TL;DR 🦄
- ✅ -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] means “of course,” “absolutely,” or “no need to ask.” It strongly agrees with what someone just asked or said.
- 🗣️ It is mostly a spoken, emphatic answer ending — warm, confident, and a little dramatic in the best way.
- 🧭 Despite the lesson title, this is not the “although/even if” kind of concession. It is closer to high-level acknowledgment or emphatic affirmation.
🎧 Iru Helper Note — When you want to hear the rhythm of 알다마다요 [al-da-ma-da-yo] (“Of course I know”) or 있다마다요 [it-da-ma-da-yo] (“Of course I have time / Of course there is”), open Korean Helper Widgets and type the Korean sentence into the widget for audio. Your ears deserve snacks too. 🍪
🌈 The Big Picture
-다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] is used when someone asks something and your answer is basically: “Obviously yes!” It is stronger than a plain 네 [ne] (“yes”) and warmer than a dry “correct.” ✅
- 알다마다요. [al-da-ma-da-yo] — Of course I know. 🧠
- 있다마다요. [it-da-ma-da-yo] — Of course I have it / Of course there is. ⏰
- 좋다마다요. [jot-ta-ma-da-yo] — Of course it’s good. 🌟
- 맞다마다요. [mat-ta-ma-da-yo] — Of course that’s right. 🎯
It often appears as an answer after a question like 시간 있어요? [si-gan i-sseo-yo] (“Do you have time?”) or 이해했어요? [i-hae-hae-sseo-yo] (“Did you understand?”). The speaker affirms the listener’s point with confidence, agreement, or reassurance. 🧩
🎨 The Core -다마다요 Family
Use -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] after a verb or adjective base to strongly confirm something.
- 알다 [al-da] = to know → 알다마다요. [al-da-ma-da-yo] = Of course I know.
- 있다 [it-da] = to have / to exist → 있다마다요. [it-da-ma-da-yo] = Of course I have it / Of course there is.
- 맞다 [mat-da] = to be right / correct → 맞다마다요. [mat-ta-ma-da-yo] = Of course that’s right.
- 좋다 [jot-da] = to be good → 좋다마다요. [jot-ta-ma-da-yo] = Of course it’s good.
You can also use it after past tense:
- 기억하다 [gi-eok-ha-da] = to remember → 기억했다마다요. [gi-eok-haet-da-ma-da-yo] = Of course I remembered.
- 먹다 [meok-da] = to eat → 먹었다마다요. [meo-geo-tta-ma-da-yo] = Of course I ate.
It can technically attach after 이다 [i-da] (“to be”), but in modern everyday speech, noun answers often sound more natural with 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] (“of course”) or 맞아요 [ma-ja-yo] (“that’s right”). So treat 학생이다마다요 [hak-saeng-i-da-ma-da-yo] (“Of course I’m a student”) as grammatically possible but a bit stiff. 🧊
Tiny context shelf for today’s examples
시간 [si-gan] → time • 질문 [jil-mun] → question • 답 [dap] → answer • 설명 [seol-myeong] → explanation • 의견 [ui-gyeon] → opinion • 제안 [je-an] → suggestion • 마음 [ma-eum] → heart/feeling • 회의 [hoe-ui] → meeting • 자료 [ja-ryo] → materials • 발표 [bal-pyo] → presentation • 선물 [seon-mul] → gift • 약속 [yak-sok] → appointment/promise • 시험 [si-heom] → test • 보고서 [bo-go-seo] → report • 영화 [yeong-hwa] → movie • 음악 [eum-ak] → music • 이메일 [i-me-il] → email • 문제 [mun-je] → problem • 도움 [do-um] → help
필요하다 [pi-ryo-ha-da] → to be necessary • 동의하다 [dong-ui-ha-da] → to agree • 이해하다 [i-hae-ha-da] → to understand • 가능하다 [ga-neung-ha-da] → to be possible • 괜찮다 [gwaen-chan-ta] → to be okay • 준비되다 [jun-bi-doe-da] → to be ready • 보다 [bo-da] → to see/watch • 듣다 [deut-da] → to listen/hear • 받다 [bat-da] → to receive • 끝나다 [kkeut-na-da] → to end • 도착하다 [do-chak-ha-da] → to arrive • 충분하다 [chung-bun-ha-da] → to be enough • 안전하다 [an-jeon-ha-da] → to be safe
🛠️ How It Works in a Sentence
1. Answering with confident knowledge 🧠
- 가: 그 질문 알아요? [geu jil-mun a-ra-yo] — Do you know that question?
