How to say "It is okay" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "It is okay" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
괜찮아
gwaenchana
Literally: It is fine.
When to use it
One of the great multi-tools of Korean. It means it is fine, no worries, are you okay, and no thanks - tone decides which.
Polite form
- 괜찮아요gwaenchanayoUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 괜찮아?gwaenchana?= Are you okay?Same word, rising tone. That is the whole difference.
- 아니야, 괜찮아aniya, gwaenchana= No, it is fineWaving off an apology.
In a sentence
- 미안해. 괜찮아.mianhae. gwaenchana.Sorry. It is okay.
- 괜찮아? 다쳤어?gwaenchana? dachyeosseo?Are you okay? Did you get hurt?
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
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