ok
/o-kei/
OK
'Ok' is often used as an interjection to express quick agreement or affirmation.
ok(Interjection)
OK
?Expressing agreement or understanding
,okay
?As an affirmation
alright
?Confirming something
📝 In Action
¿Vamos al cine? - ¡Ok!
A1Should we go to the movies? - OK!
Necesito que termines esto para mañana. - Ok, lo haré.
A2I need you to finish this by tomorrow. - Okay, I'll do it.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Universal Word
'Ok' is borrowed directly from English and is understood almost everywhere. It's perfect for quick, informal agreements, especially in text messages and casual chats.
As an adjective, 'ok' describes a state of being satisfactory or acceptable, such as describing one's well-being.
ok(Adjective)
okay
?Describing something as satisfactory
,alright
?Describing a person's well-being
fine
?In good condition
📝 In Action
¿Cómo estás? - Estoy ok.
A2How are you? - I'm okay.
La comida no era increíble, pero estaba ok.
B1The food wasn't incredible, but it was okay.
No te preocupes por el jarrón, está ok.
A2Don't worry about the vase, it's okay.
💡 Grammar Points
An Adjective That Never Changes
'Ok' is special because it's an adjective that always stays the same. It doesn't change for masculine, feminine, or plural. For example: 'El libro está ok' (The book is okay) and 'Las películas están ok' (The movies are okay).
When used as a noun, 'el ok' means 'the approval' or 'the go-ahead' needed to start a task.
ok(Noun)
the okay
?Approval or go-ahead
,approval
?Permission to proceed
green light
?Figurative permission
📝 In Action
Necesito el ok del jefe para empezar el proyecto.
B1I need the boss's okay to start the project.
Cuando me des el ok, compro los boletos.
B1When you give me the okay, I'll buy the tickets.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
When used as a thing (a noun) that you can give or get, 'ok' is treated as a masculine word. That's why you'll always see it with 'el' or 'un', like 'el ok' (the okay).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ok
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'ok' to mean 'approval' or 'permission'?
📚 More Resources
Word Origin
Borrowed directly from American English. Its origin is famously debated, but it's often thought to be an abbreviation of 'oll korrect,' a humorous misspelling of 'all correct' that was popular in the 1830s.
First recorded: Became widespread in Spanish in the 20th century due to global cultural influence, especially from movies and technology.
Cognates (Related words)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to use 'ok' or a Spanish word like 'vale' or 'está bien'?
In casual conversation, 'ok' is perfectly fine and understood by everyone. However, using native Spanish words like 'vale' (in Spain) or 'está bien' (in Latin America) can make you sound a bit more natural. In more formal writing or speaking, it's always better to use a Spanish alternative.
How do you pronounce 'ok' in Spanish?
Most people pronounce it just like in English: 'o-kei'. You might occasionally hear some people, especially older speakers, pronounce it as 'o-ka', sounding out the letters in Spanish.