- 나: 알다마다요. [al-da-ma-da-yo] — Of course I know it.
- 그 [geu] = that, 질문 [jil-mun] = question, 알다 [al-da] = to know.
2. Reassuring someone that something is available ⏰
- 가: 시간 있어요? [si-gan i-sseo-yo] — Do you have time?
- 나: 있다마다요. [it-da-ma-da-yo] — Of course I do.
- 시간 [si-gan] = time, 있다 [it-da] = to have / to exist.
3. Agreeing strongly with an evaluation 🎯
- 가: 이 설명이 맞아요? [i seol-myeong-i ma-ja-yo] — Is this explanation right?
- 나: 맞다마다요. [mat-ta-ma-da-yo] — Of course it’s right.
- 이 [i] = this, 설명 [seol-myeong] = explanation, 맞다 [mat-da] = to be right.
🧩 General Formation Rule
Attach -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] to the plain verb/adjective base when you want a strong affirmative answer.
- Verb/adjective base + 다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo]
- 알다 [al-da] → 알다마다요 [al-da-ma-da-yo] = Of course I know.
- 가능하다 [ga-neung-ha-da] → 가능하다마다요 [ga-neung-ha-da-ma-da-yo] = Of course it’s possible.
- 기억했다 [gi-eok-haet-da] → 기억했다마다요 [gi-eok-haet-da-ma-da-yo] = Of course I remembered.
No special spelling change happens inside the ending, but watch pronunciation:
- 맞다마다요 [mat-ta-ma-da-yo] — the ㄷ [d/t] in 맞다 [mat-da] is pronounced like [t] before the next ㄷ [d/t]. Tiny sound bump, big confidence. 🛤️
- 좋다마다요 [jot-ta-ma-da-yo] — the final ㅎ [h] in 좋다 [jot-da] contributes to a stronger [t]-like sound before 다 [da]. 🌬️
📚 Cross-check note
The meaning and attachment pattern of -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] were cross-checked against korean.go.kr / National Institute of Korean Language-linked references, including the note that -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] stresses agreement or affirmation. ✅
🪞 Synonym Alert
- 고말고요 [go-mal-go-yo] — of course / certainly; a close spoken synonym, also emphatic and affirmative.
- 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] — of course; common, friendly, and easier in everyday conversation.
- 당연하죠 [dang-yeon-ha-jyo] — naturally / of course; directly says something is obvious or natural.
- 맞아요 [ma-ja-yo] — that’s right; more neutral, less dramatic.
Use -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] when you want a stronger, more expressive “yes, absolutely.” Use 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] when you want the smooth everyday version. 🛋️
⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge
- ❌ Treating -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] as “although/even if” → ✅ Use it for strong agreement, not contrast. For “even if,” look elsewhere, like -아/어도 [a/eo-do] or -(으)ㄹ지언정 [eu/l-ji-eon-jeong].
- ❌ Using it for every normal “yes” → ✅ It sounds emphatic, so save it for reassurance, strong agreement, or expressive confirmation.
- ❌ Forgetting the listener’s question → ✅ It usually answers or echoes something someone just said.
- ❌ Making it too casual in formal writing → ✅ It is mainly spoken. In polished writing, choose expressions like 당연하다 [dang-yeon-ha-da] (“to be natural/obvious”) or 분명하다 [bun-myeong-ha-da] (“to be clear”).
- ❌ Assuming 학생이다마다요 [hak-saeng-i-da-ma-da-yo] is the everyday default → ✅ Noun + 이다 [i-da] is possible, but modern speech often prefers 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] or 맞아요 [ma-ja-yo].
🎉 You now have a delightfully dramatic agreement ending in your grammar toolkit: 알다마다요! [al-da-ma-da-yo] Of course you know it — and now you can hear the confidence sparkle. ✨
Try this exercise
Instructions: Complete each answer with the emphatic agreement ending. Say the full Korean line out loud, then open the Answer toggle to check the form and nuance. 🎙️
1. 가: 시간 있어요? 나: 있____.
