Use '그래' to informally agree, show you understand, or reluctantly accept something.
그래 in 30 Sekunden
- Commonly means 'okay' or 'yes, that's right.'
- Can show understanding, like 'I see' or 'I get it.'
- Sometimes used to express resignation, similar to 'alright, fine.'
§ What does 그래 mean and when do people use it?
The Korean word 그래 (geurae) is a versatile interjection that you’ll hear constantly in everyday Korean conversations. It’s a casual form, so it’s mainly used with people you know well, like friends, family members, or those younger than you. Think of it as a conversational Swiss Army knife – it has several common uses, each conveying a slightly different nuance depending on the context and tone.
- DEFINITION
- An expression of agreement, acknowledgment, or resignation; okay, I see.
Let's break down the most common ways Koreans use 그래.
§ 1. Expressing Agreement or Affirmation
This is perhaps the most frequent use of 그래. It’s like saying “yes,” “that’s right,” or “exactly” in English. When someone says something you agree with or confirms a piece of information, 그래 is the perfect casual response.
오늘 날씨 진짜 좋다! (그래, 진짜 좋다.)
Translation hint: "The weather is really good today! (Yes, it's really good.)"
이거 매워? (그래, 좀 매워.)
Translation hint: "Is this spicy? (Yes, it's a bit spicy.)"
§ 2. Showing Acknowledgment or Understanding
Another common use of 그래 is to show that you understand what someone is saying, similar to “I see,” “okay,” or “got it” in English. It’s a way to acknowledge information, even if you’re not necessarily agreeing with an opinion or plan.
나 내일 늦을 것 같아. (그래, 알겠어.)
Translation hint: "I think I'll be late tomorrow. (Okay, I understand.)"
점심에 비빔밥 먹을까? (그래, 좋다.)
Translation hint: "Shall we eat bibimbap for lunch? (Okay, sounds good.)"
§ 3. Expressing Resignation or Reluctance
Sometimes, 그래 can convey a sense of resignation, meaning you're accepting something even if you're not thrilled about it. It’s like saying, “Fine,” “Alright,” or “If you say so.” This usage often comes with a sigh or a less enthusiastic tone.
오늘 밤샘 작업해야 해. (그래, 어쩔 수 없지.)
Translation hint: "I have to work all night tonight. (Alright, nothing can be done.)"
네가 가고 싶으면 그래.
Translation hint: "If you want to go, fine."
§ 4. Asking for Confirmation (as a Question)
With a rising intonation at the end, 그래? turns into a question, usually asking for confirmation or expressing surprise. It’s like saying “Really?” or “Is that so?”
나 시험 합격했어! (그래? 잘됐다!)
Translation hint: "I passed the exam! (Really? That's great!)"
그 사람이 그렇게 말했어? (그래?)
Translation hint: "That person said that? (Did they really?)"
§ 5. As a Filler Word or to Keep the Conversation Going
Like “uh-huh” or “mm-hmm” in English, Koreans sometimes use 그래 to indicate they are listening and following along with the conversation, without necessarily adding new information. It keeps the flow natural.
- When your friend is telling a long story: “그래서 어제 시장에 갔는데… 그래… 근데 갑자기 비가 오는 거야.” (Translation hint: “So yesterday I went to the market… Uh-huh… But suddenly it started raining.”)
- While someone is explaining something complicated: “이 부분을 이렇게 연결하면 돼. 그래… 알겠어.” (Translation hint: “You just connect this part like this. Okay… I see.”)
Beispiele nach Niveau
그래, 알겠어. 그렇게 하자.
Okay, I got it. Let's do that.
그래, 네 말이 맞아. 내가 착각했어.
Yes, you're right. I was mistaken.
그래, 뭐 괜찮아. 다시 시도하면 되지.
Well, it's okay. We can try again.
그래, 그렇게 되면 좋겠지만 쉽지 않을 거야.
I see, it would be nice if it happened that way, but it won't be easy.
그래, 결국 이렇게 되는구나.
So, this is how it ends up.
그래, 힘내자! 우리 할 수 있어.
Okay, let's cheer up! We can do it.
그래, 네 생각은 어때?
Alright, what do you think?
그래, 그럼 다음에 봐.
Okay, then I'll see you next time.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Responding to a simple question or statement.
- 그래, 알겠어. (Okay, I understand.)
- 응, 그래. (Yeah, that's right.)
