됐어 (dwaess-eo, dwaesseo)
‘됐어’ is a common Korean expression meaning ‘it's okay’, ‘no need’, or ‘stop’ depending on context.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
‘됐어’ is the past form of ‘되다’ plus informal ending ‘-어’, used to reject offers or indicate completion.
Nuances
When to use
Talking with friends, Rejecting offers, Indicating completion
In context
‘됐어’ is used in informal speech to tell someone to stop or to indicate something is enough. It often stands alone or as a short reply.
이거 더 먹을래? 됐어.
i-geo deo meok-eul-rae? dwaess-eo., i geo deo meok eul rae? dwaess eo.
‘됐어’ naturally means ‘no need’ here.
도와줄까? 됐어.
do-wa-jul-kka? dwaess-eo., do wa jul kka? dwaess eo.
Appropriate to reject an offer of help.
오늘은 여기까지 하자. 됐어.
o-neul-eun yeo-gi-kka-ji ha-ja. dwaess-eo., o neul eun yeo gi kka ji ha ja. dwaess eo.
Used naturally to indicate completion.
됐어, 더 말하지 마.
dwaess-eo, deo mal-ha-ji ma., dwaess eo, deo mal ha ji ma.
Means ‘stop it’ in this context.
됐어, 내가 할게.
dwaess-eo, nae-ga hal-ge., dwaess eo, nae ga hal ge.
Used to say ‘it's okay’ or ‘I'll handle it’.
됐어, 그거 안 할래.
dwaess-eo, geu-geo an hal-rae., dwaess eo, geu geo an hal rae.
Natural sentence expressing refusal.
됐어, 더 이상 필요 없어.
dwaess-eo, deo i-sang pil-yo eop-eo., dwaess eo, deo i sang pil yo eop eo.
Clearly expresses no need.
됐어, 계속해도 돼.
dwaess-eo, gye-sok-hae-do dwae., dwaess eo, gye sok hae do dwae.
‘됐어’ is not used to give positive permission.
When is ‘됐어’ most naturally used?
Which is NOT a meaning of ‘됐어’?
Who is appropriate to use ‘됐어’ with in informal speech?
