💬 Phrases A2

괜찮아요

gwaenchanayo

It's okay / I'm fine

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What it means

Means It's okay, I'm fine, or No problem. One of the most versatile phrases in Korean — can be a statement, acceptance, or polite refusal.

Nuance & when to use

Context matters: 괜찮아요 can mean I'm okay (reassuring), It's fine (accepting an apology), or No, thank you (politely declining an offer). Tone and context tell listeners which meaning is intended.

⚠ Common mistake

Beginners may not realize 괜찮아요 can be a refusal. Offering someone something and getting 괜찮아요 back means they're politely saying no, not agreeing.

Example sentences

걱정 마세요. 저 괜찮아요. Geokjeong maseyo. Jeo gwaenchanayo. Don't worry. I'm fine.
다쳤어요? 괜찮아요? Dachyeosseoyo? Gwaenchanayo? Did you get hurt? Are you okay?
괜찮아요. 제가 도와드릴게요. Gwaenchanayo. Jega dowadeurilgeyo. It's okay. I'll help you.
커피 더 드실래요? — 괜찮아요, 충분해요. Keopi deo deusillaeyo? — Gwaenchanayo, chungbunhaeyo. Would you like more coffee? — No thank you, I've had enough.

See also

됐어요 아니에요 전혀요 필요 없어요
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More A2 lessons

한류 hallyu Korean Wave / global spread of Korean culture 하지만 hajiman However / But (sentence-initial) 행복해 haengbokhae I'm happy / I feel happy
← 괜찮아? 기분 →

FAQ

When is this used?

Context matters: 괜찮아요 can mean I'm okay (reassuring), It's fine (accepting an apology), or No, thank you (politely declining an offer). Tone and context tell listeners which meaning is intended.

What's a common mistake?

Beginners may not realize 괜찮아요 can be a refusal. Offering someone something and getting 괜찮아요 back means they're politely saying no, not agreeing.

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