Knowing How to Do Something (-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다)
(으)ㄹ 줄 알다 to express learned skills and 'know-how' rather than just physical capability.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다 to express that you know how to perform a skill or action.
- Add -ㄹ 줄 알다 to verb stems ending in a vowel (e.g., 타다 -> 탈 줄 알다).
- Add -을 줄 알다 to verb stems ending in a consonant (e.g., 먹다 -> 먹을 줄 알다).
- Use -ㄹ/을 줄 모르다 to express the inability or lack of knowledge to perform a task.
Overview
Korean grammar offers precise ways to articulate various nuances of ability. While elementary levels introduce -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (to be able to), for expressing acquired skills, learned knowledge, or familiarity with a specific method, the pattern -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다 (eul jul alda/moreuda) is essential. This B1-level grammar distinguishes between general capacity and cultivated competence.
It specifically communicates whether you know how to perform an action or do not know how. The phrase literally translates to "to know/not know the way/method of doing X," highlighting the conceptual blueprint or procedural understanding one possesses. Mastery of this pattern allows for more sophisticated discussions about personal capabilities and experiences, moving beyond simple physical or circumstantial ability to intellectual or trained proficiency.
This is crucial when you want to convey that an action is possible because you have learned and mastered its process, rather than merely being physically capable or permitted.
How This Grammar Works
Verb Stem + -(으)ㄹ + 줄 + 알다/모르다. Understanding each component reveals the underlying logic of the pattern.-(으)ㄹ is a future adnominal ending. Its primary function is to modify a noun, indicating that the action of the verb is either prospective or potential. In this context, it links the preceding verb stem to the dependent noun 줄, suggesting an action that 줄 (the method) is associated with.요리할 줄 알다 (to know how to cook), 요리하다 (to cook) takes ㄹ to form 요리할, which then modifies 줄.줄 is a dependent noun that inherently means "way," "method," "means," or "procedure." It cannot stand alone as a complete thought but requires a modifying phrase or clause. When combined with the -(으)ㄹ form of a verb, it explicitly refers to the method or process of performing that verb's action. This is the linguistic principle that differentiates -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다 from other expressions of ability.운전할 줄 몰라요 (I don't know how to drive). Here, 운전할 줄 specifically denotes the method of driving, and 몰라요 indicates a lack of knowledge regarding this method.알다 (to know) or 모르다 (to not know) completes the structure. These verbs indicate whether one possesses the aforementioned "way" or "method." When 알다 is used, it means one has acquired the knowledge or skill. When 모르다 is used, it signifies a lack of such acquisition.알다 and 모르다 directly reflects the speaker's proficiency or lack thereof. This combination allows for a sophisticated expression of skill-based abilities. For instance, 저는 한국어로 말할 줄 알아요 (I know how to speak Korean) implies that you have studied and can apply the rules of the language, distinguishing it from simply being able to make sounds.그는 수영할 줄 몰라요 (He doesn't know how to swim) means he lacks the learned technique of swimming, not just that he currently cannot swim due to a physical impediment.Formation Pattern
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다 involves attaching the appropriate adnominal ending -(으)ㄹ to the verb stem, followed by 줄 and then the conjugated form of 알다 or 모르다. The choice between ㄹ and 을 depends on whether the verb stem ends in a vowel or a consonant.
-다 from the verb. For example, 가다 (to go) becomes 가-, 먹다 (to eat) becomes 먹-.
-(으)ㄹ
ㄹ. (e.g., 가- → 갈, 배우- → 배울)
을. (e.g., 먹- → 먹을, 찾- → 찾을)
ㄹ irregulars): If the verb stem ends in ㄹ (e.g., 만들다 (to make), 살다 (to live), 놀다 (to play)), simply attach 줄. The ㄹ in the stem acts as the ㄹ adnominal ending. (e.g., 만들- → 만들 줄, 살- → 살 줄)
줄 알다 or 줄 모르다
줄 알다 or 줄 모르다. Remember to conjugate 알다 or 모르다 according to the desired politeness level and tense.
