괜찮아요 isn’t always “I’m fine”
One word, four meanings — and how to tell which one they mean.
Eonni··4 min read
괜찮아요
You’ll hear 괜찮아요 everywhere in Korea — at cafés, at work, at your child’s school. Most textbooks translate it as “I’m fine,” but Koreans use it in at least four different ways.
1“I’m okay.”
A: 괜찮아요? Are you okay?
B: 네, 괜찮아요. Yes, I’m okay.
2“No, thank you.”
This is the polite way to say no to an offer.
A: 커피 더 드릴까요? More coffee?
B: 아니요, 괜찮아요. No, I’m good.
3“That’s okay, don’t worry.”
A: 늦어서 죄송해요. Sorry I’m late.
B: 괜찮아요! That’s okay!
4“Is it okay if…?”
Add -아/어도 before it to ask for permission.
여기 앉아도 괜찮아요?
Is it okay if I sit here?
Quick check
Your friend offers you more food, but you’re full. What do you say?
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This expression is part of Beginner 1 · First Steps.
