예, 알겠습니다
ye, algesseumnida
The English phrase "yes, sir" can be translated into Korean as 예, 알겠습니다 (ye, algesseumnida).
The phrase 예, 알겠습니다 is the standard way to acknowledge a command, an order or a piece of information from a person of higher rank or a customer. It is used to politely confirm that you have understood an instruction or a request from a superior.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 예 (yes) and 알겠습니다 (I have understood/I will take note of it).
Which one should you use?
While 예, 알겠습니다 is the appropriate choice for superiors or in formal settings, 알았어요 is a less formal version used with people of similar status or in more casual polite settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 알다 (to know) is conjugated into the formal polite form 알겠습니다 to express a firm intention or acknowledgment of an instruction.
How do you pronounce it?
ye, algesseumnida
When do people say it?
For example, 네, 선생님 is used to address a teacher and 예, 사장님 is used in professional environments to address a boss or president.
Did you know?
- In many Korean workplaces, employees might respond to a boss with a sharp, loud 예! that sounds almost like a shout. This is not considered rude, but is a way to demonstrate energy and a firm commitment to the task.
- Depending on the context, the word 예 can also refer to 'ritual' or 'etiquette' when derived from a different Chinese character. This creates a linguistic link between the word for 'yes' and the concept of proper social behavior.
- When using 알겠습니다, the verb ending -습니다 is part of the 'hasipshio-che' style, the highest level of formal politeness in Korean. It is the linguistic equivalent of a salute.
Examples in context
- 네, 선생님. 앞으로 더 신경 쓰겠습니다.Yes, Sir. I will pay more attention from now on.
- 예, 사장님. 최선을 다해 노력하겠습니다.Yes, Sir. I will do my best to work on it.
- 예, 알겠습니다. 바로 하겠습니다.ye, algetseumnida. baro hagetseumnida.Yes, sir. I will do it right away.
- 예, 알겠습니다. 확인했습니다.ye, algetseumnida. hwaginhaesseumnida.Yes, I've confirmed it.
Example conversation
A junior employee receiving a task from a manager in an office.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 이 서류 좀 검토해 주세요.hyeonu ssi, i seoryu jom geomtohae juseyo.Hyunwoo, please review these documents.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo예, 알겠습니다.ye, algetseumnida.Yes, sir.
- 서연 Seo-yeon오늘 퇴근 전까지 끝낼 수 있죠?oneul toegeun jeonkkaji kkeunnael su itjyo?You can finish this before leaving today, right?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 걱정 마세요.ne, geokjeong maseyo.Yes, don't worry.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 예, CC BY-SA 4.0.
