The Korean Twist in “My Demon”: Why “Yes” Means “No” Sometimes

Hello, friends!

Remember our chat about the Netflix show “My Demon” the other day?

https://koreanspectrum.com/tangsuyuk/

If you’ve been watching, you might have noticed that sometimes, “yes” doesn’t actually mean “yes”!

Ever said “yes” when you meant “no” in Korean?

 Don’t worry, It’s not always a mistake!

English communication values directness and simplicity, favoring clear-cut “yes” for positive responses and “no” for negatives.

Korean communication, however, is often more nuanced, considering the speaker’s intent and social context beyond the literal meaning of words.

For instance, in English, ‘no’ generally signifies disagreement with the words spoken.

Conversely, in Korean, responding ‘yes’ to a negative question often signifies agreement with the underlying meaning and concern behind it.

Examples from “My Demon”

Let’s explore this with a scene between Do Do-hee(Kim Yoo-jung) and Jeong Gu-won(Song Kang) in episode 4.

Do Do-hee: “You don’t trust me?” “너 나 못 믿니?”

Jeong Gu-won: “No.” “응”

Did you catch that?

Despite Jung Gu Won’s response being translated as “No” in English, in Korean, he actually says “Yes” 응[Eung].

Wait, what? In English, “yes” in this context means you trust them, but in Korean, it actually means the opposite!

Exploring Further Examples

Here’s another example in episode 5:

Bokgyu asks, “Isn’t that enough?” to which Jin Ga-yeong confidently responds, “당연하지”(Of course).

But hold on, in English, “Of course” usually means yes, it’s enough.

However, In this scene “당연하지”(Of course) means “Of course not”!

Practical Examples Beyond the Show

“배 안 고프니?” (Aren’t you hungry?)

Response: “네, 안 배고파요.” (Yes, I am not hungry.)

Explanation: In Korean, when responding to a negative question like “Aren’t you hungry?”, the typical response may seem counterintuitive in English. The response “네 (Yes), 안 배고파요 (I am not hungry)” may appear contradictory, but it aligns with the Korean linguistic convention where “yes” acknowledges the underlying sentiment of the question, indicating an understanding of the inquiry rather than a direct affirmation of hunger.

“한국 가본 적 없어?” (Haven’t you been to Korea?)

Response: “네, 가본 적 없어요.” (Yes, I haven’t been there.)

Explanation: Similarly, in response to the negative question “Haven’t you been to Korea?”, the Korean reply “네 (Yes), 가본 적 없어요 (I haven’t been there)” may seem contradictory in English. However, it reflects the Korean communication style where “yes” acknowledges the inquiry while providing the correct information regarding the absence of a past visit to Korea.

“음식 맛 없니?” (Don’t you like the food?)

Response: “네…” (Yes…)

Explanation: Lastly, in response to the negative question “Don’t you like the food?”, the Korean response “네… (Yes…)” may appear ambiguous in English. Yet, it signifies an acknowledgment of the inquiry without explicitly confirming or denying liking the food, showcasing the nuanced approach to communication in Korean culture.

Tips for Navigating Korean Negatives

Understanding how Koreans use “yes” and “no” can be tricky for English speakers.

Here’s how to navigate these nuances:

1. Consider the context:

Is the question seeking information or expressing concern? A “네”(yes) might acknowledge their worry (“Yes, I hear you”). But for factual questions, clarify your response with additional context if needed.

2. Speak clearly and confidently: 

A hesitant “네” can be confusing. Be clear and confident in your response to avoid misinterpretation.

3. Be Prepared to Explain:

Your “yes” might not always match their expectation. Be prepared to elaborate, especially in sensitive topics or when clarity is crucial.

FAQs

1. Why does “Yes” sometimes mean “No” in Korean?
   This linguistic twist reflects cultural values of respect and harmony, where direct negatives can be perceived as impolite.
2. How can non-native speakers navigate these nuances?
   By understanding the cultural context and focusing on the underlying sentiment of the question rather than the literal words.
3. Can non-verbal cues help in understanding Korean communication?
   Yes, paying attention to body language and tone can provide valuable context in deciphering the true meaning behind responses.

Now you’re equipped to explore the world of “yes-meaning-no” in Korean communication🙂