[si-gan i-sseo-yo? it-____]
Do you have time? Of course I do. ⏰
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 있다마다요 [it-da-ma-da-yo] strongly reassures the listener: “Of course I have time.” ⏳
2. 가: 그 답 알아요? 나: 알____.
[geu dap a-ra-yo? al-____]
Do you know that answer? Of course I know it. 🧠
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 알다마다요 [al-da-ma-da-yo] = “Of course I know.” ✅
3. 가: 이 설명이 맞아요? 나: 맞____.
[i seol-myeong-i ma-ja-yo? mat-____]
Is this explanation right? Of course it’s right. 🎯
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 맞다마다요 [mat-ta-ma-da-yo] strongly confirms correctness. 🧩
4. 가: 그 제안이 좋아요? 나: 좋____.
[geu je-an-i jo-a-yo? jot-____]
Is that suggestion good? Of course it’s good. 💡
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 좋다마다요 [jot-ta-ma-da-yo] gives an emphatic “yes, it’s good.” 🌟
5. 가: 회의 자료 필요해요? 나: 필요하____.
[hoe-ui ja-ryo pi-ryo-hae-yo? pi-ryo-ha-____]
Do you need the meeting materials? Of course I need them. 📄
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 필요하다마다요 [pi-ryo-ha-da-ma-da-yo] = “Of course they’re necessary.” 📚
6. 가: 그 의견에 동의해요? 나: 동의하____.
[geu ui-gyeo-ne dong-ui-hae-yo? dong-ui-ha-____]
Do you agree with that opinion? Of course I agree. 🤝
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 동의하다마다요 [dong-ui-ha-da-ma-da-yo] strongly affirms agreement. 🤝
7. 가: 발표 준비됐어요? 나: 준비됐____.
[bal-pyo jun-bi-dwae-sseo-yo? jun-bi-dwaet-____]
Is the presentation ready? Of course it’s ready. 🎤
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — Past tense can be used too: 준비됐다마다요 [jun-bi-dwaet-da-ma-da-yo]. 🗂️
8. 가: 선물 받았어요? 나: 받았____.
[seon-mul ba-da-sseo-yo? ba-dat-____]
Did you receive the gift? Of course I received it. 🎁
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 받았다마다요 [ba-dat-da-ma-da-yo] confirms the past action emphatically. 🎁
9. 가: 이 문제 이해했어요? 나: 이해했____.
[i mun-je i-hae-hae-sseo-yo? i-hae-haet-____]
Did you understand this problem? Of course I understood it. 🧠
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 이해했다마다요 [i-hae-haet-da-ma-da-yo] reassures the listener strongly. 🧩
10. 가: 이 약속 괜찮아요? 나: 괜찮____.
[i yak-sok gwaen-cha-na-yo? gwaen-chan-____]
Is this appointment okay? Of course it’s okay. 📅
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 괜찮다마다요 [gwaen-chan-ta-ma-da-yo] is emphatic reassurance. 🌿
Vocabulary Box
- 시간 [si-gan] → time
- 답 [dap] → answer
- 설명 [seol-myeong] → explanation
- 제안 [je-an] → suggestion
- 회의 [hoe-ui] → meeting
- 자료 [ja-ryo] → materials
- 의견 [ui-gyeon] → opinion
- 발표 [bal-pyo] → presentation
- 선물 [seon-mul] → gift
- 문제 [mun-je] → problem
- 약속 [yak-sok] → appointment/promise
- 있다 [it-da] → to have / to exist
- 알다 [al-da] → to know
- 맞다 [mat-da] → to be right
- 좋다 [jot-da] → to be good
- 필요하다 [pi-ryo-ha-da] → to be necessary
- 동의하다 [dong-ui-ha-da] → to agree
- 준비되다 [jun-bi-doe-da] → to be ready
- 받다 [bat-da] → to receive
- 이해하다 [i-hae-ha-da] → to understand
- 괜찮다 [gwaen-chan-ta] → to be okay
Tip 💡 If the answer feels like “Absolutely yes,” -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] is probably doing its sparkle-work. ✨
Want more reps? Visit the Practice Hub when you're ready! Your confidence ending is waiting with tiny jazz hands. 👐
🎯 Practice Hub — High-Level Affirmation: -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo]
Welcome to your -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] workout — the grammar equivalent of nodding so confidently your coffee salutes you. ☕ You’ll practice forming emphatic affirmative answers, choosing when the tone fits, and avoiding the “although/even if” trap. By the end, your “of course!” will have excellent posture. 🧍
🔊 Audio reminder: Use Korean Helper Widgets anytime you want to hear the rhythm of a sentence.
