모르겠습니다
When you're speaking Korean, especially in more formal or polite situations, you'll often need a polite way to say "I don't know." This is where 모르겠습니다 (moreu-get-seumnida) comes in handy.
You can use 모르겠습니다 when you genuinely don't have the information someone is asking for.
It's a polite and respectful phrase to use with people you don't know well, elders, or in professional settings.
The -겠습니다 ending makes it very polite, showing deference to the listener.
When you want to politely express that you don't know something in Korean, the most common phrase you'll hear and use is 모르겠습니다 (moreu-gess-seumnida). This is a very versatile and widely accepted polite form. You can use it in almost any formal or semi-formal situation where you need to state a lack of knowledge.
For example, if someone asks you a question you can't answer, simply saying "모르겠습니다." is perfectly appropriate. It directly translates to "I don't know." You might also hear a slightly less formal but still polite version, "몰라요 (mollayo)," which is common among peers or in less formal settings.
모르겠습니다 در ۳۰ ثانیه
- Use 모르겠습니다 when you don't know something in a polite situation.
- It's a formal polite expression, suitable for elders or superiors.
- Commonly heard in daily conversations and professional settings.
§ Understanding 모르겠습니다
When you're learning Korean, one of the first things you'll want to know how to say is "I don't know." It's a fundamental phrase that comes in handy in countless situations, from ordering food to asking for directions. In Korean, the most common and polite way to express "I don't know" is by saying 모르겠습니다 (mo-reu-get-sseum-ni-da).
Let's break down what 모르겠습니다 means and when you should use it. At its core, it's a polite and formal way to say that you lack knowledge or information about something. It's built from the verb 모르다 (mo-reu-da), which means "to not know." The -겠습니다 ending adds a sense of formality and politeness, making it appropriate for most situations where you're speaking with someone you don't know well, someone older than you, or in a formal setting.
- DEFINITION
- I don't know (polite).
Think of it as the Korean equivalent of saying "I am not aware" or "I do not have that information" in a polite English context. It's a versatile phrase that you'll use frequently as you navigate conversations in Korean.
§ When to Use 모르겠습니다
The beauty of 모르겠습니다 lies in its broad applicability. Here are some common scenarios where you'd reach for this phrase:
- When asked a question you genuinely don't know the answer to: This is the most straightforward use. Someone asks you something, and you simply don't have the information.
- When you're unsure about something: Maybe you have a vague idea but aren't confident enough to give a definitive answer. 모르겠습니다 allows you to express that uncertainty politely.
- When you need to politely decline something because you don't know how: For example, if someone asks you to do something you're not skilled at or don't understand, you can use this phrase.
- In formal or semi-formal settings: When speaking with strangers, older people, or in professional environments, 모르겠습니다 is the safest and most respectful choice.
Let's look at a few examples to solidify your understanding:
제가 어디로 가야 하는지 모르겠습니다.
I don't know where I should go.
이 질문에 대한 답을 모르겠습니다.
I don't know the answer to this question.
지금 몇 시인지 모르겠습니다.
I don't know what time it is right now.
You'll find that using 모르겠습니다 not only helps you communicate effectively but also shows your respect for the person you're speaking with. It's a small but significant part of Korean etiquette.
§ What if it's less formal?
While 모르겠습니다 is your go-to for polite situations, it's worth noting that there are less formal ways to say "I don't know" that you might encounter. For instance, you might hear 모르겠어요 (mo-reu-get-sseo-yo) in less formal but still polite contexts, or even 몰라 (mol-la) among close friends. However, as a learner, it's always best to start with the more polite forms to avoid any accidental impoliteness. 모르겠습니다 is your safest bet until you're more comfortable with the nuances of Korean speech levels.
Mastering 모르겠습니다 is a key step in becoming a more confident Korean speaker. It empowers you to handle situations where you lack information gracefully and politely. Practice using it in your daily Korean studies, and you'll soon find it rolling off your tongue naturally.
§ Understanding 모르겠습니다
The Korean phrase 모르겠습니다 (mo-reu-get-sseum-ni-da) is your go-to expression for saying "I don't know" in a polite and formal way. It's a fundamental phrase for A2 learners because it allows you to communicate a common sentiment without being rude. You'll hear and use this often in various situations, from asking for directions to answering questions in a classroom setting.
- DEFINITION
- I don't know (polite).
§ Breaking Down the Phrase
Let's look at the components of 모르겠습니다:
- 모르다 (mo-reu-da): This is the base verb meaning "to not know."
- -겠- (-get-): This is a future or intention suffix. In this context, it often expresses uncertainty or a polite refusal/inability. Think of it as a softer way of saying you don't know, rather than a definitive statement.
- -습니다 (-sseum-ni-da): This is the formal polite ending for verbs. It's used in respectful and formal situations.
§ How to Use It in a Sentence
모르겠습니다 is quite versatile. You can use it as a standalone response or within a longer sentence. Here's how it generally works:
When asked a question:
이름이 뭐예요? (What's your name?)
