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25 Ways to Say Yes in Korean - Advanced Vocabulary

Saying “yes” in Korean isn’t as simple as just 하나의 단어 (one word). Depending on the level of formality, context, and even tone, Koreans have dozens of ways to express agreement, confirmation, permission, or excitement. Whether you’re watching a drama or acting in one, these advanced phrases will help you sound natural and native.

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✅ Standard Ways to Say “Yes”

  1. 네 (ne) – Yes (standard polite)

  2. 예 (ye) – Yes (formal, often used in announcements or formal speech)

  3. 응 (eung) – Yeah (casual, used among friends)

  4. 어 (eo) – Uh-huh / Yes (very casual)

  5. 그래 (geurae) – Okay / Yes, that's right (casual agreement)


🎭 Expressing Strong Agreement

  1. 맞아요 (majayo) – That’s right

  2. 정확해요 (jeonghwakhaeyo) – Exactly / You’re right

  3. 당연하죠 (dangyeonhajyo) – Of course!

  4. 그럼요 (geureomyo) – Sure! / Of course!

  5. 틀림없어요 (teullimeopseoyo) – No doubt about it / Absolutely


🙆 Giving Permission or Approval

  1. 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) – It’s okay / Sure, go ahead

  2. 허락합니다 (heorakhamnida) – I permit it (very formal)

  3. 됩니다 (doemnida) – It’s allowed (formal, often used in workplace)

  4. 해도 돼요 (haedo dwaeyo) – You can do it / That’s fine

  5. 가능해요 (ganeunghaeyo) – It’s possible


🔥 Enthusiastic or Emphatic Yes

  1. 완전 좋아요! (wanjeon johayo!) – I love it! / Totally!

  2. 좋죠! (johjyo!) – Of course it’s good!

  3. 완전 맞아요! (wanjeon majayo!) – That’s completely right!

  4. 완전 가능! (wanjeon ganeung!) – Totally doable! (slangy and trendy)

  5. 콜! (kol!) – Deal! / I’m in! (from the English word “Call!” – trendy)


🙋 In Response to a Call or Command

  1. 예! (ye!) – Yes! (military/polite answer to a senior)

  2. 네에~ (ne~) – Yesss (drawn out for cuteness or politeness)

  3. 여기요! (yeogiyo!) – Here! (When responding in public like in a restaurant)

  4. 있습니다! (itseumnida!) – Present! / Here! (used in roll call)

  5. 알겠습니다! (algetseumnida!) – Got it! / Understood! (military or business-like)


As you’ve seen, saying “yes” in Korean isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Each phrase carries its own tone, level of politeness, and cultural nuance. Whether you're casually agreeing with a friend, responding to a director on set, confirming instructions at work, or showing enthusiastic support, Korean has a tailored “yes” for every moment.


By learning these 25 advanced expressions, you're not just expanding your vocabulary—you’re stepping into the rhythm and emotional depth of the Korean language. These aren’t just words; they’re social tools that help you connect with people on a more authentic level.


If your goal is to speak Korean naturally, confidently, and with cultural awareness, mastering these kinds of expressions is essential. You’ll begin to notice them in K-Dramas, variety shows, and everyday conversations—and soon, you’ll be using them effortlessly yourself.


Ready to sound like a local?

👉 Join our Korean classes at Language Academia — whether you're into K-pop, K-drama, or acting in Korean, we've got the training to get you fluent and camera-ready.

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