Meaning
Expresses knowledge or familiarity with something.
Cultural Background
Using '알아요' can sometimes be seen as 'cutting someone off' if said too quickly. It's often better to listen until the end before confirming. In meetings, '알고 있습니다' (I am aware) is preferred over '알아요' to sound more professional and prepared. On apps like KakaoTalk, people often use '알랴줌' (slang for 'I'll let you know') or '알겠음' to be quick and casual. You never use '알아요' about a superior's knowledge. You must say '아십니다'.
The 'ㄹ' Rule
Remember that 'ㄹ' disappears in '압니다'. If you say '알습니다', Koreans will still understand you, but it sounds like a very basic mistake.
Don't be a 'Know-it-all'
Saying '알아요' too much when someone is explaining something can seem like you are bored. Use '아~', '네~', or '그렇군요' (I see) instead.
Meaning
Expresses knowledge or familiarity with something.
The 'ㄹ' Rule
Remember that 'ㄹ' disappears in '압니다'. If you say '알습니다', Koreans will still understand you, but it sounds like a very basic mistake.
Don't be a 'Know-it-all'
Saying '알아요' too much when someone is explaining something can seem like you are bored. Use '아~', '네~', or '그렇군요' (I see) instead.
The 'State' of Knowing
If you want to sound more natural, use '알고 있어요' (I am knowing/aware) for things like news or ongoing situations.
Empathy Power
Saying '그 마음 알아요' is a very powerful way to bond with a Korean friend who is going through a hard time.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct response to a teacher asking if you know a word.
Teacher: '이 단어 알아요?'
'알아요' is the correct polite form. '안 알아요' is incorrect (use '몰라요'), and '알습니다' is a conjugation error.
Fill in the blank with the correct formal form of '알다'.
저는 그 사실을 ____. (I know that fact - Formal)
In formal 'Hapsyo-che', the 'ㄹ' drops and '-ㅂ니다' is added.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Your boss gives you a task. What do you say?
When accepting a task or instruction, '알겠습니다' is the polite way to say 'Understood/I will do it'.
Complete the dialogue between friends.
A: 너 BTS 지민 알아? B: 응, 당연히 ____!
Between friends, the casual 'Hae-che' form '알아' is used.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
알아요 vs 알겠습니다
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTeacher: '이 단어 알아요?'
'알아요' is the correct polite form. '안 알아요' is incorrect (use '몰라요'), and '알습니다' is a conjugation error.
저는 그 사실을 ____. (I know that fact - Formal)
In formal 'Hapsyo-che', the 'ㄹ' drops and '-ㅂ니다' is added.
Your boss gives you a task. What do you say?
When accepting a task or instruction, '알겠습니다' is the polite way to say 'Understood/I will do it'.
A: 너 BTS 지민 알아? B: 응, 당연히 ____!
Between friends, the casual 'Hae-che' form '알아' is used.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, but mostly for 'I understand the fact'. For 'I understand your logic', '이해해요' is better.
It can be. It sounds like 'I already know that'. Use '알겠습니다' or '네, 알고 있습니다' instead.
Use '몰라요'. Never say '안 알아요'.
'알아요' is a general fact. '알고 있어요' emphasizes that you are currently holding that information in your mind.
Yes, but you need the grammar '-(으)ㄹ 줄 알아요'. For example, '수영할 줄 알아요'.
No! Only for friends or people younger than you. Use '알아요' for everyone else.
It's an irregular verb rule. The 'ㄹ' drops before 'ㅂ'.
Only if you mean 'I am acquainted with them'. For the first meeting, use '만나서 반갑습니다'.
Sometimes. But '아~' or '그렇군요' is more common for 'I see'.
No, '알다' is native Korean. But the Hanja {지|知} (ji) is used in related words like {지|知}식 (knowledge).
저를 알아요?
다 알아요.
'알겠어요' is more like 'I've got it now' or 'I will do it'.
In formal writing, use the plain form '안다' or the formal '압니다'.
Related Phrases
이해해요
similarI understand
알겠습니다
specialized formUnderstood / I will do so
모르겠어요
contrastI don't know / I'm not sure
알아들어요
builds onTo catch/understand spoken words
기억해요
similarI remember
