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What does 네 mean?

네 (ne)

'네' is a versatile Korean word used for affirmation, polite responses, and possession in various contexts.

Korean word 네 meaning yes and your

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

네(ne)

'네' mainly means 'yes' or an affirmative response in polite speech, and also functions as a possessive particle meaning 'your'.

Nuances

  • Used as a formal affirmative reply
  • Different from casual '응'
  • Attaches to nouns as possessive particle
  • Can imply surprise or confirmation in some contexts

When to use

Phone call, Polite conversation, Possession expression, Everyday talk

In context

'네' is used as a polite affirmative response instead of casual '응' or silent nodding. As a possessive particle, it attaches to a noun to mean 'your'. Its meaning depends on sentence position and context, so pay attention.

Real-world examples

  • 네, 알겠습니다.

    ne, al-gess-seup-ni-da., ne, al gess seup ni da.

    It's a natural polite affirmative response.

  • 네가 좋아하는 책은 뭐야?

    ne-ga joh-a-ha-neun chaek-eun mwo-ya?, ne ga joh a ha neun chaek eun mwo ya?

    '네' functions as possessive 'your'.

  • 네, 맞아요.

    ne, maj-a-yo., ne, maj a yo.

    Appropriate polite affirmative reply.

  • 네 전화가 울렸어요.

    ne jeon-hwa-ga ul-ryeoss-eo-yo., ne jeon hwa ga ul ryeoss eo yo.

    Used as possessive particle.

  • 네, 그래.

    ne, geu-rae., ne, geu rae.

    '네' with '그래' sounds awkward and inconsistent in politeness.

Quick quiz

  1. Which sentence uses '네' as an affirmative response?

    다음 중 '네'가 긍정 대답으로 쓰인 문장은?(da-eumjung'ne'gageung-jeongdae-dap-eu-rosseu-inmun-jang-eun?, daeumjung'ne'gageungjeongdaedapeurosseuinmunjangeun?)

  2. Which sentence uses '네' as a possessive particle?

    '네'가 소유격 조사로 쓰인 문장은?('ne'gaso-yu-gyeokjo-sa-rosseu-inmun-jang-eun?, 'ne'gasoyugyeokjosarosseuinmunjangeun?)

More meaning guides

View all meaning guides →