📝 Instructions: Complete each Korean answer, say it aloud, then check the Answer toggle. Focus on whether the speaker is strongly agreeing, reassuring, or confirming something obvious.
Exercise 1 — Present-Tense Confirmation ✅
A. 가: 시간 있어요? 나: 있____.
[si-gan i-sseo-yo? it-____]
Do you have time? Of course I do. ⏰
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 있다마다요 [it-da-ma-da-yo] gives strong reassurance.
B. 가: 그 질문 알아요? 나: 알____.
[geu jil-mun a-ra-yo? al-____]
Do you know that question? Of course I know it. ❓
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 알다마다요 [al-da-ma-da-yo] = “Of course I know.”
C. 가: 이 답이 맞아요? 나: 맞____.
[i da-bi ma-ja-yo? mat-____]
Is this answer right? Of course it’s right. 🎯
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 맞다마다요 [mat-ta-ma-da-yo] strongly confirms correctness.
D. 가: 그 설명이 좋아요? 나: 좋____.
[geu seol-myeong-i jo-a-yo? jot-____]
Is that explanation good? Of course it’s good. 📝
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 좋다마다요 [jot-ta-ma-da-yo] is emphatic agreement.
E. 가: 이 자료 필요해요? 나: 필요하____.
[i ja-ryo pi-ryo-hae-yo? pi-ryo-ha-____]
Do you need these materials? Of course I need them. 📄
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 필요하다마다요 [pi-ryo-ha-da-ma-da-yo] says the need is obvious.
F. 가: 이 의견에 동의해요? 나: 동의하____.
[i ui-gyeo-ne dong-ui-hae-yo? dong-ui-ha-____]
Do you agree with this opinion? Of course I agree. 🤝
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 동의하다마다요 [dong-ui-ha-da-ma-da-yo] strongly affirms agreement.
G. 가: 이 문제 이해해요? 나: 이해하____.
[i mun-je i-hae-hae-yo? i-hae-ha-____]
Do you understand this problem? Of course I understand it. 🧩
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 이해하다마다요 [i-hae-ha-da-ma-da-yo] reassures the listener.
H. 가: 그 약속 괜찮아요? 나: 괜찮____.
[geu yak-sok gwaen-cha-na-yo? gwaen-chan-____]
Is that appointment okay? Of course it’s okay. 📅
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 괜찮다마다요 [gwaen-chan-ta-ma-da-yo] gives strong reassurance.
I. 가: 그 발표 가능해요? 나: 가능하____.
[geu bal-pyo ga-neung-hae-yo? ga-neung-ha-____]
Is that presentation possible? Of course it’s possible. 🎤
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 가능하다마다요 [ga-neung-ha-da-ma-da-yo] strongly confirms possibility.
J. 가: 도움이 돼요? 나: 도움이 되____.
[do-u-mi dwae-yo? do-u-mi doe-____]
Is it helpful? Of course it helps. 🧰
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 도움이 되다마다요 [do-u-mi doe-da-ma-da-yo] strongly says it helps.
Vocabulary Box
- 시간 [si-gan] → time
- 질문 [jil-mun] → question
- 답 [dap] → answer
- 설명 [seol-myeong] → explanation
- 자료 [ja-ryo] → materials
- 의견 [ui-gyeon] → opinion
- 문제 [mun-je] → problem
- 약속 [yak-sok] → appointment/promise
- 발표 [bal-pyo] → presentation
- 도움 [do-um] → help
- 있다 [it-da] → to have / to exist
- 알다 [al-da] → to know
- 맞다 [mat-da] → to be right
- 좋다 [jot-da] → to be good
- 필요하다 [pi-ryo-ha-da] → to be necessary
- 동의하다 [dong-ui-ha-da] → to agree
- 이해하다 [i-hae-ha-da] → to understand
- 괜찮다 [gwaen-chan-ta] → to be okay
- 가능하다 [ga-neung-ha-da] → to be possible
- 도움이 되다 [do-u-mi doe-da] → to be helpful
Tip 💡 Present answers use the plain base plus 다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo].
