What does 아니 (ani) mean?
- 아니ani
No / Wait, what?
Casual: friends and people younger than you
아니 (ani) means "No" in casual Korean. It is also used at the start of a sentence like "Wait" or "I mean", to show surprise, disbelief or to correct yourself.
Where it comes from
아니 is related to 아니다, "to not be". The polite answer is 아니요, often shortened to 아뇨.
How to use 아니
Use 아니 to answer no to friends, siblings and younger people. With elders or strangers, say 아니요.
Koreans also start sentences with 아니 when they are surprised or frustrated, like "Wait, what?" or "No, but seriously". For example, 아니 진짜? means "Wait, really?"
Be careful with tone. A sharp 아니! can sound like you are snapping at someone, while a soft 아니~ is gentle.
Examples
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A friend asks if you are upset
Hearing shocking gossip
Turning down a snack
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 아니요 | No | Polite form for elders and strangers. |
| 아뇨 | No | Short, natural spoken form of 아니요. |
| 아니야 | No, it's not | Casual, often denying something. |
| 아니 근데 | No, but... | Starts a complaint or objection. |
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between ani and aniyo?
Both mean no. 아니 is casual and 아니요 (or 아뇨) is polite.
Why do Koreans say ani at the start of a sentence?
Here 아니 works like "Wait" or "I mean". It shows surprise, frustration or a change of thought, not a literal no.
Is ani rude?
Not by itself, but it is casual. Say 아니요 to anyone older.