- 그래, 그렇게 하자. (Okay, let's do that.)
Acknowledging someone's explanation or story.
- 아, 그래? (Oh, really? / Oh, I see.)
- 그래, 그랬구나. (Right, that's how it was.)
- 그래, 이해했어. (Okay, I understand now.)
Expressing resignation or acceptance of a situation.
- 그래, 어쩔 수 없지. (Okay, nothing can be done about it.)
- 뭐, 그래. (Well, okay.)
- 그래, 그냥 놔둬. (Okay, just leave it.)
Encouraging someone to continue speaking or doing something.
- 그래, 계속해. (Okay, keep going.)
- 그래, 말해봐. (Okay, tell me.)
- 그래, 해봐. (Okay, try it.)
Confirming information.
- 그래, 맞아. (Yes, that's right.)
- 그래, 확실해. (Yes, it's certain.)
- 그래, 그렇게 해. (Yes, do it like that.)
Gesprächseinstiege
"What's a common situation where you might use '그래' with friends?"
"How does using '그래' change the tone of a conversation compared to just saying '네' or '응'?"
"Can you think of a time when someone used '그래' with you that made you feel understood?"
"If you're resigning yourself to something, how would '그래' fit into that sentence?"
"What's a slightly different meaning of '그래' you've heard, like '그래도' (even so)?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Write about a time you had to accept something you didn't particularly like, and how '그래' might have been a fitting response.
Describe a conversation where you used '그래' to show you were actively listening and understanding.
Reflect on a situation where '그래' could have been used to encourage someone to continue sharing their thoughts.
Think about a moment when '그래' could convey a sense of 'oh, I see now' or a realization.
Imagine you're having a casual chat with a Korean friend. Write a short dialogue where '그래' appears naturally in different contexts.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenBoth 그래 (geurae) and 네 (ne) mean 'yes.' The main difference is formality. 네 is polite and can be used in most situations. 그래 is more casual and is typically used with friends or people younger than you. Think of 네 as 'yes, sir/ma'am' and 그래 as 'yeah, okay.'
It's best to use 그래 with close friends, family members, or people who are younger than you. Using it with elders or strangers might be considered a bit impolite, as it lacks the formality that 네 provides. When in doubt, stick with 네.
When you want to say 'I see' or 'I understand' in a casual way, 그래 is perfect. For example, if someone explains something to you, you can nod and say, '그래.' This shows you're following along.
Example:
친구: '내일 비 올 거래.' (My friend: 'They say it's going to rain tomorrow.')
나: '그래.' (Me: 'Oh, okay.')
While 그래 often means 'yes' or 'okay,' it can also convey resignation, like 'fine, whatever.' The tone of your voice will often indicate the nuance.
Example of resignation:
엄마: '방 청소해야지!' (Mom: 'You need to clean your room!')
나: '그래요...' (Me: 'Okay... (sigh)') - Notice the slightly more formal ending '요' here, showing a polite but resigned agreement.
Yes, 그래 is the casual form. The polite form is 그래요 (geuraeyo), and the formal form is 그렇습니다 (geureoseumnida). These endings change depending on who you're talking to and the situation.
Example:
Casual: 그래. (Okay.)
Polite: 그래요. (Okay, I see.)
Formal: 그렇습니다. (That is correct.)
The pronunciation of 그래 is quite straightforward. It's pronounced 'guh-rae.' The 'g' sound is soft, similar to the 'g' in 'go,' and the 'ae' vowel is like the 'a' in 'cat.' Listen to native speakers to get the intonation right, especially when conveying different meanings.
Absolutely! If you say 그래? with a rising intonation, it becomes a question meaning 'Really?' or 'Is that so?' It's a very common way to express surprise or to confirm information in a casual setting.
Example:
친구: '나 다음 주에 이사 가.' (My friend: 'I'm moving next week.')
나: '그래?' (Me: 'Oh, really?')
그래 comes from the verb 그러다 (geureoda), which means 'to be so' or 'to do so.' It's essentially a shortened and conjugated form of this verb, making it a versatile interjection in daily conversation.
Yes, several! For example, '그래도 (geuraedo)' means 'nevertheless' or 'even so.' '그렇지만 (geureochiman)' means 'but' or 'however.' You'll also hear '그래, 알겠어' (geurae, algesseo) which means 'Okay, I got it.' These are great to add to your vocabulary!
Example:
'비가 와요. 그래도 갈 거예요.' (It's raining. Nevertheless, I'm going.)