Exercise 2 — Past-Tense “Of Course I Did” 🕰️
A. 가: 자료 받았어요? 나: 받았____.
[ja-ryo ba-da-sseo-yo? ba-dat-____]
Did you receive the materials? Of course I received them. 📄
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — Past form: 받았다마다요 [ba-dat-da-ma-da-yo].
B. 가: 그 영화 봤어요? 나: 봤____.
[geu yeong-hwa bwa-sseo-yo? bwat-____]
Did you watch that movie? Of course I watched it. 🎬
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 봤다마다요 [bwat-da-ma-da-yo] confirms a past action strongly.
C. 가: 그 음악 들었어요? 나: 들었____.
[geu eu-mak deu-reo-sseo-yo? deu-reot-____]
Did you listen to that music? Of course I listened. 🎧
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 들었다마다요 [deu-reot-da-ma-da-yo] gives a confident “yes.”
D. 가: 답 기억했어요? 나: 기억했____.
[dap gi-eok-hae-sseo-yo? gi-eok-haet-____]
Did you remember the answer? Of course I remembered. 🧠
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 기억했다마다요 [gi-eok-haet-da-ma-da-yo] emphasizes the memory.
E. 가: 이메일 보냈어요? 나: 보냈____.
[i-me-il bo-nae-sseo-yo? bo-naet-____]
Did you send the email? Of course I sent it. 📧
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 보냈다마다요 [bo-naet-da-ma-da-yo] strongly confirms completion.
F. 가: 시험 끝났어요? 나: 끝났____.
[si-heom kkeut-na-sseo-yo? kkeut-nat-____]
Did the test end? Of course it ended. 📝
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 끝났다마다요 [kkeut-nat-da-ma-da-yo] confirms the state is finished.
G. 가: 회의에 도착했어요? 나: 도착했____.
[hoe-ui-e do-chak-hae-sseo-yo? do-chak-haet-____]
Did you arrive at the meeting? Of course I arrived. 🏢
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 도착했다마다요 [do-chak-haet-da-ma-da-yo] strongly answers “yes.”
H. 가: 보고서 이해했어요? 나: 이해했____.
[bo-go-seo i-hae-hae-sseo-yo? i-hae-haet-____]
Did you understand the report? Of course I understood it. 📊
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 이해했다마다요 [i-hae-haet-da-ma-da-yo] reassures the listener.
I. 가: 그 선물 좋았어요? 나: 좋았____.
[geu seon-mul jo-a-sseo-yo? jo-at-____]
Was that gift good? Of course it was good. 🎁
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 좋았다마다요 [jo-at-da-ma-da-yo] confirms a past evaluation.
J. 가: 발표 준비됐어요? 나: 준비됐____.
[bal-pyo jun-bi-dwae-sseo-yo? jun-bi-dwaet-____]
Was the presentation ready? Of course it was ready. 🎤
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 준비됐다마다요 [jun-bi-dwaet-da-ma-da-yo] emphasizes readiness.
Vocabulary Box
- 자료 [ja-ryo] → materials
- 영화 [yeong-hwa] → movie
- 음악 [eum-ak] → music
- 답 [dap] → answer
- 이메일 [i-me-il] → email
- 시험 [si-heom] → test
- 회의 [hoe-ui] → meeting
- 보고서 [bo-go-seo] → report
- 선물 [seon-mul] → gift
- 발표 [bal-pyo] → presentation
- 받다 [bat-da] → to receive
- 보다 [bo-da] → to see/watch
- 듣다 [deut-da] → to listen/hear
- 기억하다 [gi-eok-ha-da] → to remember
- 보내다 [bo-nae-da] → to send
- 끝나다 [kkeut-na-da] → to end
- 도착하다 [do-chak-ha-da] → to arrive
- 이해하다 [i-hae-ha-da] → to understand
- 좋다 [jot-da] → to be good
- 준비되다 [jun-bi-doe-da] → to be ready
Tip 💡 Past tense keeps its past form, then adds 다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo].
