KOREAN LEVEL UP › Korean phrases › Greetings & basics › 네
How to Say “Yes” in Korean: 네 (ne)
네
ne
Meaning
Yes.
Usage note
The basic word for yes. Koreans also use it as a nod meaning “I’m listening” while the other person is talking.
Romanization follows the Revised Romanization system and is a guide to pronunciation.
Practical guide
When to use it
The polite “yes”. It is also the usual nod-along while someone talks (“I’m listening”) and the answer when someone calls your name.
Watch out
Among friends 응 or 어 is fine, but use 네 with elders and strangers. 네 does not always mean agreement; it can just mean “I hear you”. To a negative question (안 가요? “Aren’t you going?”), 네 means “that’s right, I’m not going”.
In a conversation
- 같이 식사하실래요? gachi siksahasillaeyo?
Would you like to have a meal together? - 네 ne
Yes.
How to pronounce it
It is pronounced just as it is written.
| Syllable | Letters (consonant + vowel + final) | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 네 | ㄴ+ㅔ | ne |
Speech style
No -요 at the end. Used with close friends, younger people and family; avoid it with strangers and elders.
Words in this phrase
These words from the TOPIK vocabulary lists appear in the phrase (shown in dictionary form).
| Korean | Part of speech | Meaning | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 네 | interjection | yes | TOPIK level 1 |
Quick self-check
Test yourself before you move on. Tap an answer.
Question 1 What does “네” mean?
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Answer: Yes
Question 2 How do you say “Yes” in Korean?
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Answer: 네 ne
Learn this phrase by playing: typing drills and quizzes help it stick.
Practice in the gameMore phrases for this situation
- 안녕Hi. / Bye. (casual, to close friends)
- 아니요No
- 아니에요No, not at all. / It isn’t
- 고맙습니다Thank you
- 환영합니다Welcome. (formal)
- 어서 오세요Welcome in. / Come on in
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