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다 (Polite) | -(으)ㄹ 줄 모르다 (Formal) |
V-ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다 | 하다 (to do) | 할 줄 알아요 | 할 줄 모릅니다 |
V-ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다 | 배우다 (to learn) | 배울 줄 알아요 | 배울 줄 모릅니다 |
V-을 줄 알다/모르다 | 읽다 (to read) | 읽을 줄 알아요 | 읽을 줄 모릅니다 |
V-을 줄 알다/모르다 | 듣다 (to listen/ㄷ irr.) | 들을 줄 알아요 | 들을 줄 모릅니다 |
ㄹ irregular | V-ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다 | 만들다 (to make) | 만들 줄 알아요 | 만들 줄 모릅니다 |
ㄹ irregular | V-ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다 | 팔다 (to sell) | 팔 줄 알아요 | 팔 줄 모릅니다 |
알다 and 모르다:
알다 → 알아요
모르다 → 몰라요
알다 → 압니다 (Note: ㅂ irregular for 알다 when followed by certain endings)
모르다 → 모릅니다
알다 → 알았어요
모르다 → 몰랐어요
알다 irregular conjugation: 만들 줄 알아요 (I know how to make it), 운전할 줄 모릅니다 (I don't know how to drive).
When To Use It
- 1Expressing Learned Skills: This is the most common and direct application. Whether it's a language, a musical instrument, a sport, or a craft,
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다signifies that you have undergone a learning process and can perform the action. For example, if asked about your language abilities, you would say저는 한국어 할 줄 알아요(I know how to speak Korean) to convey that you have learned the language, rather than한국어 할 수 있어요(I can speak Korean), which might imply physical ability or permission. Similarly,기타 칠 줄 아세요?(Do you know how to play the guitar?) directly asks about a learned musical skill.
- 1Referencing Procedural Knowledge: Many daily tasks or professional activities require knowing a specific procedure. This pattern perfectly captures that. For instance,
엑셀 사용할 줄 알아요(I know how to use Excel) means you understand the steps and functions of the software. If your car breaks down, a mechanic might ask이 차 고칠 줄 아세요?(Do you know how to fix this car?) implying a technical repair skill. Or,김치찌개 끓일 줄 알아요(I know how to boil/make kimchi stew) indicates familiarity with the cooking process and recipe.
- 1Discussing Acquired Expertise: Beyond basic skills,
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다can describe a deeper level of expertise. Someone might say코딩할 줄 알지만, 앱을 만들 줄은 몰라요(I know how to code, but I don't know how to make an app), distinguishing between general coding knowledge and the specific process of app development. This demonstrates a nuanced understanding of their capabilities.
- 1Expressing Surprise or Realization (often with
몰랐어요): When you discover something new about someone's abilities, especially if it was unexpected, using the past tense-(으)ㄹ 줄 몰랐어요is natural. For example, if a friend suddenly starts singing beautifully, you might exclaim,유리 씨, 노래 부를 줄 몰랐어요!(Yuri, I didn't know you could sing!). This expresses surprise at their hidden talent or learned skill. It implies that you previously lacked the knowledge about their capability.
- 1Inquiring about Someone's Understanding/Familiarity: This pattern is also used to ask if someone is familiar with a certain method or knows how to do something.
이 기계 작동법 알 줄 아세요?(Do you know how to operate this machine?) directly asks about their operational knowledge. In a more casual setting, you might ask a new friend,지하철 탈 줄 알아?(Do you know how to ride the subway?), checking their familiarity with the local public transport system. This shows a practical, conversational application of the grammar.
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다 often reflects the value Koreans place on hard work, dedication, and the acquisition of skills. When someone says they 할 줄 알아요, it implies they've put in the effort to learn, which is generally well-regarded.Common Mistakes
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다, primarily stemming from its close relationship with, yet distinct meaning from, -(으)ㄹ 수 있다.- 1Confusing
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다with-(으)ㄹ 수 있다: This is the most prevalent error. While both express ability, their nuances are critical.
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다: Focuses on acquired knowledge, learned skill, or understanding a specific method/procedure. It implies a mental blueprint or trained proficiency.저는 운전할 줄 알아요(I know how to drive) means I have taken lessons, passed a test, and possess the skill.-(으)ㄹ 수 있다: Focuses on general capability, physical possibility, opportunity, or permission. It implies that an action is possible given the circumstances, or that one has the inherent power to do it.저는 운전할 수 있어요(I can drive) could mean I am physically capable, I have a car available, or I am legally permitted to drive. It doesn't necessarily mean I know how to drive, though it often overlaps.
다리가 부러져서 춤출 줄 없어요 (My leg is broken, so I don't know how to dance) is incorrect. You would still know how to dance (춤출 줄 알아요), but physically 춤출 수 없어요 (cannot dance). The correct phrasing would be 다리가 부러져서 춤출 수 없어요 (My leg is broken, so I can't dance).- 1Incorrect Conjugation of
알다or모르다: Especially in formal speech,알다is aㅂirregular verb when followed by certain endings. Many learners mistakenly conjugate it as알습니다instead of압니다in the formal declarative form.
