yes in korean
How to Say "Yes" in Korean (네 / 응): Formal, Polite & Casual
네
ne
Quick answer
Say 네 (ne) in polite settings and 응 (eung) or 어 (eo) casually — both mean yes in Korean.
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| polite | 네 | ne | The all-purpose polite yes — safe with almost anyone outside of close friends. |
| formal | 예 | ye | Slightly more formal than 네; used in formal presentations or addressing elders. |
| casual | 응 | eung | Casual affirmative — between close friends, feel-good and natural. |
| very casual (male speech) | 어 | eo | Even more casual, often used by guys — sounds rough if used with elders or strangers. |
How it changes by relationship
네, 맞아요.
Ne, majayo.
answering an elder or stranger: 네 + confirmation — respectful and clear.
응, 맞아!
Eung, maja!
answering a close friend: 응 is warm and casual — a staple of friend conversations in K-dramas.
예, 알겠습니다.
Ye, algetsseumnida.
in a formal or work setting: 예 + 알겠습니다 (understood) — formal acceptance of instructions.
넵!
nep!
playful / cute agreement: 넵 is an internet-slang cutesy version of 네, used in texting and social media.
Examples
네, 알겠습니다.
Ne, algetsseumnida.
Yes, I understand.
응, 나 괜찮아.
Eung, na gwaenchana.
Yeah, I'm fine.
예, 그렇습니다.
Ye, geureosseumnida.
Yes, that's correct.
Usage note
Using 응 (eung) or 어 (eo) with someone older or in a formal setting sounds disrespectful — one of the most common social missteps for Korean learners. Always default to 네 unless you're sure you're among close friends.
Mini quiz
What is the primary Korean phrase for "yes" here?
FAQ
What's the difference between 네 and 예?
They both mean yes. 네 is more common in everyday speech; 예 sounds slightly more formal or old-fashioned. See ne-vs-ye.
Is 응 rude?
Not rude — just very casual. It's totally natural with friends. Using it with a boss or elder will sound dismissive.
What does 넵 mean?
넵 (nep) is a playful, texting-era version of 네 — acknowledging something in a light, cute tone. Very informal.