모르겠습니다. (I don't know.)
While this example is grammatically correct, in most social situations, you'd know your own name! This is just to show the direct response. More practically:
이 기차가 부산에 가나요? (Does this train go to Busan?)
모르겠습니다. (I don't know.)
You can also combine it with other phrases, often to explain *what* you don't know. You usually connect the thing you don't know using a clause ending in -는지 (-neun-ji) or -은지/는지 (-eun-ji/neun-ji).
그 사람이 어디 사는지 모르겠습니다. (I don't know where that person lives.)
Here, 어디 사는지 (eo-di sa-neun-ji) means "where (they) live." The -는지 ending is used for verbs to create an embedded question or clause, which is then followed by 모르겠습니다.
이게 무슨 뜻인지 모르겠습니다. (I don't know what this means.)
무슨 뜻인지 (mu-seun tteu-sin-ji) means "what it means." Again, the -인지 ending (for nouns or descriptive verbs) connects it to 모르겠습니다.
§ Important Nuances
While 모르겠습니다 is polite, it can sometimes sound a bit direct if used repeatedly or without further explanation. If you want to soften it even more, especially when you feel bad about not knowing, you can add a small apology:
죄송합니다, 모르겠습니다. (Sorry, I don't know.)
죄송합니다 (joe-song-hap-ni-da) means "I am sorry." This adds an extra layer of politeness and understanding, which is highly valued in Korean culture.
Also, be aware that while 모르겠습니다 is formal, there are less formal ways to say "I don't know" that you'll learn later, such as 몰라요 (mol-la-yo) for polite informal situations. For now, stick with 모르겠습니다 in formal settings or with people you don't know well.
چقدر رسمی است؟
"죄송합니다만, 그 질문에 대한 답변은 저도 모르겠습니다. (I am sorry, but I also do not know the answer to that question.)"
"음, 저도 잘 모르겠어요. (Hmm, I don't really know either.)"
"야, 그거 뭔지 나도 몰라. (Hey, I don't know what that is either.)"
"엄마, 이거 뭐야? 나도 몰라요. (Mommy, what is this? I don't know either.)"
"야, 그거 모름. (Hey, I don't know that.)"
نکته جالب
The '-겠습니다' ending is a common polite and formal suffix in Korean, often indicating future tense or a polite statement of intent or state.
سطح دشواری
short
short
short
short
بعداً چه یاد بگیریم؟
پیشنیازها
بعداً یاد بگیرید
پیشرفته
گرامر لازم
The verb 모르다 (to not know) is conjugated to 모르겠습니다 for a polite, formal statement.
저는 한국어를 모르겠습니다. (I don't know Korean.)
The ~ㅂ니다/습니다 ending is a formal declarative ending used in situations requiring politeness, like talking to strangers or in professional settings.
이것이 무엇입니까? (What is this? - formal question) - 모르겠습니다. (I don't know. - formal answer)
The word 모르겠습니다 can be used as a standalone interjection when asked a question you don't know the answer to.
점심 뭐 먹을까요? (What should we eat for lunch?) - 모르겠습니다. (I don't know.)
When you want to be less formal, you can use 몰라요 (I don't know - polite informal) or 몰라 (I don't know - informal).
이 영화 봤어? (Have you seen this movie?) - 몰라. (I don't know.)
You can add the topic particle ~은/는 to specify what you don't know, for example, 저는 모르겠습니다 (As for me, I don't know).
그 질문에 대해 저는 모르겠습니다. (Regarding that question, I don't know.)
مثالها بر اساس سطح
죄송하지만, 그 질문에 대한 답은 모르겠습니다.
I'm sorry, but I don't know the answer to that question.
This is a polite way to say you don't know something, often used in formal or semi-formal situations.
길을 잃었어요. 여기가 어디인지 모르겠습니다.
I'm lost. I don't know where this is.
It can be used when you genuinely lack information.
저도 그 소식은 처음 듣는 거라 정확히는 모르겠습니다.
This is the first I'm hearing of that news too, so I don't know exactly.
Adding '정확히는' (exactly) can soften the statement further.
이번 주말에 비가 올지 안 올지는 아직 모르겠습니다.
I don't know yet if it will rain this weekend or not.
It's common to use '아직' (yet) when the information is simply not available at the moment.
제가 담당자가 아니라서 자세한 내용은 모르겠습니다.
I'm not the person in charge, so I don't know the detailed information.
This explains why you don't have the information.
그분이 왜 화가 나셨는지 저도 모르겠습니다.
I don't know why that person got angry either.
Adding '저도' (I also/either) implies that you are in the same situation as someone else regarding not knowing.
그 식당이 몇 시에 문을 닫는지는 모르겠습니다.
I don't know what time that restaurant closes.
This is a direct and polite way to state a lack of knowledge about a specific detail.
이 문제에 대한 해결책은 아직 모르겠습니다만, 찾아보겠습니다.
