Inklingo

How to Say "the okay" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ok

/o-kei//oˈkei/

nounB1informal
Use 'ok' when you need to convey a general sense of approval, agreement, or permission, often in a slightly more informal but widely understood context.
A simplified traffic signal showing only the green light illuminated, symbolizing the 'go-ahead' or approval.

Examples

Necesito el ok del jefe para empezar el proyecto.

I need the boss's okay to start the project.

Cuando me des el ok, compro los boletos.

When you give me the okay, I'll buy the tickets.

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).

okey

/oh-kay//oˈkei/

nounB1informal
Use 'okey' similarly to 'ok', signifying approval or a green light, often employed when the English word 'okay' is being directly adapted.
A bright green traffic light glowing on a simple pole.

Examples

Solo estoy esperando el okey de mi jefe.

I'm just waiting for the okay from my boss.

Ya tenemos el okey para empezar la obra.

We already have the green light to start the construction.

Using 'Okey' as a Thing

When you use 'okey' as a noun (a person, place, or thing), it is always masculine. That's why we say 'el okey'.

Ok vs. Okey

The main confusion for learners is choosing between 'ok' and 'okey'. Both are informal nouns meaning approval. 'Ok' is generally more common and widely used in Spanish-speaking countries, while 'okey' is a direct adaptation of the English spelling and less frequent.

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