네, 맞아요
ne, majayo
The English phrase "yes, that's right" is translated into Korean as 네, 맞아요 (ne, majayo).
네, 맞아요 is used to confirm that a statement or a piece of information provided is accurate. While 네 alone is a simple affirmation meaning "yes," 네, 맞아요 is used specifically to verify the correctness of what was said.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 네 (yes) and 맞아요 (is correct/is right).
Which one should you use?
For a higher level of formality, you may use 네, 그렇습니다 or 네, 맞습니다. In informal settings, you can use 응, 맞아 to say "yeah, that's right" or 그래 to mean "okay" or "that's right".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For highly formal settings like business presentations or military contexts, use 네, 맞습니다. When speaking to friends or people younger than you, use the informal version 응, 맞아.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 맞아요 comes from the verb 맞다 (to be correct), which is conjugated here using the polite -아요 ending.
How do you pronounce it?
ne, majayo
Did you know?
- The word 맞다 in 네, 맞아요 is the same verb used to describe being struck or hit. This suggests the linguistic idea that being correct is like hitting a target.
- If you say 네 with a rising intonation, it functions as a question meaning 'Pardon?' or 'What did you say?' instead of an affirmation.
- In Korean conversations, people often say 네 repeatedly as a form of 'back-channeling' to show they are listening, even if they are not agreeing or confirming a fact.
Examples in context
- 네, 맞아요. 오늘이에요.ne, maj-ayo. oneul-ieyo.Yes, that's right. It is today.
- 네, 맞아요. 제 이름이에요.ne, maj-ayo. je ireum-ieyo.Yes, that's right. It is my name.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hun are confirming an appointment time.
- 지은 Ji-eun우리 내일 만나는 거 맞죠?uri naeil mannaneun geo maj-jyo?We are meeting tomorrow, right?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 맞아요. 내일 봐요.ne, maj-ayo. naeil bwayo.Yes, that's right. See you tomorrow.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 오후 두 시 맞나요?Ji-hun ssi, ohu du si maj-nayo?Ji-hun, is it two o'clock in the afternoon?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 맞아요. 그때 만나요.ne, maj-ayo. geuttae mannayo.Yes, that's right. Let's meet then.
