Correct in Korean: Expressing Agreement and Validation

When communicating in any language, the ability to express agreement and validation is essential. In Korean, there are several ways to say 'correct,' each with its own level of formality and nuance. This article delves into these words and phrases, providing practical examples to help you master these expressions.

Common Words for 'Correct'

One of the most common words used in Korean to express that something is correct or right is matda (??). This term is versatile and can be used in a range of situations, from formal to casual settings. You may also hear jeongdap (??) or majayo (???), which means 'that's correct' in a conversational tone.

Let's explore the different forms and how to use them in various scenarios:

Matda (??)

When you need to express that something is correct, you can use matda.

Formal Use:

You can also use the more formal version, which adds the honorific suffix -seumnida (?mino):

Masseumnida (????)

Or the less formal version:

Majajo (???)

Maja (??)

These terms are used in everyday situations and have mild levels of formality depending on the context.

Majayo (???)

Majayo (???) is a more conversational and casual way to say 'correct.' It is commonly used in informal settings and when addressing friends or family.

Example Sentences:

A: Is that man a teacher?

B: Yes, he is.

A: Was number 3 correct?

B: No, it was correct.

In written communication, you can express something as correct by saying:

Formal: ... ol-ta ... ol-ba-reu-da (..., ?? ..., ??reuse-?)

Casual: Oh, that's it or Yeah, that's right (MAJAYO in a casual tone)

Polite Versions

When addressing a superior, customer, or elder, you might use a more polite form of matda. This requires adjusting the verb ending based on the relationship and status of the person being addressed.

To an Elder or Superior:

Mad (?) -seumnida (?mino) -needa (??)

Example: Mad-seum-nida (??mino?)

To a Loved One, Child, or Good Friend:

No ending (simply mad)

Example: Mad (?)

Additional Forms

There is another word, ol-da (??), but it is not commonly used in casual speech. It may be found in more technical or formal contexts, such as instructions or news articles. You are very unlikely to encounter this term in everyday conversations.

Example: A: Was number 3 correct?

B: Oh-da (??)

While not common in speech, ol-da is recognized in written contexts to express correctness.

Conclusion

Mastering the various ways to express 'correct' in Korean is crucial for effective communication, whether you are formulating polite responses or engaging in casual conversation. By understanding the nuances and proper usage of terms like matda, jeongdap, majayo, masseumnida, and ol-da, you can adapt your language to suit different situations and tones.