네
ne
yes (polite / standard)
응
eung
yeah / uh-huh (casual / intimate)
네 vs 응: Two Ways to Say "Yes" in Korean
네 (ne) is the standard polite way to say "yes" in Korean, appropriate in most social contexts, while 응 (eung) is the casual, intimate version used only with close friends, family, or people younger than you.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 네 (ne) | 응 (eung) | |
|---|---|---|
| Politeness Level | Polite / standard — safe default in most situations | Casual / informal — only with close friends or younger people |
| Who Uses It | Used by anyone when speaking politely | Used with friends, siblings, children, or in 반말 contexts |
| Formal Alternative | 예 (ye) is even more formal — common in customer service | No formal equivalent — 응 is only informal |
| Tone in Speech | Clear and respectful | Soft, gentle, can sound cute or friendly |
| Written Context | 네 appears in dialogues, texts, formal and informal writing | 응 appears mainly in casual texts and drama subtitles among friends |
Examples in Context
Answering your boss's question in a meeting — using 네
네, 알겠습니다.
Yes, I understand.
Confirming a restaurant reservation over the phone — using 네
네, 맞아요. 7시에 예약했어요.
Yes, that's right. I made a reservation for 7.
Your friend asks if you're coming to the party — using 응
응, 나 갈 거야!
Yeah, I'm going!
Texting your younger sibling — using 응
응, 금방 집에 올게.
Yeah, I'll be home soon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Using 응 with a boss, teacher, or stranger — it comes across as rude or dismissive; always use 네 in those contexts
- ✗Thinking 네 and 예 are the same — 예 (ye) is slightly more formal than 네 and is preferred in customer service, formal announcements, or when addressing elders
- ✗Using 응 in writing for a formal email or document — 네 is the correct written form even in casual emails
- ✗Responding with 네 to a negative question carelessly — in Korean, 네 to a negative question means "yes, you're right that it isn't," which can confuse English speakers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 네 and 예?
Both mean yes, but 예 is slightly more formal and deferential. You will often hear 예 in customer service settings, from younger people to much older people, or in very formal contexts. 네 is the safe everyday polite form.
What do Koreans say in very casual situations?
In casual speech you may also hear 어 (eo), which is even more relaxed than 응, often between close male friends. 응 is slightly softer and often used by women or in gentle contexts.
Can I say 응 to someone older than me?
Generally no, unless they are a close family member (like a sibling or cousin close in age) and you are using 반말 with them. To anyone outside your close circle, use 네.
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