Meaning
Used to confirm the accuracy of something.
Cultural Background
Koreans often repeat '맞아요' multiple times (맞아요, 맞아요, 맞아요) while listening to show strong agreement and empathy. In meetings, confirming with '이게 맞습니까?' shows you are paying attention and value precision, which is highly regarded. Staff will often ask you '이거 맞으세요?' (Is this yours?) using a polite but technically incorrect honorific to show extra respect to customers. In online communities, '이거 맞냐?' (Is this right?) is often used sarcastically to point out something ridiculous or unfair.
The 'Nod' Factor
When asking '이거 맞아요?', a small nod of the head makes you sound much more natural and polite.
Don't over-honorific
Avoid '맞으세요' unless you are a shopkeeper talking to a customer. It sounds weird otherwise.
Meaning
Used to confirm the accuracy of something.
The 'Nod' Factor
When asking '이거 맞아요?', a small nod of the head makes you sound much more natural and polite.
Don't over-honorific
Avoid '맞으세요' unless you are a shopkeeper talking to a customer. It sounds weird otherwise.
Agreement is Key
Use '맞아요' as a response to show you are listening. It's the best way to make Korean friends feel heard.
Pointing
It is okay to point at objects while saying '이거', but avoid pointing directly at people's faces.
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural phrase to confirm your order at a cafe.
Waitress: 여기 아이스 아메리카노 나왔습니다. Learner: (Confirming it's yours)
'이거 맞아요?' is the standard way to confirm if the item is the correct one.
Complete the dialogue using the correct form of '맞다'.
A: 내일 우리 1시에 만나는 거 ______? B: 네, 1시에 정문 앞이에요.
A question mark and the polite form are needed for confirmation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are checking if you are on the right bus to Busan.
Adding '맞아요?' specifically asks for confirmation of the destination.
Fill in the blank with the informal version for a friend.
야, 이거 내 핸드폰 ______?
'맞아' is the informal (Ban-mal) version of '맞아요'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of 'Is this right?'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWaitress: 여기 아이스 아메리카노 나왔습니다. Learner: (Confirming it's yours)
'이거 맞아요?' is the standard way to confirm if the item is the correct one.
A: 내일 우리 1시에 만나는 거 ______? B: 네, 1시에 정문 앞이에요.
A question mark and the polite form are needed for confirmation.
Situation: You are checking if you are on the right bus to Busan.
Adding '맞아요?' specifically asks for confirmation of the destination.
야, 이거 내 핸드폰 ______?
'맞아' is the informal (Ban-mal) version of '맞아요'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes! You can say '[Name] 씨 맞아요?' to ask 'Are you Mr./Ms. [Name]?'
'맞다' is for factual correctness or fitting. '옳다' is for moral rightness.
'이게' is '이것이' (subject). '이거' is more casual. Both are fine in speech.
Just say '맞아요' or '네, 맞아요'.
Yes, '맞았어요' means 'It was right'.
No, but '맞습니까?' or '맞나요?' is safer and more professional.
Say '아니에요' or '틀려요'.
Yes, but context makes it clear. '공에 맞았어요' means 'I was hit by a ball'.
Saying '맞아요, 맞아요' shows enthusiastic agreement.
Yes, '사이즈 맞아요?' means 'Does the size fit?'.
No, '맞지?' is very casual. Only use it with close friends.
ㅁ-ㅏ-ㅈ-ㅏ-ㅇ-ㅛ (맞아요).
Related Phrases
그렇죠
similarThat's right / Indeed
확실해요?
specialized formAre you sure?
틀려요
contrastIt's wrong
정답이에요
specialized formIt's the correct answer
알맞다
builds onTo be suitable
