Meaning
Stating that one lacks knowledge or understanding.
Cultural Background
Politeness is a social requirement. Admitting ignorance with '모르겠습니다' is seen as humble. In meetings, '잘 모르겠습니다' is preferred over a flat '모르겠습니다' to sound less dismissive. Students use this with teachers to show respect for the teacher's authority.
Add '잘'
Adding '잘' (well) makes you sound much more polite and less blunt.
Use with a bow
A slight nod or bow while saying this phrase reinforces your respect.
Meaning
Stating that one lacks knowledge or understanding.
Add '잘'
Adding '잘' (well) makes you sound much more polite and less blunt.
Use with a bow
A slight nod or bow while saying this phrase reinforces your respect.
Test Yourself
Which is appropriate for a boss?
Boss: 'Do you know the schedule?'
It is the most formal option.
Fill in the blank.
죄송합니다, 잘 ________.
Must match the formal '죄송합니다'.
Complete the dialogue.
Stranger: 'Where is the station?' You: '____.'
Polite to strangers.
Match the register.
Match the formality.
Correct register matching.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBoss: 'Do you know the schedule?'
It is the most formal option.
죄송합니다, 잘 ________.
Must match the formal '죄송합니다'.
Stranger: 'Where is the station?' You: '____.'
Polite to strangers.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Correct register matching.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is the perfect phrase for a boss.
No, it is very polite.
You can say '모르겠습니다' to the teacher.
It is part of the formal ending conjugation.
It is a bit too formal for texting.
No, 'understand' is '이해하다'.
A neutral, polite expression is best.
It is '몰라'.
Related Phrases
잘 모르겠습니다
specialized formI don't know very well.
몰라요
similarI don't know.
죄송합니다
builds onI'm sorry.