I don't know the solution to this problem yet, but I will look into it.
This shows a polite acknowledgment of not knowing, followed by an intention to find out.
죄송하지만, 그 질문에 대한 답은 저도 모르겠습니다.
I'm sorry, but I don't know the answer to that question either.
Used when directly stating you don't know the answer to a question.
이 문제의 해결책이 무엇인지 아직은 모르겠습니다.
I still don't know what the solution to this problem is.
Expresses uncertainty about a solution to a problem.
그가 왜 그런 결정을 내렸는지 솔직히 저도 모르겠습니다.
Honestly, I don't know why he made that decision.
Conveys personal lack of understanding regarding someone's actions.
다음 주 회의 일정이 어떻게 되는지 아직 전달받지 못해서 모르겠습니다.
I haven't been informed about next week's meeting schedule yet, so I don't know.
Indicates not knowing due to lack of information received.
이 복잡한 시스템이 어떻게 작동하는지 완전히 이해하기는 어렵고, 자세한 부분은 저도 모르겠습니다.
It's difficult to fully understand how this complex system works, and I don't know the detailed parts.
Used when admitting a lack of knowledge about intricate details.
그 프로젝트의 최종 마감일이 변경되었는지 여부는 현재로서는 저도 모르겠습니다.
Whether the final deadline for that project has changed or not, I don't know at present.
Expresses current uncertainty about a change in schedule.
그 두 회사의 합병이 우리 회사에 어떤 영향을 미칠지는 아직 아무도 모르겠습니다.
No one knows yet what impact the merger of those two companies will have on our company.
A broader statement indicating general uncertainty about future effects.
그녀가 갑자기 왜 그렇게 화를 냈는지, 저는 도무지 모르겠습니다.
Why she suddenly got so angry, I simply don't know.
Emphasizes a complete lack of understanding about a sudden emotional reaction.
이 문제에 대해서는 제가 아는 바가 없어서 모르겠습니다만, 관련 전문가에게 문의해보시는 게 좋을 것 같습니다.
Regarding this issue, I don't know much about it, but it might be good to consult a relevant expert.
Verb + -(으)면: If...
그 프로젝트의 최종 목표가 무엇인지 명확하게 설명해주지 않으셔서 저로서는 아직 모르겠습니다.
Since you haven't clearly explained the final goal of that project, I still don't know.
Verb + -아/어/여서: Because...
회의록을 아무리 찾아봐도 그 안건에 대한 결론은 나와 있지 않아서 저도 지금은 모르겠습니다.
No matter how much I search the meeting minutes, the conclusion for that agenda item isn't there, so I don't know right now either.
아무리 + Verb + -아/어/여도: No matter how...
팀원들 간의 의견 조율이 아직 끝나지 않아 최종 결정이 어떻게 될지는 저도 솔직히 모르겠습니다.
The coordination of opinions among team members hasn't finished yet, so I honestly don't know what the final decision will be.
Verb + -지 않다: Not to do...
예상치 못한 변수가 발생해서 현재로서는 계획대로 진행될 수 있을지 없을지 모르겠습니다.
An unexpected variable occurred, so currently, I don't know if it can proceed as planned or not.
Verb + -(으)ㄹ지 모르겠다: Don't know if...
그 문제의 본질적인 원인이 무엇인지 깊이 탐구해보지 않아서 아직 정확하게 모르겠습니다.
I haven't deeply explored the fundamental cause of that problem, so I don't know exactly yet.
Verb + -아/어/여 보다: To try to do...
여러 전문가의 견해가 상충되어서 어느 쪽이 맞는지는 저로서는 판단하기가 어렵고 모르겠습니다.
The opinions of various experts conflict, so it's difficult for me to judge which side is right, and I don't know.
Verb + -기 어렵다: To be difficult to do...
제가 담당하는 분야가 아니라서 그 질문에 대한 답변은 죄송하지만 모르겠습니다.
It's not my area of responsibility, so I'm sorry, but I don't know the answer to that question.
Noun + -(이)라서: Because it is (a noun)...
ترکیبهای رایج
عبارات رایج
질문이 있는데, 모르겠습니다.
I have a question, but I don't know (the answer).
이게 맞는지 모르겠습니다.
I don't know if this is correct.
도움이 필요하지만, 무엇을 해야 할지 모르겠습니다.
I need help, but I don't know what to do.
그 소식은 저도 모르겠습니다.
I don't know about that news either.
죄송합니다, 모르겠습니다.
I'm sorry, I don't know.
글쎄요, 저도 잘 모르겠습니다.
Well, I don't really know either.
혹시 아세요? 저는 모르겠습니다.
Do you happen to know? I don't know.
아직 답을 모르겠습니다.
I don't know the answer yet.
이 문제에 대해서는 모르겠습니다.
I don't know about this problem.
확실히 모르겠습니다.
I'm not sure (I don't know for sure).
الگوهای دستوری
الگوهای جملهسازی
죄송합니다, 모르겠습니다.
