Yes and No in Korean: It's More Complicated Than You Think - Learning Korean

Yes and No in Korean: It's More Complicated Than You Think

When learning a new language, "yes" and "no" are typically among the first words you pick up. In English, these responses are straightforward—a simple "yes" or "no" works in virtually any situation. However, Korean approaches affirmation and negation quite differently, with multiple ways to say "yes" and "no" depending on the context, formality level, and even the structure of the question being answered. This guide will help you navigate the nuanced world of Korean affirmative and negative responses.

The Basics: 네 (Ne) and 아니요 (Aniyo)

At the most basic level, Korean does have standard words for "yes" and "no":

• 네 (Ne) - Yes
• 아니요 (Aniyo) - No

However, using these words correctly isn't as simple as it might seem. Let's explore the complexities.

Formality Levels in Yes and No

Korean is a language with built-in honorifics and formality levels, and even simple responses like "yes" and "no" reflect this aspect of the language.

Formal/Polite Forms

• 네 (Ne) - Yes (standard polite)
• 예 (Ye) - Yes (more formal than 네)
• 아니요 (Aniyo) - No (standard polite)
• 아닙니다 (Animnida) - No (formal)

Casual/Informal Forms

• 응 (Eung) - Yes (casual, used with friends, younger people)
• 어 (Eo) - Yes (very casual)
• 아니 (Ani) - No (casual)
• 아냐 (Anya) - No (very casual)

Important note: Using the wrong level of formality can be considered rude in Korean culture. When in doubt, stick with the polite forms (네/아니요) until you're more familiar with the social context.

The Echo Answer System: When "Yes" Means "No"

One of the most confusing aspects of Korean for English speakers is the "echo answer" system. In Korean, when responding to negative questions, you don't simply say "yes" or "no" based on the fact of the matter—instead, you echo the verb in the question.

In English, if someone asks "Aren't you hungry?" and you are indeed hungry, you would say "Yes (I am hungry)." However, in Korean, you would respond with the equivalent of "No (your statement is incorrect), I am hungry."

Examples:

Question: 배고프지 않아요? (Baegopeujji anhayo?) - Aren't you hungry?

Responses:

• If you ARE hungry: 아니요, 배고파요. (Aniyo, baegopayo.) - No (your negative statement is incorrect), I am hungry.
• If you are NOT hungry: 네, 배고프지 않아요. (Ne, baegopeujji anhayo.) - Yes (your negative statement is correct), I am not hungry.

This pattern goes against English speakers' instincts, which is why it's a common source of confusion.

Affirmative Responses to Different Types of Questions

Regular Questions

Question: 한국 사람이에요? (Hanguk saramieyo?) - Are you Korean?

Response:

• 네, 한국 사람이에요. (Ne, hanguk saramieyo.) - Yes, I am Korean.
• 아니요, 한국 사람이 아니에요. (Aniyo, hanguk sarami anieyo.) - No, I am not Korean.

Negative Questions

Question: 한국 사람이 아니에요? (Hanguk sarami anieyo?) - Are you not Korean?

Response:

• 네, 한국 사람이 아니에요. (Ne, hanguk sarami anieyo.) - Yes (your statement is correct), I am not Korean.
• 아니요, 한국 사람이에요. (Aniyo, hanguk saramieyo.) - No (your statement is incorrect), I am Korean.

Tag Questions

Question: 이거 맛있죠? (Igeo masitjyo?) - This is delicious, right?

Response:

• 네, 맛있어요. (Ne, masisseoyo.) - Yes, it's delicious.
• 아니요, 별로예요. (Aniyo, byeolloyeyo.) - No, not really.

Context-Specific Responses

Korean often omits the explicit "yes" or "no" in favor of directly answering the question with relevant information. This is especially common in daily conversations.

Examples:

Question: 지금 몇 시예요? (Jigeum myeot siyeyo?) - What time is it now?

Response: 세 시예요. (Se siyeyo.) - It's 3 o'clock. (Note: No explicit "yes" or "no" is needed)

Question: 이거 주문할까요? (Igeo jumunhalkayo?) - Should we order this?

Response: 주문합시다. (Jumunhapsida.) - Let's order. (Rather than just saying "yes")

Special Affirmative Responses

Agreement/Understanding

• 그래요 (Geuraeyo) - That's right/I see (polite)
• 맞아요 (Majayo) - That's correct (polite)
• 알겠습니다 (Algetseumnida) - I understand (formal)
• 네, 알겠어요 (Ne, algeteoyo) - Yes, I understand (polite)

On the Phone

• 여보세요 (Yeoboseyo) - Hello (when answering the phone)
• 네, 맞습니다 (Ne, majseumnida) - Yes, that's correct (formal confirmation on the phone)

Special Negative Responses

Disagreement/Correction

• 아닌데요 (Anindaeyo) - That's not right (polite but slightly contradicting)
• 그렇지 않아요 (Geureochi anhayo) - That's not the case (polite)
• 틀렸어요 (Teullyeosseoyo) - That's wrong (can sound direct)

Refusal

• 괜찮아요 (Gwaenchanayo) - It's okay/No thanks (polite refusal)
• 됐어요 (Dwaesseoyo) - I'm good/No need (can be polite or casual depending on tone)
• 죄송합니다만 (Joesonghamnidaman) - I'm sorry, but... (formal preface to refusal)