- Correct:
저는 한국어 할 줄 압니다.(Formal: I know how to speak Korean.) - Incorrect:
저는 한국어 할 줄 알습니다.
모르다 is not an irregular verb in the same way, ensure consistent and correct application of its conjugations across different politeness levels.- 1Using
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다for Innate Qualities or States: This pattern is strictly for actions that involve a learned method or skill. You wouldn't use it for inherent characteristics or states of being. For instance, you키가 클 줄 알아요(know how to be tall) is nonsensical because being tall isn't a learned skill. You simply키가 커요(are tall).
- Incorrect:
저는 예쁠 줄 알아요.(I know how to be pretty.) - Correct:
저는 예뻐요.(I am pretty.)
- 1Misunderstanding
줄as a Time Expression: While줄can sometimes appear in expressions related to duration (e.g.,하루 종일– all day long), in this grammar, it is exclusively the dependent noun for "method" or "way." Confusing its function can lead to misinterpretations.
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다 with precision.Real Conversations
In everyday Korean, -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다 is frequently used across various contexts, from casual chats to more formal inquiries. It reveals how speakers navigate discussions about skills, competence, and even unexpected talents. Modern usage often appears in concise forms in digital communication.
1. Expressing Personal Skills/Lack Thereof:
- Casual: 나 운전할 줄 몰라. 면허는 있는데 운전해 본 적이 없어.
(Na unjeonhal jul molla. myeonheo-neun inneunde unjeonhae bon jeogi eopseo.)
“I don't know how to drive. I have a license, but I've never actually driven.”*
(Here, the speaker has the legal permission (면허), but lacks the practical know-how (운전할 줄 몰라).)*
- Polite: 죄송하지만, 컴퓨터 고칠 줄 모르는데요.
(Joesonghajiman, keompyuteo gochil jul moreuneundeyo.)
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know how to fix computers.”*
(A common response in a workplace or social setting when asked for technical assistance they haven't learned.)*
2. Inquiring About Others' Abilities:
- Casual: 어? 너 김치찌개 만들 줄 알아? 대박!
(Eo? Neo gimchijjigae mandeul jul ara? Daebak!)
“Oh? You know how to make kimchi stew? Awesome!”*
(Expresses surprise and admiration for a learned cooking skill.)*
- Polite/Formal: 혹시 기타 연주하실 줄 아십니까?
(Hoksi gita yeonjuhasil jul aseumnikka?)
“By any chance, do you know how to play the guitar?”*
(A formal way to inquire about someone's musical talent, often used in professional or respectful contexts.)*
3. Expressing Unexpected Discovery or Realization:
- Polite: 팀장님께서 그렇게 노래를 잘 부르실 줄 몰랐어요.
(Timjangnimkkeseo geureoke noraereul jal bureusil jul mollasseoyo.)
“I didn't know that the team leader could sing so well.”*
(This sentence indicates a past lack of knowledge about the team leader's learned skill, implying surprise at the discovery.)*
- Texting/Online: 헐, 걔 그림 그릴 줄 알았네? 완전 금손이었어!
(Heol, gya geurim geuril jul aranne? Wanjeon geumsonieosseo!)
“OMG, I didn't know they could draw? They had golden hands (were really skilled)!”*
(알았네 in this context, often used with 몰랐어 implies a recent realization, not prior knowledge, especially when paired with 헐 (OMG) and 금손 (golden hands - a term for someone highly skilled).)
4. Cultural Nuance:
- Korean culture values effort and skill development. When someone boasts 저 한국어 할 줄 알아요 (I know how to speak Korean), it's often a point of pride, signifying time and effort invested. The subtle distinction from 할 수 있어요 (I can do it) is often overlooked by learners but understood by natives. The former emphasizes the journey of learning, the latter merely the outcome. This can be important in professional settings where demonstrated skill acquisition is valued.
These examples illustrate how -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다 is woven into everyday dialogue, allowing speakers to clearly communicate about learned abilities and the methods behind them, or their absence.
Quick FAQ
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다 also meanConjugation of -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다
| Verb Stem | Ending | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
|
가다
|
-ㄹ
|
갈 줄 알다
|
Know how to go
|
|
먹다
|
-을
|
먹을 줄 알다
|
Know how to eat
|
|
살다
|
-ㄹ
|
살 줄 알다
|
Know how to live
|
|
듣다
|
-을
|
들을 줄 알다
|
Know how to listen
|
|
만들다
|
-ㄹ
|
만들 줄 알다
|
Know how to make
|
|
읽다
|
-을
|
읽을 줄 알다
|
Know how to read
|
Meanings
This pattern indicates whether a person possesses the knowledge or skill required to perform a specific action.