Sorry, I don't know.
이것은 제가 모르겠습니다.
I don't know about this (thing).
질문에 답을 모르겠습니다.
I don't know the answer to the question.
어디에 있는지 모르겠습니다.
I don't know where it is.
이름을 모르겠습니다.
I don't know the name.
어떻게 하는지 모르겠습니다.
I don't know how to do it.
솔직히 말씀드리면, 저도 모르겠습니다.
To be honest, I don't know either.
아직 잘 모르겠습니다.
I still don't quite know.
نحوه استفاده
모르겠습니다 (moleugesseumnida) is a common and polite way to say "I don't know" in Korean. It's suitable for most situations, especially when speaking to people you don't know well, elders, or those in positions of authority. It's often used with a slight upward intonation at the end to make it sound even more polite and less abrupt.
A common mistake is to use the less formal "몰라요" (mollayo) or "몰라" (molla) in situations where 모르겠습니다 is more appropriate. While "몰라요" is still polite, 모르겠습니다 carries a higher level of politeness and can be a safer choice in formal or unfamiliar settings. Another mistake is to translate it too literally. While it means "I don't know," it can sometimes imply "I'm not sure" or "I don't understand," depending on the context. Always consider the situation when choosing your words.
نکات
Basic Usage of 모르겠습니다
Use 모르겠습니다 when you want to say 'I don't know' in a polite and standard way. It's suitable for most situations, especially with people you don't know well or those older than you.
Politeness Levels in Korean
Korean language has different politeness levels. 모르겠습니다 uses the 습니다/ㅂ니다 formal polite ending, which is one of the most common and respectful forms.
Grammar Breakdown
The word comes from the verb 모르다 (to not know), combined with the 습니다/ㅂ니다 ending for polite declarative statements.
Pronunciation Practice
Pay attention to the '겠' part, which is pronounced like 'get' but with a softer 't' sound. The final 습니다 is pronounced 'seumnida'. Practice saying it aloud: 'Mo-reu-get-seum-ni-da'.
Contextual Use
You can use 모르겠습니다 when asked a question you don't have the answer to. For example, '이게 뭐예요?' (What is this?) -> '모르겠습니다.' (I don't know.)
Informal Alternatives
Avoid using 몰라 (informal) or 모르겠어 (casual polite) in formal settings or with strangers. Stick to 모르겠습니다 to be safe.
Adding '잘' for Emphasis
You can add 잘 (well) before 모르겠습니다 to say 'I don't know well' or 'I'm not sure.' For example, '잘 모르겠습니다.' This implies a lack of complete knowledge.
Responding to Questions
When someone asks you a question directly, 모르겠습니다 is a complete and polite answer on its own. You don't always need to add more words.
Understanding '겠'
The 겠 in 모르겠습니다 can indicate a speaker's intention or conjecture. In this context, it softens the statement, making 'I don't know' sound less abrupt and more like 'I don't seem to know' or 'I wouldn't know'.
Common Mispronunciations
New learners sometimes drop the final '습니다' sound. Remember to articulate the entire ending for proper politeness and clarity. It's not '모르겠' but '모르겠습니다'.
حفظ کنید
روش یادسپاری
Imagine you're trying to find your '모(mo)'m and you '르(reu)'n out of ideas. You'd say, '모르겠습니다!' because you don't know where she is.
تداعی تصویری
Picture a confused person shrugging their shoulders, with a big question mark above their head and the words '모르겠습니다' floating around them.
شبکه واژگان
چالش
Try to use 모르겠습니다 in a real conversation this week. If someone asks you something you don't know the answer to, politely say '모르겠습니다.' Don't be afraid to use it!
ریشه کلمه
Korean
معنای اصلی: To not know
Koreanicبافت فرهنگی
In Korean culture, direct 'no' or 'I don't know' can sometimes be perceived as abrupt. '모르겠습니다' is a polite and common way to express a lack of knowledge, especially in formal settings or with people older than you or in a higher social position. It conveys respect while being clear about your understanding.
خودت رو بسنج 84 سوال
Which phrase means 'I don't know' in a polite way?
모르겠습니다 (mo-reu-get-sseum-ni-da) is the polite way to say 'I don't know.'
Someone asks, '이게 뭐예요?' (What is this?). You don't know the answer. What do you say?
When you don't know something, you use 모르겠습니다.
Which of these is NOT a polite way to answer 'I don't know'?
몰라 (mol-la) is an informal way to say 'I don't know,' which is not polite. 모르겠습니다 (mo-reu-get-sseum-ni-da), 몰라요 (mol-la-yo), and 모르겠어요 (mo-reu-get-sseo-yo) are all polite or semi-polite forms.
모르겠습니다 is a polite way to say 'I don't know'.
Yes, 모르겠습니다 is a formal and polite expression for 'I don't know'.
You can use 모르겠습니다 with your close friends.
