Korean word

예

Pronunciation

Romanizationye

Meaning

  • interjectionyes

Example

선생님이 부르면 예 하고 대답하세요.seon saeng ni mi pu reu myeon ye ha go tae da pa se yo

When your teacher calls you, answer, "Yes."

Illustration for 예 (yes)

More examples

팀장이 지시하자 모두 예, 알겠습니다 하고 고개를 끄덕였다.tim jang i chi si ha ja mo du ye al get sseum ni da ha go ko gae reul kkeu deo gyeot tta

When the team leader gave instructions, everyone nodded and said, "Yes, I understand."

Core concept

A brief polite reply that signals agreement or shows that a person has heard a call.

Common phrases

  • 예, 알겠습니다ye al get sseum ni da

    Yes, I understand

  • 예, 그렇습니다ye keu reo sseum ni da

    Yes, that is so

Similar words

네ne: A polite reply that confirms agreement, permission, or understanding.
응eung: A casual reply used to agree or show a message was heard.
어eo: A brief casual reply that shows agreement or acknowledgment.
그래keurae: A short response that agrees with what was said or accepts a suggestion.

Definition in Korean

부름이나 질문에 짧게 '알겠다' 또는 '네'의 뜻으로 응답하는 감탄사.pu reu mi na chil mu ne jjal kke al get tta tto neun ne ui tteu seu ro eung da pa neun kam tan sa

Word origin

The word comes from an older Korean affirmative response and remains a polite way to acknowledge someone or agree.

Usage tips

  • English yes usually agrees with a statement or question, but this reply can also simply show that a caller has been heard.

Opposites

Word lists with this word