Exercise 3 — Tone Choice: Strong or Simple? 🎚️
A. 가: 시간 있어요? 나: 있____.
[si-gan i-sseo-yo? it-____]
Choose the emphatic “Of course I do.” ⏰
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — The speaker is strongly reassuring, not just saying 네 [ne] (“yes”).
B. 가: 이 설명이 맞아요? 나: 맞아요.
[i seol-myeong-i ma-ja-yo? ma-ja-yo]
This is neutral: “That’s right.” 🎯
Answer
No change needed. 맞아요 [ma-ja-yo] is neutral confirmation. Use 맞다마다요 [mat-ta-ma-da-yo] only for a stronger “Of course it’s right.”
C. 가: 도움이 돼요? 나: 되____.
[do-u-mi dwae-yo? doe-____]
Choose the emphatic “Of course it helps.” 🧰
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 되다마다요 [doe-da-ma-da-yo] strongly confirms helpfulness.
D. 가: 그 제안 좋아요? 나: 그럼요.
[geu je-an jo-a-yo? geu-reom-yo]
This is an everyday “Of course.” 💡
Answer
No change needed. 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] is a natural everyday synonym. 좋다마다요 [jot-ta-ma-da-yo] is more emphatic.
E. 가: 문제 이해해요? 나: 이해하____.
[mun-je i-hae-hae-yo? i-hae-ha-____]
Choose the emphatic answer. 🧩
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 이해하다마다요 [i-hae-ha-da-ma-da-yo] says “Of course I understand.”
F. 가: 그 의견에 동의해요? 나: 당연하죠.
[geu ui-gyeo-ne dong-ui-hae-yo? dang-yeon-ha-jyo]
This says “Naturally / of course.” 🌱
Answer
No change needed. 당연하죠 [dang-yeon-ha-jyo] is a strong everyday equivalent.
G. 가: 자료 필요해요? 나: 필요하____.
[ja-ryo pi-ryo-hae-yo? pi-ryo-ha-____]
Choose “Of course the materials are necessary.” 📄
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 필요하다마다요 [pi-ryo-ha-da-ma-da-yo] is strong and confident.
H. 가: 이 약속 괜찮아요? 나: 괜찮아요.
[i yak-sok gwaen-cha-na-yo? gwaen-cha-na-yo]
This is a simple “It’s okay.” 📅
Answer
No change needed. 괜찮아요 [gwaen-cha-na-yo] is neutral. 괜찮다마다요 [gwaen-chan-ta-ma-da-yo] is more dramatic reassurance.
I. 가: 발표 가능해요? 나: 가능하____.
[bal-pyo ga-neung-hae-yo? ga-neung-ha-____]
Choose the emphatic “Of course it’s possible.” 🎤
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — 가능하다마다요 [ga-neung-ha-da-ma-da-yo] strongly confirms possibility.
J. 가: 답 알아요? 나: 고말고요.
[dap a-ra-yo? go-mal-go-yo]
This is a close “Of course” synonym. 🧠
Answer
No change needed. 고말고요 [go-mal-go-yo] is an emphatic synonym of -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo].
Vocabulary Box
- 시간 [si-gan] → time
- 설명 [seol-myeong] → explanation
- 도움 [do-um] → help
- 제안 [je-an] → suggestion
- 문제 [mun-je] → problem
- 의견 [ui-gyeon] → opinion
- 자료 [ja-ryo] → materials
- 약속 [yak-sok] → appointment/promise
- 발표 [bal-pyo] → presentation
- 답 [dap] → answer
- 있다 [it-da] → to have / to exist
- 맞다 [mat-da] → to be right
- 되다 [doe-da] → to become / to work
- 좋다 [jot-da] → to be good
- 이해하다 [i-hae-ha-da] → to understand
- 동의하다 [dong-ui-ha-da] → to agree
- 필요하다 [pi-ryo-ha-da] → to be necessary
- 괜찮다 [gwaen-chan-ta] → to be okay
- 가능하다 [ga-neung-ha-da] → to be possible
- 알다 [al-da] → to know
- 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] → of course
- 당연하죠 [dang-yeon-ha-jyo] → naturally / of course
- 고말고요 [go-mal-go-yo] → of course / certainly
Tip 💡 -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] is stronger than a plain polite answer.
