Signification
Expressing uncertainty about a particular fact or situation.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Kibun' (mood/feeling) is central. Using '~인지 모르겠어요' helps maintain the 'Kibun' of the listener by not being too assertive. In Korean companies, subordinates often use this phrase to suggest an alternative idea without directly contradicting their boss. On platforms like Instagram or Twitter, Koreans often use '...인지 모르겠네' as a caption for photos where they feel awkward or unsure about their appearance. It is culturally expected to downplay the value of a gift. Saying you don't know if they will like it is a sign of respect.
The 'Well' Factor
Always add '잘' (well) before '모르겠어요' to sound 100% more like a native speaker. '잘 모르겠어요' is the most common way to say 'I'm not sure'.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use the full '~인지 모르겠어요' with close friends, they might think you are being distant or acting like a stranger.
Signification
Expressing uncertainty about a particular fact or situation.
The 'Well' Factor
Always add '잘' (well) before '모르겠어요' to sound 100% more like a native speaker. '잘 모르겠어요' is the most common way to say 'I'm not sure'.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use the full '~인지 모르겠어요' with close friends, they might think you are being distant or acting like a stranger.
The 'Whether or Not' Hack
To say 'whether or not', repeat the verb in negative: '갈지 안 갈지 모르겠어요' (I don't know if I'll go or not).
Humility is Key
When someone praises you, you can say '제가 잘하고 있는지 모르겠어요' (I don't know if I'm doing well) to show humility.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb/adjective.
그 사람이 어디에 (살다) ________ 모르겠어요.
For present tense verbs, we use -는지. Since '살다' is an 'ㄹ' irregular verb, the 'ㄹ' drops before 'ㄴ'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to say 'I don't know if it's expensive'?
Choose the best option:
'모르겠어요' is the standard polite form for conversation. '모릅니다' is very formal, and '몰라' is informal.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 이 옷 어때요? 나: 글쎄요, 손님한테 (어울리다) ________ 모르겠어요.
When expressing a future-oriented doubt or a soft opinion about a potential state, '-ㄹ지' is often used.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are giving a gift to a teacher.
This is the standard humble expression used when giving a gift to someone of higher status.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common Question Words with ~인지
People/Things
- • 누구인지
- • 무엇인지
Time/Place
- • 어디인지
- • 언제인지
Reason/Method
- • 왜 ~는지
- • 어떻게 ~는지
Banque d exercices
4 exercices그 사람이 어디에 (살다) ________ 모르겠어요.
For present tense verbs, we use -는지. Since '살다' is an 'ㄹ' irregular verb, the 'ㄹ' drops before 'ㄴ'.
Choose the best option:
'모르겠어요' is the standard polite form for conversation. '모릅니다' is very formal, and '몰라' is informal.
가: 이 옷 어때요? 나: 글쎄요, 손님한테 (어울리다) ________ 모르겠어요.
When expressing a future-oriented doubt or a soft opinion about a potential state, '-ㄹ지' is often used.
Situation: You are giving a gift to a teacher.
This is the standard humble expression used when giving a gift to someone of higher status.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes! Use 'Noun + 인지'. For example, '선생님인지 모르겠어요' (I don't know if they are a teacher).
-ㄴ지 is for present/past uncertainty, while -ㄹ지 is specifically for future uncertainty or possibility.
No, '모릅니다' is more formal (Habnida-che), but '모르겠어요' is more common and softer in daily polite conversation (Haeyo-che).
Absolutely. It's very common in business emails to express uncertainty or ask for clarification politely.
The '겠' adds a nuance of 'it seems' or 'I suppose', which makes the statement less blunt and more polite.
Use '왜 ~는지 모르겠어요'. For example, '왜 늦었는지 모르겠어요' (I don't know why I'm late).
Yes, if the context is clear, you can just say '잘 모르겠어요' to mean 'I'm not sure'.
Yes, it's the most natural way to translate 'I wonder if...' into Korean.
Use -았/었는지. For example, '먹었는지 모르겠어요' (I don't know if they ate).
Yes, it's used with all question words (누구, 무엇, 어디, 언제, 어떻게, 왜).
For nouns, it's '인지'. For adjectives, it's '-(으)ㄴ지'.
Yes, '갈 수 있을지 모르겠어요' is a very polite way to say 'I probably can't go'.
Expressions liées
~인지 궁금하다
similarTo be curious whether...
~인지 알다
contrastTo know whether...
~일지도 모르다
builds onMight be...
~인 것 같다
similarIt seems like...
~인지 확인하다
specialized formTo check whether...
