Giving Opinions in Korean Formal Meetings: Saying 'In My View' at Work
Learn polite Korean phrases for stating opinions in formal business meetings, including 제 생각에는, -다고 봅니다, and -는 것이 좋겠습니다, with register guidance for workplace settings.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Korean business meetings, stating an opinion is not just about vocabulary; it is about choosing the right level of politeness and indirectness. The phrase 제 생각에는 (je saenggak-e-neun) works like 'in my view,' but it must be paired with a formal ending such as -다고 봅니다 (-dago bomnida) to sound professional. This lesson teaches five core expressions for giving opinions in formal meetings, explains the polite pattern, and shows how to disagree without sounding abrupt. You will practice full sentences suitable for team reports, client meetings, and internal discussions.
By the end, you can…
- state my opinion in a formal Korean meeting using 제 생각에는 and a polite ending.
- soften disagreement or suggest an alternative using -는 것이 좋겠습니다 and -다고 봅니다.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
제 생각에는 ~다고 봅니다.
In my view, I think that...
je saenggak-e-neun ...-dago bomnida
The most standard formal way to introduce an opinion in a meeting. Attach -다고 봅니다 to a clause ending in a verb or adjective.
~는 것이 좋겠습니다.
I think it would be better to...
...-neun geosi jokesseumnida
Used to suggest a course of action politely. It is softer than a direct command and common in professional settings.
말씀하신 대로 ~지만, 저는 ~다고 생각합니다.
As you said, ... but I think...
malsseumhasin daero ...-jiman, jeo-neun ...-dago saenggakhamnida
A respectful way to acknowledge another person's point before giving a different opinion.
혹시 ~는 것은 어떻게 생각하십니까?
By any chance, what do you think about...?
hoksi ...-neun geoseun eotteoke saenggakhasimnikka?
Invites others' opinions politely. Use this to include quieter participants or check agreement.
저는 ~에 동의합니다.
I agree with...
jeo-neun ...-e donguihamnida
A clear, formal agreement phrase. Use it after someone has made a point you support.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is 제 생각에는 + clause + -다고 봅니다. For example, 제 생각에는 이 방안이 효과적이라고 봅니다 (je saenggak-e-neun i bang-an-i hyogwajeog-idago bomnida) means 'In my view, I think this plan is effective.' The ending -다고 봅니다 literally means 'I see/regard it as,' which sounds more objective than -다고 생각합니다 in some contexts. Both are formal and polite. Use -다고 봅니다 when presenting a considered judgment, and -다고 생각합니다 when stating a personal belief. The subject marker 이/가 and topic marker 은/는 must match the noun before the clause.
When to use it
Use these phrases in formal meetings, presentations, or when speaking to supervisors, clients, or a group. In Korean workplaces, direct disagreement can feel harsh, so preface it with 말씀하신 대로 (as you said) or 그 점은 이해합니다 (I understand that point). For example, 말씀하신 대로 비용은 중요하지만, 저는 품질을 먼저 고려해야 한다고 봅니다 (malsseumhasin daero biyong-eun jungyohajiman, jeo-neun pumjil-eul meonjeo goryeohaeya handago bomnida) means 'As you said, cost is important, but I think we should consider quality first.' Avoid casual endings like -다고 봐 or -는 게 좋아 in formal meetings.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
제 생각에는 이번 프로젝트 일정을 조금 늦추는 것이 좋겠습니다.
In my view, it would be better to delay this project schedule a little.je saenggak-e-neun ibeon peurojekteu iljeong-eul jogeum neutchuneun geosi jokesseumnida.말씀하신 대로 일정도 중요하지만, 저는 고객 약속을 먼저 지켜야 한다고 봅니다.
As you said, the schedule is important, but I think we should keep our promise to the client first.malsseumhasin daero iljeongdo jungyohajiman, jeo-neun gogaek yaksok-eul meonjeo jikyeoya handago bomnida.그 점은 이해합니다. 혹시 다른 대안은 어떻게 생각하십니까?
I understand that point. By any chance, what do you think about other alternatives?geu jeom-eun ihaehamnida. hoksi dareun daean-eun eotteoke saenggakhasimnikka?저는 품질을 유지하면서 일정을 조정하는 방안에 동의합니다.
I agree with the plan to adjust the schedule while maintaining quality.jeo-neun pumjil-eul yujihamyeonseo iljeong-eul jojeonghaneun bang-an-e donguihamnida.A little context goes a long way
Korean formal meetings often value group harmony, so opinions are frequently framed as suggestions or questions rather than direct assertions. Using 제 생각에는 and -다고 봅니다 signals that you are offering a considered view, not imposing it. With senior colleagues, add respectful terms like 말씀 and -십니까 to maintain appropriate hierarchy.
One thing to watch for
Using the casual ending -다고 봐 or -는 게 좋아 when speaking to a supervisor or in a formal meeting.
Try this instead: Use the formal polite ending -다고 봅니다 or -는 것이 좋겠습니다. For example, say 제 생각에는 이 방안이 좋다고 봅니다 (je saenggak-e-neun i bang-an-i johdago bomnida) instead of 제 생각에는 이 방안이 좋다고 봐.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'In my view, this plan is effective' in formal Korean?
Show a sample answer
제 생각에는 이 방안이 효과적이라고 봅니다.
This uses the target pattern 제 생각에는 + clause + -다고 봅니다. You could also say 효과적이라고 생각합니다, which is equally polite but slightly more personal.
2Which phrase politely suggests an action in a meeting?
Show a sample answer
~는 것이 좋겠습니다.
This ending means 'it would be better to...' and is softer than a command. For example, 일정을 조정하는 것이 좋겠습니다 means 'It would be better to adjust the schedule.'
3How can you disagree respectfully after acknowledging a colleague's point?
Show a sample answer
말씀하신 대로 ~지만, 저는 ~다고 생각합니다.
This pattern first validates the other person's view with 말씀하신 대로, then introduces your own with 저는 ~다고 생각합니다. Other polite alternatives include 그 점은 이해하지만, 저는... (I understand that point, but I...).
In formal Korean meetings, introduce opinions with 제 생각에는 and close with -다고 봅니다 or -는 것이 좋겠습니다. Acknowledge others first, then state your view politely.
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