Exercise 4 — Noun + 이다 Caution 🧊
A. 가: 학생이에요? 나: 학생이다마다요.
[hak-saeng-i-e-yo? hak-saeng-i-da-ma-da-yo]
Are you a student? Of course I’m a student. 🎒
Answer
Grammatically possible, but stiff. In everyday speech, 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] may sound smoother.
B. 가: 전문가예요? 나: 전문가이다마다요.
[jeon-mun-ga-ye-yo? jeon-mun-ga-i-da-ma-da-yo]
Are they an expert? Of course they’re an expert. 🧑🏫
Answer
Possible, but formal-sounding. 맞아요 [ma-ja-yo] or 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] is often easier in conversation.
C. 가: 이게 답이에요? 나: 답이다마다요.
[i-ge da-bi-e-yo? da-bi-da-ma-da-yo]
Is this the answer? Of course it’s the answer. ✅
Answer
Possible, but emphatic. Use it only when the speaker wants a strong “obviously yes.”
D. 가: 그게 문제예요? 나: 문제이다마다요.
[geu-ge mun-je-ye-yo? mun-je-i-da-ma-da-yo]
Is that the problem? Of course it’s the problem. 🧩
Answer
Possible, but not the everyday default. 맞아요 [ma-ja-yo] sounds more neutral.
E. 가: 이게 선물이에요? 나: 선물이다마다요.
[i-ge seon-mu-ri-e-yo? seon-mu-ri-da-ma-da-yo]
Is this a gift? Of course it’s a gift. 🎁
Answer
Possible, but expressive. It sounds like the speaker is emphasizing the obviousness.
F. 가: 그게 제안이에요? 나: 제안이다마다요.
[geu-ge je-a-ni-e-yo? je-a-ni-da-ma-da-yo]
Is that a suggestion? Of course it’s a suggestion. 💡
Answer
Possible, but stiff. For smoother speech, 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] is friendlier.
G. 가: 이게 보고서예요? 나: 보고서이다마다요.
[i-ge bo-go-seo-ye-yo? bo-go-seo-i-da-ma-da-yo]
Is this the report? Of course it’s the report. 📊
Answer
Possible, but marked. It sounds intentionally emphatic rather than plain.
H. 가: 이게 이메일이에요? 나: 이메일이다마다요.
[i-ge i-me-i-ri-e-yo? i-me-i-ri-da-ma-da-yo]
Is this the email? Of course it’s the email. 📧
Answer
Possible, but unusual as a default. Use 맞아요 [ma-ja-yo] for ordinary confirmation.
I. 가: 그게 약속이에요? 나: 약속이다마다요.
[geu-ge yak-so-gi-e-yo? yak-so-gi-da-ma-da-yo]
Is that a promise? Of course it’s a promise. 🤝
Answer
Possible, with drama. It stresses that the noun identity is obvious.
J. 가: 이게 회의예요? 나: 회의이다마다요.
[i-ge hoe-ui-ye-yo? hoe-ui-i-da-ma-da-yo]
Is this the meeting? Of course it’s the meeting. 🏢
Answer
Possible, but stiff. In daily speech, 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] or 맞아요 [ma-ja-yo] is usually smoother.
Vocabulary Box
- 학생 [hak-saeng] → student
- 전문가 [jeon-mun-ga] → expert
- 답 [dap] → answer
- 문제 [mun-je] → problem
- 선물 [seon-mul] → gift
- 제안 [je-an] → suggestion
- 보고서 [bo-go-seo] → report
- 이메일 [i-me-il] → email
- 약속 [yak-sok] → promise/appointment
- 회의 [hoe-ui] → meeting
- 이다 [i-da] → to be
- 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] → of course
- 맞아요 [ma-ja-yo] → that’s right
Tip 💡 Noun + 이다마다요 [i-da-ma-da-yo] exists, but often sounds stiffer than everyday alternatives.
Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️
A. ❌ 시간 있어도요. → ✅ 시간 있____.
[si-gan i-sseo-do-yo → si-gan it-____]
Fix it: “Of course I have time,” not “even if I have time.” ⏰
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — ✅ 시간 있다마다요. [si-gan it-da-ma-da-yo] means “Of course I have time.” -아/어도 [a/eo-do] is the “even if” family.
