How to Agree Strongly or Weakly in Korean: Expressing Degree of Agreement
Learn Korean phrases for strong agreement like 완전 동의해요 and softer agreement like 그런 것 같아요, with pronunciation, usage notes, and a short dialogue.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Korean conversation, agreement is not just yes or no. You can show strong agreement with expressions such as 완전 동의해요 (wanjeon donguihaeyo, “I completely agree”) or show weaker, more cautious agreement with 그런 것 같아요 (geureon geot gatayo, “I suppose so” or “It seems that way”). This lesson teaches you how to choose the right level of agreement so you sound natural and appropriately polite. You will learn five useful phrases, see how they work in a short dialogue, and practice choosing strong versus weak agreement. This lesson does not cover disagreement; it focuses only on agreeing with different degrees of strength.
By the end, you can…
- express strong agreement in Korean using phrases like 완전 동의해요.
- express weak or cautious agreement in Korean using phrases like 그런 것 같아요.
- choose between strong and weak agreement based on context and politeness.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
완전 동의해요.
I completely agree.
wan-jeon dong-ui-hae-yo
Strong agreement. Use when you fully share the other person’s opinion. The polite -요 ending makes it safe in most everyday situations.
정말 그렇네요.
That’s really true. / I really agree with that.
jeong-mal geu-reo-ne-yo
Strong but slightly softer than 완전 동의해요. Often used when you just heard something you find very true.
맞아요, 맞아요.
Yes, exactly, exactly.
ma-ja-yo, ma-ja-yo
Strong agreement by repeating 맞아요. Common in friendly conversation and can sound enthusiastic.
그런 것 같아요.
I suppose so. / It seems that way.
geu-reon geot ga-ta-yo
Weak or cautious agreement. Literally “it seems like that.” Useful when you agree but are not completely certain.
어느 정도는 동의해요.
I agree to some extent.
eo-neu jeong-do-neun dong-ui-hae-yo
Partial or limited agreement. The particle -는 adds a nuance of “at least” or “to some degree.”
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
A useful pattern for agreement is 동의하다 (dong-uihada, “to agree”) plus a degree word. Strong: 완전 동의해요 (wanjeon donguihaeyo, “I completely agree”). Softer: 어느 정도는 동의해요 (eoneu jeongdoneun donguihaeyo, “I agree to some extent”). You can also use 맞아요 (majayo, “that’s right”) for quick agreement, or 그런 것 같아요 (geureon geot gatayo, “I suppose so”) when you want to sound less absolute. Notice that the verb ending changes politeness: 해요 (haeyo) is polite and everyday, while 합니다 (hamnida) is more formal.
When to use it
Use strong agreement when you genuinely share the other person’s view and want to show enthusiasm, for example after a friend says a movie was excellent: 완전 동의해요! Use weak agreement when you partly agree or want to avoid sounding too forceful, for example when a coworker proposes a plan you find reasonable but not perfect: 그런 것 같아요. In formal settings, you can say 동의합니다 (dong-uihamnida) for “I agree.” If you only agree with part of what was said, 어느 정도는 동의해요 is a clear and polite choice.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
이 영화 정말 재미있었어요.
This movie was really fun.i yeong-hwa jeong-mal jae-mi-i-sseo-sseo-yo완전 동의해요. 저도 정말 좋았어요.
I completely agree. I really liked it too.wan-jeon dong-ui-hae-yo. jeo-do jeong-mal jo-a-sseo-yo그럼 다음 주에 또 볼까요?
Then shall we watch another one next week?geu-reom da-eum ju-e tto bol-kka-yo그런 것 같아요. 시간이 되면 좋겠어요.
I suppose so. It would be nice if I have time.geu-reon geot ga-ta-yo. si-ga-ni doe-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yoA little context goes a long way
Korean agreement often depends on the relationship and setting. With friends, strong phrases like 완전 동의해요 or 맞아요, 맞아요 sound natural and warm. At work or with someone older, a more measured phrase such as 그런 것 같아요 or 동의합니다 may be safer because it sounds less blunt. Using the polite -요 ending is a good default in most everyday situations.
One thing to watch for
Using 네, 동의해요 (ne, donguihaeyo) for every situation, even when you only partly agree.
Try this instead: Match the phrase to your actual degree of agreement. For weak agreement, say 그런 것 같아요 (geureon geot gatayo, “I suppose so”). For partial agreement, say 어느 정도는 동의해요 (eoneu jeongdoneun donguihaeyo, “I agree to some extent”).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you strongly agree with a friend who says a restaurant is delicious?
Show a sample answer
완전 동의해요.
완전 동의해요 means “I completely agree” and is appropriate for strong agreement in a friendly, polite setting. 정말 그렇네요 is also a valid strong agreement.
2Which phrase is better when you agree but are not completely sure: 완전 동의해요 or 그런 것 같아요?
Show a sample answer
그런 것 같아요.
그런 것 같아요 means “I suppose so” and expresses weaker, cautious agreement. 완전 동의해요 is stronger and more absolute.
3How can you say you agree only to some extent?
Show a sample answer
어느 정도는 동의해요.
어느 정도는 동의해요 means “I agree to some extent.” The particle -는 adds the nuance of “at least” or “to some degree.”
Choose your agreement phrase by strength: 완전 동의해요 for strong agreement, 그런 것 같아요 for weak or cautious agreement, and 어느 정도는 동의해요 for partial agreement.
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