예, 폐하
ye, pyeha
The phrase "yes, your majesty" in Korean is translated as 예, 폐하 (ye, pyeha).
This phrase is used to formally agree with or answer a monarch.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 예, which means "yes" and 폐하, a title used to address a monarch that literally means "Your Majesty".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
예, 폐하 is extremely formal. It is the appropriate way to address a king or queen in historical contexts or period dramas.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the honorific title 폐하, you must use the formal version of "yes", which is 예.
How do you pronounce it?
ye, pyeha
Did you know?
- In historical texts from 1447, the word 예 appeared in forms like 녜 or 이ᅌᅦ, which some scholars believe originated as a contraction of the word 'here'.
- In Korean history, the title 폐하 is specifically reserved for an emperor, whereas a king would be addressed with the slightly lower title 전하.
- When saying 예, 폐하 in a historical context, a subject would typically perform a deep bow or prostrate themselves on the floor.
Examples in context
- 예, 폐하. 명을 받들겠습니다.ye, pyeha. myeong-eul batdeulgetseumnida.Yes, your majesty. I shall obey your command.
- 예, 폐하. 바로 처리하겠습니다.ye, pyeha. baro cheori-hagetseumnida.Yes, your majesty. I will handle it immediately.
- 예, 폐하. 걱정하지 마십시오.ye, pyeha. geokjeong-haji masipsio.Yes, your majesty. Please do not worry.
Example conversation
A courtier is reporting to the queen.
- 수빈 Su-bin오늘 밤에 연회를 열겠소.oneul bame yeonhoe-reul yeolgesso.I shall hold a banquet tonight.
- 지훈 Ji-hun예, 폐하. 곧 준비하겠습니다.ye, pyeha. got junbi-hagesseumnida.Yes, your majesty. I will prepare it soon.
- 수빈 Su-bin많은 사람을 초대하도록 하시오.maneun saram-eul chodae-hadoreok hasio.Make sure to invite many people.
- 지훈 Ji-hun예, 폐하. 알겠습니다.ye, pyeha. algetseumnida.Yes, your majesty. I understand.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 예, CC BY-SA 4.0.