B. ❌ 답 알지언정요. → ✅ 답 알____.
[dap al-ji-eon-jeong-yo → dap al-____]
Fix it: “Of course I know the answer.” 🧠
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — ✅ 답 알다마다요. [dap al-da-ma-da-yo] is emphatic agreement. -(으)ㄹ지언정 [eu/l-ji-eon-jeong] belongs to “even if” concession.
C. ❌ 이 설명 맞다마다요 in a formal report → ✅ use 이 설명은 분명해요.
[i seol-myeong mat-ta-ma-da-yo → i seol-myeong-eun bun-myeong-hae-yo]
Fix the register: spoken grammar should not sneak into formal writing wearing sunglasses. 🕶️
Answer
이 설명은 분명해요 [i seol-myeong-eun bun-myeong-hae-yo] — “This explanation is clear.” -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] is mainly spoken.
D. 가: 그 의견에 동의해요? 나: 동의하____.
[geu ui-gyeo-ne dong-ui-hae-yo? dong-ui-ha-____]
Complete the strong agreement. 🤝
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — ✅ 동의하다마다요. [dong-ui-ha-da-ma-da-yo] = “Of course I agree.”
E. ❌ Using -다마다요 for every 네 → ✅ save it for strong confirmation.
[da-ma-da-yo / ne]
What is the problem? It can sound too emphatic. 🎚️
Answer
Use it selectively. 네 [ne] is simple “yes.” -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] is “Of course / absolutely.”
F. 가: 발표 준비됐어요? 나: 준비됐____.
[bal-pyo jun-bi-dwae-sseo-yo? jun-bi-dwaet-____]
Complete the past-tense reassurance. 🎤
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — ✅ 준비됐다마다요. [jun-bi-dwaet-da-ma-da-yo] = “Of course it’s ready.”
G. ❌ 학생이다마다요 as the default everyday answer → ✅ 그럼요.
[hak-saeng-i-da-ma-da-yo → geu-reom-yo]
Choose the smoother noun answer. 🎒
Answer
그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] — Noun + 이다마다요 [i-da-ma-da-yo] is possible, but often stiff.
H. 가: 이 문제 가능해요? 나: 가능하____.
[i mun-je ga-neung-hae-yo? ga-neung-ha-____]
Complete the confident answer. 🧩
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — ✅ 가능하다마다요. [ga-neung-ha-da-ma-da-yo] = “Of course it’s possible.”
I. ❌ 좋다마다요 = “although it is good” → ✅ 좋다마다요 = “of course it’s good.”
[jot-ta-ma-da-yo]
Fix the meaning. 🌟
Answer
Meaning check: 좋다마다요 [jot-ta-ma-da-yo] is affirmation, not contrast. It means “Of course it’s good.”
J. 가: 이 자료 충분해요? 나: 충분하____.
[i ja-ryo chung-bun-hae-yo? chung-bun-ha-____]
Complete: “Of course these materials are enough.” 📚
Answer
다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] — ✅ 충분하다마다요. [chung-bun-ha-da-ma-da-yo] strongly confirms sufficiency.
Vocabulary Box
- 시간 [si-gan] → time
- 답 [dap] → answer
- 설명 [seol-myeong] → explanation
- 의견 [ui-gyeon] → opinion
- 발표 [bal-pyo] → presentation
- 학생 [hak-saeng] → student
- 문제 [mun-je] → problem
- 자료 [ja-ryo] → materials
- 있다 [it-da] → to have / to exist
- 알다 [al-da] → to know
- 맞다 [mat-da] → to be right
- 분명하다 [bun-myeong-ha-da] → to be clear
- 동의하다 [dong-ui-ha-da] → to agree
- 준비되다 [jun-bi-doe-da] → to be ready
- 가능하다 [ga-neung-ha-da] → to be possible
- 좋다 [jot-da] → to be good
- 충분하다 [chung-bun-ha-da] → to be enough
- 네 [ne] → yes
- 그럼요 [geu-reom-yo] → of course
- -아/어도 [a/eo-do] → even if
- -(으)ㄹ지언정 [eu/l-ji-eon-jeong] → even though / even if
Tip 💡 Final patrol: -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] confirms; it does not concede.
🎉 You did it! -다마다요 [da-ma-da-yo] is now your emphatic “of course” button — press it when the answer is confidently, warmly, obviously yes. ✅