그래요 (geu-rae-yo, geuraeyo)
'그래요' is a common Korean expression used to agree or confirm what someone said. Let's see how to use it naturally in conversation.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
'그래요' is the polite form of '그렇다,' used to agree or confirm what someone says.
Nuances
When to use
Daily conversation, Business meeting, Phone call
In context
'그래요' is used at the end of sentences to respond politely, often alone as an answer, in formal or polite situations.
A: 오늘 회의 몇 시에 시작해요? B: 그래요, 3시에 시작해요.
a: o-neul hoe-ui myeoch si-e si-jak-hae-yo? b: geu-rae-yo, 3si-e si-jak-hae-yo., a: o neul hoe ui myeoch si e si jak hae yo? b: geu rae yo, 3si e si jak hae yo.
'그래요' is a natural positive response to a question.
A: 이거 맞아요? B: 그래요.
a: i-geo maj-a-yo? b: geu-rae-yo., a: i geo maj a yo? b: geu rae yo.
Used alone to express confirmation and agreement.
A: 내일 비 온대요. B: 그래요.
a: nae-il bi on-dae-yo. b: geu-rae-yo., a: nae il bi on dae yo. b: geu rae yo.
Expression to agree or empathize after hearing information.
A: 이거 안 좋아 보여요. B: 그래요?
a: i-geo an joh-a bo-yeo-yo. b: geu-rae-yo?, a: i geo an joh a bo yeo yo. b: geu rae yo?
'그래요' is not used as a question here; '그래요?' is possible but contextually awkward.
A: 내일 회식 있어요? B: 그래요, 있어요.
a: nae-il hoe-sik iss-eo-yo? b: geu-rae-yo, iss-eo-yo., a: nae il hoe sik iss eo yo? b: geu rae yo, iss eo yo.
Natural positive answer to a question.
A: 그거 정말 좋은 생각이에요. B: 그래요, 저도 그렇게 생각해요.
a: geu-geo jeong-mal joh-eun saeng-gak-i-e-yo. b: geu-rae-yo, jeo-do geu-reoh-ge saeng-gak-hae-yo., a: geu geo jeong mal joh eun saeng gak i e yo. b: geu rae yo, jeo do geu reoh ge saeng gak hae yo.
Used to agree and empathize with someone's opinion.
In what situation is '그래요' mainly used?
What does '그래요' mean when used alone?
Which sentence uses '그래요' incorrectly?