While grammatically correct, 모르겠습니다 is quite formal. With close friends, you would typically use a less formal expression like 몰라 (mol-la) or 몰라요 (mol-la-yo).
If someone asks you a question you don't understand, you can say 모르겠습니다.
Yes, if you don't understand the question or don't know the answer, 모르겠습니다 is an appropriate polite response.
Which of these is the most polite way to say "I don't know" in Korean?
모르겠습니다 is the most formal and polite form among the options.
When would you most likely use "모르겠습니다"?
모르겠습니다 is a polite expression, suitable for formal situations or when speaking to someone of higher status or someone you don't know well.
Which of the following phrases has a similar meaning to "모르겠습니다"?
잘 모르겠습니다 is a slightly softer and more nuanced way of saying 'I don't know', but still conveys the same core meaning.
"모르겠습니다" can be used in casual conversations with close friends.
모르겠습니다 is a polite and formal expression. For casual conversations with close friends, you would use 몰라 (molla) or 모르겠어 (moreugesseo).
If someone asks you a question you don't know the answer to, responding with "모르겠습니다" is an appropriate and polite reply.
Yes, 모르겠습니다 is the standard polite way to express 'I don't know' in Korean.
The word "모르겠습니다" can be broken down into "모르다" (to not know) and a polite ending.
Yes, '모르다' is the base verb 'to not know', and '-겠습니다' is a formal and polite ending used for statements of intention or polite declarations.
Listen for the polite way to say 'I don't know.'
Listen for the sentence 'I don't know that.'
Listen for 'Sorry, I don't know.'
این را بلند بخوانید:
모르겠습니다.
تمرکز: 모르겠습니다 (mo-reu-get-sseum-ni-da)
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
این را بلند بخوانید:
저는 대답을 모르겠습니다.
تمرکز: 대답을 (dae-da-beul)
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
این را بلند بخوانید:
이 질문에 대해 모르겠습니다.
تمرکز: 질문 (jil-mun)
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
Imagine you are at a Korean market and someone asks you a question in Korean that you don't understand. How would you politely say 'I don't know'?
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
죄송합니다, 모르겠습니다.
Your friend asks if you know the way to a new cafe, but you genuinely don't. How do you respond in a polite Korean phrase meaning 'I don't know'?
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
음... 죄송하지만, 저도 모르겠습니다.
Someone asks you for the time, but your phone battery is dead and you don't have a watch. How do you politely convey 'I don't know' in Korean?
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
죄송합니다, 시간을 모르겠습니다.
Why did B say '모르겠습니다'?
این متن را بخوانید:
A: 저기요, 이 근처에 좋은 식당이 어디예요? (Excuse me, where is a good restaurant near here?) B: 음... 죄송합니다, 모르겠습니다. (Hmm... Sorry, I don't know.) C: 제가 도와드릴까요? (Can I help you?)
Why did B say '모르겠습니다'?
B said '모르겠습니다' which means 'I don't know', indicating they don't have information about a good restaurant.
B said '모르겠습니다' which means 'I don't know', indicating they don't have information about a good restaurant.
What does B need to do to find out the weather?
این متن را بخوانید:
A: 내일 날씨가 어떨까요? (What will the weather be like tomorrow?) B: 글쎄요, 모르겠습니다. 일기예보를 봐야겠어요. (Well, I don't know. I should check the weather forecast.)
What does B need to do to find out the weather?
B explicitly states '일기예보를 봐야겠어요' which means 'I should check the weather forecast'.
B explicitly states '일기예보를 봐야겠어요' which means 'I should check the weather forecast'.
What is the relationship between A and B based on their conversation?
این متن را بخوانید:
A: 이 단어의 뜻이 뭐예요? (What does this word mean?) B: 죄송하지만, 저도 모르겠습니다. (I'm sorry, but I don't know either.)
What is the relationship between A and B based on their conversation?
B says '저도 모르겠습니다' which translates to 'I don't know either', indicating shared uncertainty.
B says '저도 모르겠습니다' which translates to 'I don't know either', indicating shared uncertainty.
저는 그 영화를 보지 않아서 내용이 어떻게 되는지 ____.
The sentence indicates not knowing the movie's content because it hasn't been watched. '모르겠습니다' (I don't know) fits perfectly.
질문에 답하기가 어려워서 뭐라고 말해야 할지 ____.
The speaker finds it hard to answer, so they 'don't know' what to say. '모르겠습니다' is the correct choice.
이 단어의 정확한 의미를 ____. 사전을 찾아봐야겠어요.
The speaker needs to look up the dictionary because they 'don't know' the exact meaning of the word.
길을 잃어서 여기가 어디인지 ____.
Being lost means the speaker 'doesn't know' where they are. '모르겠습니다' is appropriate.
시험 범위가 너무 넓어서 어디서부터 공부해야 할지 ____.
With a wide test scope, the speaker 'doesn't know' where to start studying. '모르겠습니다' expresses this uncertainty.
친구가 왜 화가 났는지 도통 ____.
