Meaning
Confirming that something is correct or true.
Cultural Background
The frequency of '맞아요' in conversation is much higher than 'That's right' in English. It is a sign of being a 'good listener' (경청). In meetings, saying '맞습니다' shows respect for the speaker's authority and knowledge. On social media, '맞아요' is often shortened to '맞아' or even 'ㅁㅈ' to show quick agreement. The concept of 'Jeong' (social bond) is reinforced by using phrases like '맞아요' to create a sense of 'we-ness' (Uri).
The Double Tap
Saying '맞아요, 맞아요' (twice) makes you sound much more natural and enthusiastic in Korean.
Don't over-formalize
Saying '맞습니다' to a friend can sound like you're making fun of them or being cold.
Meaning
Confirming that something is correct or true.
The Double Tap
Saying '맞아요, 맞아요' (twice) makes you sound much more natural and enthusiastic in Korean.
Don't over-formalize
Saying '맞습니다' to a friend can sound like you're making fun of them or being cold.
Nodding
Always nod slightly when saying '네, 맞아요' to show sincerity.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the correct polite form.
A: 오늘 날씨가 참 좋지요? B: 네, _______.
The question ends in '-지요', which is polite, so the answer should be the polite '맞아요'.
Match the phrase to the correct social situation.
Which phrase should you use with your boss in a meeting?
In a formal business meeting with a boss, the high-formal '-습니다' ending is most appropriate.
Choose the correct translation for 'Yes, that's right' in a casual conversation with a younger friend.
A: 너 어제 치킨 먹었어? B: _______.
With a younger friend, '응' (casual yes) and '맞아' (casual correct) are used.
Fill in the blank to confirm the order.
점원: 비빔밥 두 개 _______? 손님: 네, 맞아요.
In service industries, staff often use the honorific '맞으세요' when referring to the customer's order.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: 오늘 날씨가 참 좋지요? B: 네, _______.
The question ends in '-지요', which is polite, so the answer should be the polite '맞아요'.
Which phrase should you use with your boss in a meeting?
In a formal business meeting with a boss, the high-formal '-습니다' ending is most appropriate.
A: 너 어제 치킨 먹었어? B: _______.
With a younger friend, '응' (casual yes) and '맞아' (casual correct) are used.
점원: 비빔밥 두 개 _______? 손님: 네, 맞아요.
In service industries, staff often use the honorific '맞으세요' when referring to the customer's order.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, in casual or semi-casual settings, '맞아요' alone is very common.
It is a verb (맞다), though it often functions like an adjective in English translations.
Instead of saying '틀려요' (which is blunt), say '제 생각은 좀 달라요' (My thoughts are a bit different).
It is {맞아요|맞아요}. Don't forget the 'ㅈ' batchim!
Related Phrases
그렇지요
similarThat's so, right?
틀려요
contrastIt's wrong.
정확해요
specialized formIt's accurate.
당연하죠
builds onOf course.
제 말이요
similarThat's what I'm saying.