The key is context and relationship. If you're talking to someone older or in a position of authority, or someone you don't know well, always use 네 or 그래요. With close friends or younger people, 그래 is perfectly fine and natural. When in doubt, err on the side of politeness.
Teste dich selbst 36 Fragen
Choose the best response to “밥 먹었어요?” (Did you eat?) if you did.
“네, 그래요” is a polite way to agree or confirm something.
Which sentence uses '그래' to show understanding?
“그래, 알겠어요” means 'Okay, I understand.'
A friend asks, “오늘 영화 볼까요?” (Shall we watch a movie today?) How can you agree simply?
“그래” is a casual way to agree with a friend.
You can use '그래' when you are surprised.
'그래' primarily expresses agreement or understanding, not surprise.
'그래요' is a more polite form of '그래'.
Adding '-요' to '그래' makes it polite, suitable for general conversations.
If someone says “감사합니다” (Thank you), you can respond with “그래”.
'그래' is not a suitable response to 'Thank you'. You would typically say '천만에요' (You're welcome) or '아니요' (No, it's nothing).
You are agreeing with your friend who just suggested getting coffee. Write your response using '그래'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
그래, 커피 마시자.
Someone tells you something obvious, and you want to say 'I see' or 'That's right'. How would you respond using '그래'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
그래.
Your teacher gives you an instruction. You want to acknowledge it. Write a simple response using '그래'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
네, 그래요.
What does '나' (I) mean by saying '그래, 좋아!'?
Read this passage:
친구: 우리 오늘 영화 볼까? 나: 그래, 좋아!
What does '나' (I) mean by saying '그래, 좋아!'?
'그래' here shows agreement, and '좋아' means 'good' or 'I like it'.
'그래' here shows agreement, and '좋아' means 'good' or 'I like it'.
What feeling does the child's '그래...' convey?
Read this passage:
엄마: 밥 먹어야지. 아이: 그래...
What feeling does the child's '그래...' convey?
When used with an elongated sound, '그래...' can indicate a slight resignation or reluctant acceptance.
When used with an elongated sound, '그래...' can indicate a slight resignation or reluctant acceptance.
What is the student doing by saying '네, 그래요'?
Read this passage:
선생님: 숙제 다 했니? 학생: 네, 그래요.
What is the student doing by saying '네, 그래요'?
'네' means 'yes', and '그래요' in this context confirms the statement or question.
'네' means 'yes', and '그래요' in this context confirms the statement or question.
Imagine your friend tells you they're going to study abroad for a year. How would you respond to show you understand and are okay with their decision, using '그래'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
그래, 잘 갔다 와! (Okay, go and come back safely!)
Your younger sibling is asking for permission to stay up late to watch a movie. You decide to allow it, using '그래' to show agreement. What would you say?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
그래, 한 편만 봐. (Okay, just watch one movie.)
You're at a restaurant and the waiter asks if you'd like water. You want water and use '그래' to confirm. How do you respond?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
네, 그래요. 물 주세요. (Yes, okay. Please give me water.)
What does '그래' indicate in this conversation?
Read this passage:
친구: 우리 내일 영화 볼까? (Friend: Shall we watch a movie tomorrow?) 나: 그래, 좋아! (Me: Okay, good!)
What does '그래' indicate in this conversation?
In this context, '그래' shows the speaker is agreeing to watch a movie.
In this context, '그래' shows the speaker is agreeing to watch a movie.
What is the child expressing with '그래요'?
Read this passage:
엄마: 이제 그만 놀고 숙제해야지? (Mom: You should stop playing and do your homework now, right?) 아이: 그래요... (Child: Okay...)
What is the child expressing with '그래요'?
The child uses '그래요' to show reluctant agreement or resignation to do their homework.
The child uses '그래요' to show reluctant agreement or resignation to do their homework.
How is '그래요' used by the student?
Read this passage:
선생님: 이 문제를 이해했니? (Teacher: Did you understand this problem?) 학생: 네, 그래요. (Student: Yes, I see.)
How is '그래요' used by the student?
The student uses '그래요' to confirm that they understand the problem.
The student uses '그래요' to confirm that they understand the problem.
그가 마침내 진실을 털어놓자, 그녀는 깊은 한숨을 쉬며 '___'라고 말했다. (When he finally confessed the truth, she sighed deeply and said, '___')
Here, '그래' conveys a sense of resignation or acceptance after a long struggle or revelation.