If the speaker 'doesn't know' why their friend is angry, '모르겠습니다' is the natural fit.
Which of these is the most polite way to say 'I don't know'?
'모르겠습니다' is the most formal and polite form among the options.
You are asked a question by a senior colleague. How should you respond if you don't know the answer?
When speaking to a senior colleague, it's important to use the most polite and formal language, which is '모르겠습니다'. '잘 모르겠어요' is polite but less formal.
Which sentence correctly uses '모르겠습니다'?
In Korean, the common sentence structure is Subject-Object-Verb. '저는' (I) is the subject, '답을' (answer) is the object, and '모르겠습니다' (don't know) is the verb.
'모르겠습니다' can be used informally among close friends.
'모르겠습니다' is a highly formal and polite expression. For informal situations with close friends, you would use '몰라' or '모르겠어'.
If someone asks you for directions and you don't know the way, saying '모르겠습니다' is an appropriate response.
'모르겠습니다' is a polite way to indicate you don't know the answer, suitable for interactions with strangers.
Using '모르겠습니다' always implies a lack of knowledge, not a refusal to answer.
'모르겠습니다' specifically means 'I don't know'. It doesn't inherently imply a refusal, although context can sometimes add nuance. However, its primary meaning is a lack of knowledge.
Imagine you're at a Korean restaurant and the waiter asks for your order, but you haven't decided yet. How would you politely express that you don't know what to order?
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
죄송합니다. 아직 무엇을 먹을지 모르겠습니다. 조금 더 시간을 주시겠어요? (Sorry. I still don't know what to eat. Could you give me a little more time?)
You are studying with a friend and they ask you a question about a grammar point you haven't learned yet. How would you tell them you don't know the answer politely?
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
음, 죄송하지만 그 부분은 아직 모르겠습니다. 다음에 같이 찾아볼까요? (Hmm, I'm sorry, but I don't know that part yet. Shall we look it up together next time?)
A Korean friend asks you if you know the way to a specific place, but you're not familiar with that area. How would you politely say you don't know the way?
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
죄송합니다. 그 길은 제가 모르겠습니다. 다른 분에게 물어보는 게 좋겠어요. (I'm sorry. I don't know that way. It would be better to ask someone else.)
What does B's response mean?
این متن را بخوانید:
A: 이 문제의 답이 뭐예요? (What's the answer to this problem?) B: 죄송합니다. 잘 모르겠습니다. (Sorry. I don't know well.) A: 그럼 다른 문제로 넘어갈까요? (Then, shall we move on to another problem?)
What does B's response mean?
The phrase '잘 모르겠습니다' (jal moreugesseumnida) directly translates to 'I don't know well' or 'I'm not sure,' indicating a lack of knowledge.
The phrase '잘 모르겠습니다' (jal moreugesseumnida) directly translates to 'I don't know well' or 'I'm not sure,' indicating a lack of knowledge.
Why did the speaker say '무슨 내용인지 잘 모르겠어'?
این متن را بخوانید:
친구: 어제 본 영화 어땠어? (Friend: How was the movie we watched yesterday?) 나: 음... 솔직히 말하면 무슨 내용인지 잘 모르겠어. (Me: Hmm... honestly, I don't really know what it was about.) 친구: 나도! 너무 어려웠지? (Friend: Me too! It was too difficult, right?)
Why did the speaker say '무슨 내용인지 잘 모르겠어'?
The speaker's follow-up statement about the movie being '어려웠지?' (was difficult, right?) clarifies that their '모르겠어' comes from confusion about the content, not dislike or forgetfulness.
The speaker's follow-up statement about the movie being '어려웠지?' (was difficult, right?) clarifies that their '모르겠어' comes from confusion about the content, not dislike or forgetfulness.
Why does the clerk say '잘 모르겠습니다'?
این متن را بخوانید:
손님: 이 근처에 좋은 식당이 어디 있어요? (Customer: Where is a good restaurant near here?) 점원: 죄송합니다만, 이 동네는 저도 처음이라서 잘 모르겠습니다. (Clerk: I'm sorry, but this is my first time in this neighborhood, so I don't know well.) 손님: 아, 그렇군요. (Customer: Ah, I see.)
Why does the clerk say '잘 모르겠습니다'?
The clerk explicitly states '이 동네는 저도 처음이라서' (this is my first time in this neighborhood), which directly explains why they don't know about local restaurants.
The clerk explicitly states '이 동네는 저도 처음이라서' (this is my first time in this neighborhood), which directly explains why they don't know about local restaurants.
This sentence means 'I don't know the answer to this problem.' '이' means 'this', '문제의' means 'of the problem', '정답을' means 'the answer', and '모르겠습니다' means 'I don't know'.
This sentence means 'I don't know where to go.' '어디로' means 'where to', '가야 할지' means 'should go', and '모르겠습니다' means 'I don't know'.
This sentence means 'I don't know what I should do.' '제가' means 'I (polite)', '무엇을' means 'what', '해야 할지' means 'should do', and '모르겠습니다' means 'I don't know'.
