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Whether you’re casually interested in the Korean language or are working your way up to fluency, “gwenchana” is a common expression you’ll need to learn. It means “it’s okay” or “I’m fine,” depending on the context of the conversation. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about “gwenchana,” including what it means, how to respond to it, and why it’s trending on TikTok. We’ll also provide other Korean terms to expand your vocabulary.
An Overview of “Gwenchana” (괜찮아) in Korean
“Gwenchana” (괜찮아) means “it’s okay” or “I’m fine” in Korean. If you say it with a rising intonation, it turns into the question “are you okay?” (“gwencha-na?). Respond with “ne, gwenchana” to say “yes, I’m okay,” or “ani, an gwenchana” to say “no, I’m not okay.”
Steps
How to Respond to “Gwenchana”
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1“Ne, gwenchana” (네, 괜찮아) This phrase means “yes, I’m okay” in Korean. Use this response if someone asks “are you okay?” in an informal setting and you want to reassure them that you’re fine. If someone older or of higher authority asks you, reply with the formal version of this phrase, which is “ne, gwenchanayo” (네, 괜찮아요).
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Them: “Gwenchana?” (Are you okay?)
You: “Ne, gwenchana.” (Yes, I’m okay.) -
Them: “Gwenchana?” (Are you okay?)
You: “Ne, gwenchana. Hwaginhae jusyeoseo gomawo.” (Yes, I’m okay. Thanks for checking in on me.)
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Them: “Gwenchana?” (Are you okay?)
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2“Eung, gwenchana” (응, 괜찮아) In casual settings, you can reply with “eung, gwenchana,” which is another way of saying “yeah, I’m okay.” The term “eung” is a casual interjection that means “yes,” it’s best to reserve this reply for informal settings with friends and family.
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Them: “Gwenchana?” (Are you okay?)
You: “Eung, gwenchana.” (Yeah, I’m okay.) -
Them: “Gwenchana?” (Are you okay?)
You: “Eung, gwenchana. Muleobwajwoseo gomawo.” (Yeah, I’m okay. Thanks for asking.)
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Them: “Gwenchana?” (Are you okay?)
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3“Ani, an gwenchana” (아니, 안 괜찮아) The phrase “ani, an gwenchana” translates into “no, I’m not okay.” Use it if you’re going through a difficult time or need help. If you’re speaking to someone older or of higher authority, “ani, an gwenchanayo” (아니, 안 괜찮아요) is the formal and polite way to say you’re not okay.
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Them: “Gwenchana?” (Are you okay?)
You: “Ani, an gwenchana. Jogeum apa.” (No, I’m not okay. I’m a little sick.) -
Them: “Gwenchana?” (Are you okay?)
You: “Ani, an gwenchana. Nae gaega jugeosseo.” (No, I’m not okay. My dog died.)
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Them: “Gwenchana?” (Are you okay?)
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4“Jeongmal?” (정말?) If someone uses “gwenchana” to reassure you that they’re fine, you can reply with “jeongmal?” to say “really?” It’s a casual way to double check that they’re being sincere and they don’t need help with anything.
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Them: “Gwenchana!” (I’m okay!)
You: “Jeongmal?” (Really?) -
Them: “Gwenchana.” (I’m okay.)
You: “Jeongmal? Naega dowajul su isseo.” (Really? I can help you.)
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Them: “Gwenchana!” (I’m okay!)
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5“Geurae, araso” (그래, 알았어) This is another way of saying “okay, got it.” You can use this reply if someone says “gwenchana” to assure you that they’re fine. It’s similar to saying “gotcha” in English, so reserve it for casual conversations with friends and family.
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Them: “Gwenchana!” (I’m okay!)
You: “Geurae, araso.” (Okay, got it.) -
Them: “Gwenchana.” (I’m okay.)
You: “Geurae, araso! Pilyohan ge isseumyeon allyeajwo.” (Okay, got it! Let me know if you need anything.)
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Them: “Gwenchana!” (I’m okay!)
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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Lots of K-pop songs feature the word “gwenchana” in the lyrics. Some popular songs are “Playboy” by EXO, “That’s Clap” by SVT, “Trust Me” by Dreamcatcher,” “Clap” by SEVENTEEN, “I’m Fine” by BTS, and “That’s Okay” by D.O.Thanks
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To improve your Korean pronunciation, watch YouTube videos or take language courses. There are tons of tutorials that can help you get the pronunciation down, and you can speak Korean by learning the Korean alphabet (Hangul) and using popular language-learning apps like Duolingo and Busuu.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.90daykorean.com/ok-in-korean
- ↑ https://www.90daykorean.com/ok-in-korean
- ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/gwenchana-gwenchanayo
- ↑ https://myseouldream.com/2013/02/05/hajima-and-kajima/
- ↑ https://www.90daykorean.com/i-know-in-korean/
- ↑ https://learnkorean24.com/aigoo-meaning/
- ↑ https://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201811161441374351211_2
- ↑ https://www.90daykorean.com/i-dont-know-in-korean/