Acquired Skill
Possessing the technical ability to do something learned.
“수영할 줄 알아요.”
“운전할 줄 알아요.”
Lack of Ability
Not knowing how to perform a specific action.
“피아노를 칠 줄 몰라요.”
“컴퓨터를 고칠 줄 몰라요.”
Expectation/Assumption
Expressing that one expected something to happen (or not).
“비가 올 줄 알았어요.”
“그가 올 줄 몰랐어요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + (으)ㄹ 줄 알다
|
수영할 줄 알아요
|
|
Negative
|
Verb + (으)ㄹ 줄 모르다
|
수영할 줄 몰라요
|
|
Question
|
Verb + (으)ㄹ 줄 알아요?
|
수영할 줄 알아요?
|
|
Past Expectation
|
Verb + (으)ㄹ 줄 알았다
|
올 줄 알았어요
|
|
Past Negative
|
Verb + (으)ㄹ 줄 몰랐다
|
올 줄 몰랐어요
|
|
Ability (Present)
|
Verb + (으)ㄹ 줄 압니다
|
운전할 줄 압니다
|
Formality Spectrum
운전할 줄 압니다. (General)
운전할 줄 알아요. (General)
운전할 줄 알아. (General)
운전 할 줄 앎. (General)
Usage Map
Skill
- 수영 Swimming
- 요리 Cooking
Prediction
- 비 Rain
- 도착 Arrival
Examples by Level
저는 수영할 줄 알아요.
I know how to swim.
한국어 할 줄 알아요?
Do you know how to speak Korean?
요리할 줄 몰라요.
I don't know how to cook.
자전거 탈 줄 알아요.
I know how to ride a bike.
운전할 줄 아세요?
Do you know how to drive?
그가 올 줄 알았어요.
I knew he would come.
피아노 칠 줄 몰라요.
I don't know how to play the piano.
이거 읽을 줄 알아요?
Do you know how to read this?
컴퓨터를 고칠 줄 알면 좋겠어요.
I wish I knew how to fix computers.
시험이 어려울 줄 알았는데 쉬웠어요.
I thought the exam would be hard, but it was easy.
그녀는 춤을 출 줄 몰라요.
She doesn't know how to dance.
매운 음식을 먹을 줄 알아요.
I know how to eat spicy food.
그가 거짓말할 줄은 몰랐어요.
I didn't expect him to lie.
이 기계를 작동할 줄 아는 사람이 필요해요.
We need someone who knows how to operate this machine.
그렇게 될 줄 알았어요.
I knew it would turn out that way.
외국어를 할 줄 알면 취업에 유리해요.
Knowing how to speak a foreign language is advantageous for employment.
그가 그런 실수를 할 줄은 꿈에도 몰랐어요.
I never dreamed he would make such a mistake.
상황이 이렇게 변할 줄 알았더라면 준비했을 거예요.
If I had known the situation would change like this, I would have prepared.
그는 사람을 다룰 줄 아는 능력이 있어요.
He has the ability to know how to handle people.
모두가 그를 좋아할 줄 알았는데 아니었어요.
I thought everyone would like him, but they didn't.
그가 그토록 냉정하게 대응할 줄은 미처 예상치 못했습니다.
I hadn't anticipated that he would respond so coldly.
역사가 반복될 줄 알면서도 우리는 같은 실수를 합니다.
Even while knowing that history repeats itself, we make the same mistakes.
그녀는 분위기를 파악할 줄 아는 사람입니다.
She is someone who knows how to read the room.
어떻게 대처할 줄 모르는 상태로 방치되었습니다.
They were left in a state of not knowing how to cope.
Easily Confused
Both translate to 'can' in English.
Often confused with simple past tense.
Also means 'know the way/method'.
Common Mistakes
수영할 수 알아요
수영할 줄 알아요
요리 줄 알아요
요리할 줄 알아요
수영할 줄 해요
수영할 줄 알아요
수영 줄 알아요
수영할 줄 알아요
비가 올 줄 몰랐어요 (when you meant 'I didn't know it would rain')
비가 올 줄 몰랐어요
운전할 줄 수 있어요
운전할 줄 알아요
그가 올 줄 알았다
그가 올 줄 알았어요
한국어 할 줄 알아요 (when you mean 'I can speak Korean')
한국어 할 줄 알아요
그가 올 줄 몰랐다 (in formal speech)
그가 올 줄 몰랐습니다
수영할 줄 알아요? (when asking permission)
수영해도 돼요?