Listen for the polite way to say 'I don't know' when you need to apologize.
Listen for the phrase indicating uncertainty and an offer to find out.
Listen for the expression of honesty before admitting lack of knowledge.
این را بلند بخوانید:
어떻게 하는지 모르겠습니다만, 도와드릴 수 있을까요?
تمرکز: 모르겠습니다만
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
این را بلند بخوانید:
무엇을 선택해야 할지 모르겠습니다. 추천해주실 수 있나요?
تمرکز: 모르겠습니다
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
این را بلند بخوانید:
그 단어의 뜻은 모르겠습니다만, 문맥상 이해가 됩니다.
تمرکز: 모르겠습니다만
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
You are at a job interview and the interviewer asks you a question you don't know the answer to. How would you politely express that you don't know, and perhaps ask for clarification or more information?
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
죄송합니다만, 그 질문에 대해서는 잘 모르겠습니다. 혹시 좀 더 자세히 설명해주실 수 있으실까요?
Imagine you are in a meeting and a colleague uses a technical term you are unfamiliar with. Write how you would politely admit you don't know the term and ask for its meaning.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
죄송하지만, 그 용어는 제가 잘 모르겠습니다. 혹시 무슨 뜻인지 알려주실 수 있으세요?
You are helping a friend with their homework, and they ask you a question about a topic you haven't studied. How would you tell them you don't know, while still offering to help them find the answer?
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
미안, 그 부분은 나도 잘 모르겠어. 하지만 같이 찾아볼 수는 있을 것 같아. 도와줄게.
B는 왜 다음 단계에 대해 정확히 대답하지 못했나요?
این متن را بخوانید:
A: 이 프로젝트의 다음 단계는 무엇인가요? B: 음... 죄송합니다만, 아직 정확히 모르겠습니다. 저희 팀 내부적으로 논의 후 다시 말씀드리겠습니다. A: 알겠습니다. 그럼 다음 주까지는 알려주실 수 있나요? B: 네, 최선을 다하겠습니다.
B는 왜 다음 단계에 대해 정확히 대답하지 못했나요?
B는 '저희 팀 내부적으로 논의 후 다시 말씀드리겠습니다'라고 말하며, 아직 내부 논의가 끝나지 않았음을 나타냅니다.
B는 '저희 팀 내부적으로 논의 후 다시 말씀드리겠습니다'라고 말하며, 아직 내부 논의가 끝나지 않았음을 나타냅니다.
직원이 손님에게 무엇을 제안했나요?
این متن را بخوانید:
손님: 이 제품의 사용법을 좀 더 자세히 설명해주실 수 있나요? 직원: 죄송합니다만, 저도 이 제품에 대한 모든 기능을 정확히 모르겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려주시면 담당 직원을 불러드리겠습니다. 손님: 네, 알겠습니다.
직원이 손님에게 무엇을 제안했나요?
직원은 '잠시만 기다려주시면 담당 직원을 불러드리겠습니다'라고 말하며, 담당 직원을 부르겠다고 제안했습니다.
직원은 '잠시만 기다려주시면 담당 직원을 불러드리겠습니다'라고 말하며, 담당 직원을 부르겠다고 제안했습니다.
지원자는 자신의 최종 목표에 대해 어떻게 답했나요?
این متن را بخوانید:
면접관: 우리 회사에 지원한 특별한 동기가 있습니까? 지원자: 솔직히 말씀드리면, 아직 저의 최종 목표가 무엇인지는 모르겠습니다. 하지만 이 회사에서 많은 것을 배우고 성장하고 싶습니다. 면접관: 솔직한 답변 감사합니다.
지원자는 자신의 최종 목표에 대해 어떻게 답했나요?
지원자는 '아직 저의 최종 목표가 무엇인지는 모르겠습니다'라고 솔직하게 답했습니다.
지원자는 '아직 저의 최종 목표가 무엇인지는 모르겠습니다'라고 솔직하게 답했습니다.
그 프로젝트의 복잡성 때문에, 마감일을 맞출 수 있을지 솔직히 ____.
문맥상 '마감일을 맞출 수 있을지 알지 못한다'는 의미가 자연스러우므로 '모르겠습니다'가 적절합니다.
최신 과학 기술의 발전 속도는 너무 빨라서, 앞으로 어떤 변화가 올지 아무도 정확히 ____.
미래의 변화를 알지 못한다는 의미로 '모르겠습니다'가 가장 적합합니다.
인공지능이 인간의 감정을 얼마나 이해할 수 있을지는 아직 ____.
인공지능의 감정 이해 여부가 아직 불분명하다는 의미이므로 '모르겠습니다'가 맞습니다.
이 복잡한 문제를 해결하기 위한 최선의 방법은 무엇인지, 저도 솔직히 ____.
최선의 방법을 알지 못한다는 의미로 '모르겠습니다'가 자연스럽습니다.
