Meaning
Affirming agreement or approval of something.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often accompanied by a slight bow of the head, especially when speaking to someone older. This physical gesture reinforces the politeness of the '네'. In Korean companies, '네, 좋아요' is a safe way to show you are a team player. It signals that you are aligned with the group's direction. On KakaoTalk, '좋아요' is often shortened to '조아' or even just 'ㄱㄱ' (Go Go) in very casual settings, but '네 좋아요' remains the standard for polite group chats. Koreans may say '네, 좋아요' even if they have a slight preference for something else, just to keep the mood pleasant. This is the essence of 'Kibun' (mood/feeling).
The 'H' is Silent
Don't try to pronounce the 'h' in '좋아요'. It should sound smooth: jo-a-yo.
Watch the Formality
Never say '응, 좋아요' to a boss. Use '네, 좋아요' or '예, 좋습니다'.
Meaning
Affirming agreement or approval of something.
The 'H' is Silent
Don't try to pronounce the 'h' in '좋아요'. It should sound smooth: jo-a-yo.
Watch the Formality
Never say '응, 좋아요' to a boss. Use '네, 좋아요' or '예, 좋습니다'.
The Nod
Always give a small nod when saying this phrase to show sincerity.
Add Adverbs
Make it sound more natural by adding '진짜' (really) or '너무' (so) -> '네, 너무 좋아요!'
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate polite agreement.
A: 우리 비빔밥 먹을까요? B: ________.
A is making a suggestion using polite style, so B should respond with the polite agreement '네, 좋아요'.
Which sentence correctly uses the adjective '좋다' to describe the weather?
Choose the correct sentence:
Weather (날씨) is the subject, so it takes the marker '-가', and '좋아요' is the correct conjugated adjective.
Match the formality level with the correct phrase.
Match the following:
Matching the endings '-습니다', '-아요', and '-아' to their respective formality levels.
In which situation would you NOT use '네, 좋아요'?
Select the incorrect situation:
For romantic feelings, you must use '사랑해요' or '좋아해요'. '좋아요' is for general agreement or quality.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
좋다 vs 좋아하다
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: 우리 비빔밥 먹을까요? B: ________.
A is making a suggestion using polite style, so B should respond with the polite agreement '네, 좋아요'.
Choose the correct sentence:
Weather (날씨) is the subject, so it takes the marker '-가', and '좋아요' is the correct conjugated adjective.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching the endings '-습니다', '-아요', and '-아' to their respective formality levels.
Select the incorrect situation:
For romantic feelings, you must use '사랑해요' or '좋아해요'. '좋아요' is for general agreement or quality.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's better to use '좋아해요'. '좋아요' sounds like you are saying 'You are a good person' rather than 'I have feelings for you'.
'예' is slightly more formal than '네', but both are perfectly fine in daily life.
Yes! The 'Like' button on Facebook or Instagram in Korean is literally '좋아요'.
You can say '아니요, 괜찮아요' (No, it's okay) or '제 스타일이 아니에요' (It's not my style).
In Korean phonology, when the 'ㅎ' batchim is followed by a vowel, it often disappears or weakens significantly.
Yes, '네, 좋아요' is polite enough for a teacher-student relationship.
It's the informal (banmal) version of '좋아요'. Use it only with close friends.
Not exactly. It means 'It is good.' You still need the '네' to say 'Yes'.
Yes, you can say '기분이 좋아요' (My mood is good/I'm happy).
A little bit. '좋아요' is more natural when talking to a barista.
Related Phrases
괜찮아요
similarIt's okay / It's fine
좋아해요
builds onI like (it/you)
알겠습니다
similarI understand / I will do so
맞아요
similarThat's right
최고예요
specialized formIt's the best