그가 그런 말을 할 줄은 몰랐다
그가 그런 말을 할 줄은 몰랐다
그가 올 줄 알았으면 좋겠다
그가 왔으면 좋겠다
그것을 할 줄 아는 것은 어렵다
그것을 할 줄 아는 것은 어렵다
Sentence Patterns
저는 ___할 줄 알아요.
___할 줄 아세요?
그가 ___할 줄은 몰랐어요.
___할 줄 알면 좋겠어요.
Real World Usage
엑셀을 할 줄 아십니까?
요리할 줄 알아요?
이 길로 갈 줄 아세요?
포토샵 할 줄 앎!
이 문제를 풀 줄 알아요?
이걸 만들 줄 아는 사람?
The Modesty Rule
The ㄹ Drop
Food Skills
Smart Tips
Always use -ㄹ 줄 알다 instead of -ㄹ 수 있다.
Use the past tense to express expectation.
Add '조금' (a little) to sound more natural.
Use '모르다' for 'don't know how'.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 'ㄹ' in '줄' often links to the next vowel.
Rising
할 줄 알아요? ↑
Questioning capability.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '줄' as a 'thread' or 'line' of knowledge. If you have the thread, you know the way!
Visual Association
Imagine a person holding a map (the '줄' or line) to a destination. If they have the map, they know how to get there (알다). If they lost the map, they don't (모르다).
Rhyme
If you have the skill, add -ㄹ 줄 알다, if you don't have a clue, use -ㄹ 줄 모르다 too!
Story
Min-su wanted to impress his date. He learned how to play the guitar. He said, '기타 칠 줄 알아요!' (I know how to play guitar!). His date was impressed because she didn't know how to play at all.
Word Web
Challenge
Write down 3 things you know how to do and 3 things you don't know how to do using this pattern.
Cultural Notes
Asking '할 줄 아세요?' is a polite way to gauge someone's level of expertise without being intrusive.
Derived from the noun '줄' (line/way) and the verbs '알다' (to know) and '모르다' (to not know).
Conversation Starters
어떤 요리를 할 줄 아세요?
악기를 다룰 줄 아세요?
운전할 줄 아세요?
컴퓨터로 무엇을 할 줄 아세요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
저는 수영할 ___ 알아요.
운전할 ___ 몰라요.
Find and fix the mistake:
저는 요리할 수 알아요.
한국어 할 줄 알아요.
할 / 줄 / 피아노 / 알아요 / 칠
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
When do you use -ㄹ 줄 알다?
그가 올 ___ 알았어요.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises저는 수영할 ___ 알아요.
운전할 ___ 몰라요.
Find and fix the mistake:
저는 요리할 수 알아요.
한국어 할 줄 알아요.
할 / 줄 / 피아노 / 알아요 / 칠
수영할 줄 알아요
When do you use -ㄹ 줄 알다?
그가 올 ___ 알았어요.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesDo you know how to drive?
[사용할] [줄] [이거] [몰라요]
Match the stems:
피아노 ___ ___ 알아요.
Select the formal version of 'I know':
케이크를 만들을 줄 알아요.
이름을 한자로 쓸 줄 몰라요.
Identify the nuance:
노래를 그렇게 잘 ___ ___ 몰랐어요!
Connect the Korean to English:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No. -ㄹ 줄 알다 is for learned skills, while -ㄹ 수 있다 is for situational possibility.
Yes, as long as it's an action verb.
You can say '조금 할 줄 알아요'.
Yes, use '압니다' or '모릅니다'.
Yes, '할 줄 알았어요' means 'I knew how to do it' or 'I expected it to happen'.
It acts as a noun meaning 'way' or 'method'.
Yes, it's very common.
Confusing it with -ㄹ 수 있다.
Scaffolded Practice
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2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Saber + infinitive
Spanish uses a simple verb, Korean uses a particle structure.
Savoir + infinitive
French doesn't require a 'way' particle.
Können
German is less specific about the 'learned' aspect.
ことができる
Japanese focuses more on possibility.
会 (huì)
Chinese is a single character.
يعرف كيف (ya'rifu kayfa)
Arabic is a phrase, Korean is a suffix.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
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