“Of Course” in Korean – How to use this common expression

Of course, we are all here to learn Korean. So, how about learning how to say “of course” in Korean today?

A girl and two boys doing the thumbs up sign

We’ve already taught you how to say “yes” in Korean, and now it’s time to take it up a notch and level up how you speak Korean.

We’ll also teach you sentences and additional vocabulary related to “of course” below. Let’s get to it!

How to say “Of course” in Korean

There are a few different words you can use to say “of course” in the Korean language.

The common way to say “of course” in Korean is 그럼요 (geureomyo). It is formed from the descriptive verb 그렇다 (geureota), which translates as “yes.” This phrase also means “certainly” and can be used as such.

Now, let’s head on to how to use this word as an adverb and adjective.

“Of course” in Korean (Adverb)

The first one is 물론 (mullon), which is used as an adverb. You can use it as it is, so there is no need to conjugate further. You just need to add it in the correct spot within the sentence.

However, you can also combine it with the verb 이다 in endings such as -입니다 (imnida) or -이죠 (ijyo) or -이지요(ijiyo). In these cases, the adverb and the verb are likely the entirety of the sentence.

You can use this kind of like stating that something is “duh.” It’s obvious or otherwise well-known, and whatever it is should not surprise whomever you are speaking to.

Additionally, you may use this term when you want to give someone permission for something, especially if you want to be especially polite or formal. To learn more about adverbs, you can refer to this resource.

“Of course” in Korean (Adjective)

Another one is the descriptive verb 당연하다 (dangyeonhada). It translates as “natural,” so it is not directly the term “of course.” However, by combining it with the casual conjugation -지 (ji) and its more polite form -죠 (jyo) or -지요 (jiyo), you can also use it to say “of course” or its close meaning “naturally.”

You may also use it in the form of an adverb, in which case it is conjugated as 당연히 (dangyeonhi). This is especially good to use whenever you want to emphasize the point you are trying to make. You can also use 물론 (mullon) in this context.

Here’s where you can learn more about other Korean adjectives.

How to say “Of course not” in Korean

Now, the negative of “of course” is, naturally, “of course not.” In Korean, a common way to say so is the verb 물론 아니다 (mullon anida). As you may know, 아니다 (anida) is a verb simply meaning “to be not.” You can use this casually but also in more polite situations, as it is a sympathetic way of expressing “of course not.”

Below, you can find a quick list of vocabulary with similar meanings to the term “of course.”

EnglishKorean
Absolutely틀림없이 (teullimeopsi)
Absolutely전적으로 (jeonjeogeuro)
By all means아무렴 (amuryeom)
Clearly또렷하게 (ttoryeothage)
Definitely분명히 (bunmyeonghi)
For sure확실히 (hwaksilhi)
Indeed정말 (jeongmal)
Obviously명백히 (myeongbaeki)
Surely반드시 (bandeusi)
Undoubtedly의심 없이 (uisim eopsi)
Without a doubt의심할 바 없이 (uisimhal ba eopsi)

Sample dialogues for “Of course” in Korean

Below you can find some dialogue examples between Person A and Person B to help guide you on how to use “of course” in Korean. Practice this with friends if you can!

Sample dialogue 1

A: 영화는 어땠어? 재밌었어? (yeonghwaneun eottaesseo? jaemisseosseo?)

How was the movie? Was it fun?

B: 물론이지! 이 감독님은 절대 실망시키지 않아. (mulloniji! i gamdongnimeun jeoldae silmangsikiji ana.)

Of course! This director never disappoints.

Sample dialogue 2

A: 와, 지금 너무 속이 더부룩해. (wa, jigeum neomu sogi deoburukae.)

Wow, I feel so bloated now.

B: 당연히 햄버거 세 개를 한 번에 먹으면 속이 더부룩해지지. (dangyeonhi haembeogeo se gaereul han beone meogeumyeon sogi deoburukajiji.)

Of course, if you eat three hamburgers in one go, you will feel bloated.

Sample dialogue 3

A: 사과 하나 주시겠어요? (sagwa hana jusigesseoyo?)

Can I please have one apple?

B: 그럼요! 마음껏 드세요. (geureomyo! maeumkkeot deuseyo.)

Of course! Please help yourself.

Sample dialogue 4

A: 죄송합니다, 제가 당신을 귀찮게 하나요? (joesonghamnida, jega dangsineul gwichanke hanayo?)

I’m sorry, am I bothering you?

B: 물론 아닙니다. 무엇을 묻고 싶었습니까? (mullon animnida. mueoseul mutgo sipeotseumnikka?)

Of course not. What did you want to ask?

Wrap Up

Hopefully, we have given you the answers to your questions about how to say “of course” in Korean! There are many more ways you can use the term “of course” in Korean besides the sample dialogues presented above. But now, with this lesson, you should have wonderfully enriched your Korean vocabulary further.

Were you already using some of these words and phrases before? Let us know your answer in the comment section below. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them below, too!

Next, you will want to know how to say the very similar word, “sure” in Korean!

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