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How to Say “No” in Korean: 아니요 (aniyo)
아니요
aniyo
Meaning
No.
Usage note
The polite way to say no. In conversation it is often shortened to 아뇨. Do not confuse it with 아니에요 (it isn’t).
Romanization follows the Revised Romanization system and is a guide to pronunciation.
Practical guide
When to use it
This is the polite “no” to staff, elders and strangers. When declining an offer, soften it with 괜찮아요: 아니요, 괜찮아요.
Watch out
A bare 아니요 can sound blunt. Don’t confuse it with 아니에요 (“it’s not so” or “you’re welcome”), and with friends use 아니.
How to pronounce it
It is pronounced just as it is written.
| Syllable | Letters (consonant + vowel + final) | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 아 | ㅇ+ㅏ | a |
| 니 | ㄴ+ㅣ | ni |
| 요 | ㅇ+ㅛ | yo |
A ㅇ at the start of a syllable is silent; at the end of a syllable it sounds like “ng”.
Speech style
Ends in -요. The everyday polite style, and a safe choice with shop staff, colleagues, strangers and anyone older than you.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 아니요 | interjection | no | TOPIK level 1 |
Quick self-check
Test yourself before you move on. Tap an answer.
Question 1 What does “아니요” mean?
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Answer: No
Question 2 How do you say “No” in Korean?
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Answer: 아니요 aniyo
Reinforce what you learn with typing drills and quizzes.
Practice nowMore phrases for this situation
- 네Yes
- 아니에요No, not at all. / It isn’t
- 안녕Hi. / Bye. (casual, to close friends)
- 고맙습니다Thank you
- 환영합니다Welcome. (formal)
- 어서 오세요Welcome in. / Come on in
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