그 회사의 갑작스러운 파산 원인에 대해서는 아직 공식적인 발표가 없어 저도 자세히 ____.
공식 발표가 없어 원인을 알지 못한다는 문맥이므로 '모르겠습니다'가 적절합니다.
이번 새로운 정책이 경제에 어떤 영향을 미칠지는 전문가들도 의견이 분분해서 정확히 ____.
전문가들의 의견이 분분하여 정확한 영향을 알 수 없다는 의미이므로 '모르겠습니다'가 맞습니다.
Listen to the speaker's tone and respond appropriately.
The speaker is asking for information about a deadline.
The speaker is asking for an opinion on a complex matter.
این را بلند بخوانید:
이 복잡한 상황에 대해 뭐라고 말해야 할지 모르겠습니다. (I don't know what to say about this complex situation.)
تمرکز: 모르겠습니다
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
این را بلند بخوانید:
저도 그 부분에 대해서는 정확히 모르겠습니다만, 찾아보겠습니다. (I don't know exactly about that part either, but I will look into it.)
تمرکز: 모르겠습니다만
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
این را بلند بخوانید:
솔직히 말씀드리면, 그 결정에 대한 배경은 저도 모르겠습니다. (Honestly speaking, I don't know the background of that decision either.)
تمرکز: 모르겠습니다
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
저는 그 복잡한 수학 문제의 해답을 정말 _____. 아무리 생각해도 답이 나오지 않아요.
문맥상 '답이 나오지 않는다'는 것은 모른다는 의미이므로 '모르겠습니다'가 적절합니다.
이번 프로젝트의 최종 목표가 명확하지 않아서, 팀원들 모두가 어떻게 진행해야 할지 _____. 재설정이 필요해요.
프로젝트 목표가 명확하지 않아 진행 방법을 모른다는 문맥이므로 '모르겠습니다'가 맞습니다.
그는 갑작스러운 질문에 당황하며, 어떻게 대답해야 할지 한동안 _____ 듯 보였다.
갑작스러운 질문에 당황하여 대답을 모른다는 뜻이므로, '모르겠다는'이 가장 적절합니다.
고대 문헌에 적힌 수수께끼 같은 암호를 아무리 풀어보려 해도, 그 의미를 도통 _____.
수수께끼 같은 암호의 의미를 풀 수 없다는 것은 모른다는 뜻이므로 '모르겠습니다'가 적합합니다.
미래의 기술이 어떻게 발전할지 정확히 예측하기란 거의 불가능하며, 사실상 아무도 _____.
미래 기술 발전을 예측하는 것이 불가능하다는 문맥이므로 '아무도 모른다'는 뜻의 '모르겠습니다'가 자연스럽습니다.
그 예술가의 난해한 작품 세계는 비평가들조차 해석하기 어려워, 많은 이들이 그 본질을 _____ 표현하곤 합니다.
예술 작품의 난해함 때문에 본질을 이해하기 어렵다는 맥락이므로 '모르겠습니다'가 가장 적절합니다.
This sentence correctly orders the words to mean 'I still don't know the solution to this problem.' The structure follows subject-object-verb.
This sentence means 'I really don't know why she said that.' The word order emphasizes the unknown reason.
This sentence translates to 'I don't know exactly what the next step is.' It correctly places '정확히' (exactly) before '모르겠습니다' (I don't know).
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Summary
모르겠습니다 is your go-to phrase for politely saying 'I don't know' in formal Korean contexts.
- Use 모르겠습니다 when you don't know something in a polite situation.
- It's a formal polite expression, suitable for elders or superiors.
- Commonly heard in daily conversations and professional settings.
Basic Usage of 모르겠습니다
Use 모르겠습니다 when you want to say 'I don't know' in a polite and standard way. It's suitable for most situations, especially with people you don't know well or those older than you.
Politeness Levels in Korean
Korean language has different politeness levels. 모르겠습니다 uses the 습니다/ㅂ니다 formal polite ending, which is one of the most common and respectful forms.
Grammar Breakdown
The word comes from the verb 모르다 (to not know), combined with the 습니다/ㅂ니다 ending for polite declarative statements.
Pronunciation Practice
Pay attention to the '겠' part, which is pronounced like 'get' but with a softer 't' sound. The final 습니다 is pronounced 'seumnida'. Practice saying it aloud: 'Mo-reu-get-seum-ni-da'.
محتوای مرتبط
عبارات مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر communication
~대해서
A2About; a particle indicating the subject of discussion.
~ 에 대해
A2About; concerning; regarding.
~쯤
A2About; approximately (quantity, time)
동의
B1The act of agreeing with someone's opinion or a proposal. A core functional word for IELTS Writing Task 2 'agree or disagree' questions.
모호성
B2The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness or lack of clarity.
그리고
A1And/and then
공지
A2A formal announcement or notification.
답하다
A1To answer
대답하다
A1To answer
대답
A1Answer; Reply (response to a question)
