네 말이 맞아
ne mari maja
The English phrase "you're right" can be said in Korean as 네 말이 맞아 (ne mari maja).
This expression is used to agree with someone's statement or opinion. You can also use specific variations like 그렇습니다 to say "That is correct" or 맞습니다 and 맞아요 to express agreement depending on the level of politeness required.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 네 말이 맞아 literally translates to "your word is correct" or "your talk is right".
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter the shorter form 맞아 (you're right) or the more polite 맞아요.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 네 말이 맞아 is informal and should only be used with friends or people younger than you. For a more polite or formal tone, use 맞아요 or 맞습니다 when speaking to a stranger or a superior. If you wish to agree with someone very politely, you can use the formal conjugation 맞으십니다 or the formal expression 그렇습니다.
How do you pronounce it?
ne mari maja
Did you know?
- While 맞아 expresses agreement, the root verb 맞다 also means 'to be hit' or 'to be struck'. Depending on the context, the same word can mean someone is right or that someone was physically hit.
- In high-pressure social or professional settings, Koreans often avoid saying you are right directly to a superior. Instead, they use phrases that acknowledge the truth of the statement without centering the other person as the source of the truth.
- The word 말 (word) is used in this expression, but it can also refer to 'horse' in other contexts, which is a common source of confusion for beginners.
Examples in context
- 네 말이 맞아.ne mari maja.You're right.
- 응, 네 말이 맞아.eung, ne mari maja.Yeah, you're right.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are discussing a movie recommendation.
- 수빈 Su-bin이 영화 진짜 재미없다.i yeonghwa jinja jaemieopda.This movie is really boring.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네 말이 맞아. 시간 아까워.ne mari maja. sigan akkawo.You're right. It's a waste of time.
- 수빈 Su-bin다른 영화 보러 갈까?dareun yeonghwa boreo galkka?Should we go see another movie?
- 도현 Do-hyeon그래, 그러자.geurae, geureoja.Sure, let's do that.