Non-verbal Affirmation and Negation

Korean culture also incorporates non-verbal cues for yes and no:

Affirmative Non-verbal Cues

• A single nod of the head
• A slight bow (especially in formal situations)
• An "mmm" sound with rising intonation

Negative Non-verbal Cues

• Slight head shake (less pronounced than in Western cultures)
• Sharp intake of breath (indicating reluctance or difficulty)
• Tilting the head slightly while looking uncertain

Common Pitfalls and Misunderstandings

1. The False Agreement

Many Korean learners make the mistake of automatically saying 네 (Ne) to show they're listening or understanding, similar to saying "uh-huh" in English. However, in Korean, this can be interpreted as agreement with whatever is being said.

Example: Someone says: 이 책 비싸죠? (I chaek bissajyo?) - This book is expensive, right?

If you say 네 (Ne) just to show you're listening but don't actually think the book is expensive, you've accidentally agreed that it's expensive!

2. The Double Negative Confusion

Double negatives in questions can be particularly challenging.

Question: 안 안 먹었어요? (An an meogeosseoyo?) - Didn't you not eat? (i.e., Did you eat?)

This requires careful consideration of what's actually being asked before responding.

3. The Overly Direct No

Direct negation can sometimes come across as impolite in Korean culture. Instead of a flat "no," Koreans often use softer expressions or explanations.

Instead of: 아니요, 못 가요. (Aniyo, mot gayo.) - No, I can't go. Consider: 죄송한데, 다른 약속이 있어요. (Joesonghande, dareun yakssoki isseoyo.) - I'm sorry, but I have another appointment.

Using "Yes" and "No" in Different Social Contexts

With Elders/Superiors

• 네, 그렇습니다 (Ne, geureoseumnida) - Yes, that's right (formal)
• 아닙니다만, ... (Animnidaman, ...) - No, but... (polite disagreement)

In Business Settings

• 네, 가능합니다 (Ne, ganeunghamnida) - Yes, it's possible (formal)
• 죄송합니다만, 어렵습니다 (Joesonghamnidaman, eoryeopseumnida) - I'm sorry, but it's difficult (formal rejection)

With Friends

• 응, 그래 (Eung, geurae) - Yeah, that's right (casual)
• 아니, 그게 아니고... (Ani, geuge anigo...) - No, it's not that... (casual disagreement)

Practice Exercise: Responding to Different Questions

Try responding to these questions in Korean, considering the proper way to say "yes" or "no":

1. 한국어 공부해요? (Hangugeo gonghaeyo?) - Do you study Korean?
2. 한국에 안 가 봤어요? (Hanguge an ga bwasseoyo?) - Haven't you been to Korea?
3. 이 음식 매워요? (I eumsik maewoyo?) - Is this food spicy?
4. 학생이 아니에요? (Haksaengi anieyo?) - Are you not a student?
5. 내일 시간 있어요? (Naeil sigan isseoyo?) - Do you have time tomorrow?

Answers:

1. 네, 한국어 공부해요. (Ne, hangugeo gonghaeyo.) - Yes, I study Korean.
2. 네, 안 가 봤어요. (Ne, an ga bwasseoyo.) - Yes, I haven't been to Korea. OR 아니요, 가 봤어요. (Aniyo, ga bwasseoyo.) - No, I have been to Korea.
3. 네, 매워요. (Ne, maewoyo.) - Yes, it's spicy. OR 아니요, 안 매워요. (Aniyo, an maewoyo.) - No, it's not spicy.
4. 네, 학생이 아니에요. (Ne, haksaengi anieyo.) - Yes, I am not a student. OR 아니요, 학생이에요. (Aniyo, haksaengieyo.) - No, I am a student.
5. 네, 시간 있어요. (Ne, sigan isseoyo.) - Yes, I have time tomorrow. OR 아니요, 시간 없어요. (Aniyo, sigan eopsseoyo.) - No, I don't have time tomorrow.

Cultural Insights: The Value of Indirect Communication

In Korean culture, direct "yes" and "no" answers can sometimes be avoided in favor of more nuanced responses. This reflects the high-context nature of Korean communication, where maintaining harmony and saving face are important values.

For example, instead of directly refusing an invitation with a clear "no," a Korean speaker might say:

한번 생각해 볼게요. (Hanbeon saenggakhae bolgeyo.) - I'll think about it.

This actually often means "no" but is expressed indirectly to avoid potential conflict or discomfort.

Tips for Mastering Yes and No in Korean

1. Listen carefully to the question structure before responding.
2. Consider the formality level appropriate for your relationship with the speaker.
3. When in doubt, elaborate your answer rather than just saying "yes" or "no."
4. Practice with native speakers to develop an intuitive understanding of the echo answer system.
5. Be mindful of your tone as it can change the nuance of even simple "yes" or "no" responses.
6. Study the context of conversations to pick up on indirect communication patterns.

Remember that mastering the Korean way of saying "yes" and "no" takes time and cultural immersion. Don't be discouraged by initial confusion—even advanced Korean learners sometimes struggle with these concepts.