상사의 불합리한 요구에도 불구하고, 팀원들은 '___, 저희가 한번 해보겠습니다'라며 결국 따르기로 했다. (Despite the boss's unreasonable demands, the team members eventually agreed, saying, '___, we will try.')
In this context, '그래' indicates a reluctant agreement or resignation to a difficult situation.
오랜 논쟁 끝에, 두 나라는 '___, 평화 협정을 맺는 것이 최선이다'라는 결론에 도달했다. (After a long debate, the two countries concluded, '___, it is best to sign a peace treaty.')
'그래' is used here to signify an acknowledgment of the reality or the best course of action after careful consideration.
복잡한 문제였지만, 전문가의 설명을 듣고 나니 '___, 이제야 무슨 말인지 알겠네요'라며 고개를 끄덕였다. (It was a complex problem, but after listening to the expert's explanation, I nodded, saying, '___, now I understand what you mean.')
Here, '그래' expresses understanding or 'I see' after finally grasping a difficult concept.
그는 자신의 실수에 대해 변명하려 했지만, 상대방은 그저 '___, 충분히 이해한다'며 그의 말을 끊었다. (He tried to make excuses for his mistake, but the other person simply cut him off, saying, '___, I fully understand.')
'그래' in this situation shows an acknowledgment of the other person's situation, often with a hint of resignation or acceptance.
수많은 시도 끝에 결국 실패로 돌아가자, 그는 '___, 여기까지인가 보다'라며 모든 것을 내려놓았다. (After countless attempts ended in failure, he let go of everything, saying, '___, I guess this is as far as I can go.')
This use of '그래' conveys a deep sense of resignation or acceptance of an outcome, particularly after persistent effort.
Choose the most natural response to “오늘 저녁 뭐 먹을까요?” (What shall we eat for dinner tonight?)
‘그래’ is used to agree with a suggestion or to acknowledge it before making a counter-suggestion. In this context, it shows agreement to think about dinner.
Which sentence uses '그래' to express resignation?
‘어쩔 수 없지’ means ‘there's nothing that can be done’ or ‘it can’t be helped.’ When combined with ‘그래,’ it strongly conveys a sense of resignation.
In which situation is '그래' most suitable to acknowledge a new piece of information?
‘그래’ can be used to acknowledge surprising or unexpected news, often followed by a moment of processing or further questioning. It signifies 'I see' or 'Is that so?'
'그래' can always be directly translated to 'yes' without any nuance differences.
While '그래' often means 'yes' or 'okay,' it carries nuances of agreement, acknowledgment, or resignation that a simple 'yes' might not convey. It's more versatile.
If someone says, '너무 힘들다,' (I'm so tired) responding with '그래?' (Oh, really?/Is that so?) shows empathy and acknowledgment.
Using '그래?' in this context expresses that you acknowledge and are processing what the other person said, often indicating empathy or interest in hearing more.
Using '그래' at the beginning of a sentence always signifies agreement with a previous statement.
While '그래' often indicates agreement, it can also introduce a new thought after acknowledging something, or express resignation, not just simple agreement with a prior statement.
Listen for agreement and a plan.
Listen for disagreement or hesitation despite initial acknowledgement.
Listen for surprise and understanding.
Read this aloud:
그래, 네 말이 맞아.
Focus: 그래
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
그래, 뭐, 어쩔 수 없지.
Focus: 그래, 어쩔 수 없지
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
그래도 한번 해보는 게 좋겠어.
Focus: 그래도
Du hast gesagt:
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/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use '그래' to informally agree, show you understand, or reluctantly accept something.
- Commonly means 'okay' or 'yes, that's right.'
- Can show understanding, like 'I see' or 'I get it.'
- Sometimes used to express resignation, similar to 'alright, fine.'
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr emotions Wörter
받아들이다
A2To accept, to embrace, to take in.
아파하다
A2To feel pain or sorrow.
감탄스럽다
A2To be admirable or wonderful; to inspire awe.
감탄
A2Admiration or marvel; a feeling of wonder.
감탄하다
A2To admire or to marvel; to express wonder.
기특하다
B1Admirable for a good deed or thought; commendable.
충고
B1Guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action; advice.
애정
B1Affection; a gentle feeling of fondness or liking.
애틋하다
B2To be tender, fond, or wistful.
살갑다
B2To be warm, friendly, affectionate.
