Polite Ways to Say "Yes" in Korean

The safest polite yes is 네 (ne), which works in most everyday polite situations. Use 예 (ye) when you need to sound more formal.

The most common way

Yes — a polite, neutral affirmation used with strangers, colleagues, and people older than you.

How to say it: Keep it short and soft, like “neh”; a clipped, flat tone can sound curt, so add a slight rise or a small smile.

formal
ye
Yes — more formal and slightly distant than 네.
When to use it: Use in interviews, formal announcements, or when speaking to a much older person in a very respectful setting.
respectful acknowledgment
,
ne, algetseumnida
Yes, I understand — a respectful way to accept an instruction or request.
When to use it: Use at work, school, or with elders when someone tells you what to do.
friendly polite
,
ne, majayo
Yes, that's right — a warm but still polite confirmation.
When to use it: Use when agreeing with someone you are not close to, or when you want to confirm a point without sounding stiff.
formal agreement
geureoseumnida
That is so / Yes, indeed — a measured, formal agreement.
When to use it: Use in meetings, customer service, or formal discussions when confirming a fact rather than answering a simple request.
texting / casual polite
nep
Yep / Okay — a light, clipped yes common in chat and friendly workplace messages.
When to use it: Use in texts or with coworkers you are friendly with; avoid it in formal speech or with someone much older.
confident polite
mullonijyo
Of course — a confident, helpful yes that implies the answer is obvious.
When to use it: Use when you are happy to agree or help and want to sound warm rather than merely correct.

A
?
hoeui-neun se si matjyo?
The meeting is at 3, right?
B
, . .
ne, majayo. se si-e boepgetseumnida.
Yes, that's right. I'll see you at 3.

~~응, 알겠습니다~~ → 네, 알겠습니다
응 is casual and clashes with the polite ending 알겠습니다, so it sounds jarring.