it is also a Sino-Korean word that can mean 'example' or 'ritual' depending on the Hanja used.
Examples in context
- 네, 갈게요.Yes, I will go.
- 응, 봤어.Yes, I watched it.
- 아니요, 못해요.No, I can't.
- 아니라고요, 미안해요.I'm sorry, but no.
- 예 아니오로 대답해 주세요.ye anioreu daedaphae juseyo.Please answer with yes or no.
Example conversation
Dohyun is asking Seoyeon a direct question about a plan.
- 도현 Do-hyeon내일 같이 영화 볼래?naeil gachi yeonghwa bollae?Do you want to see a movie together tomorrow?
- 서연 Seo-yeon글쎄, 생각을 좀 해볼게.geulsse, saenggageul jom haebolge.Well, let me think about it.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지금 바로 예 아니오로 말해줘.jigeum baro ye anio-ro malhaejwo.Tell me yes or no right now.
- 서연 Seo-yeon알았어, 갈게!arasseo, galge!Alright, I'll go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 예, CC BY-SA 4.0.
