알다
To know or be aware of a fact, person, or information.
Examples
3 of 5전화번호를 알아요.
I know the phone number.
잘 알겠습니다.
I understand well (polite).
나 이거 알아!
I know this!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Al' (a smart guy) who 'knows' everything.
Quick Quiz
저는 그 노래를 ( ).
Correct!
The correct answer is: 알아요
Examples
전화번호를 알아요.
everydayI know the phone number.
잘 알겠습니다.
formalI understand well (polite).
나 이거 알아!
informalI know this!
지식을 알고 이해하다.
academicTo know and understand knowledge.
진행 상황을 알고 싶습니다.
businessI would like to know the progress status.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
알고 있어요.
I know (am aware).
어떻게 알았어요?
How did you know?
알 것 같아요.
I think I know.
Often Confused With
알다 is general 'knowing', while 이해하다 is specifically 'understanding' the logic or meaning.
Usage Notes
This is a ㄹ-irregular verb. When followed by suffixes starting with ㄴ, ㅂ, or ㅅ, the ㄹ is dropped.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting the ㄹ-irregular conjugation (e.g., saying 알습니다 instead of 압니다).
Memory Tip
Think of 'Al' (a smart guy) who 'knows' everything.
Word Origin
Native Korean word.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Koreans often use '알겠습니다' to show they have received an order or understood a directive.
Quick Quiz
저는 그 노래를 ( ).
Correct!
The correct answer is: 알아요
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More daily life words
쉬다
A1To take a rest, relax, or stop working/moving to regain energy. It can also mean to breathe.
아침
A1The early part of the day; also commonly used to mean breakfast.
숙제하다
A1To do schoolwork or assignments assigned by a teacher to be done at home.
점심
A1The middle part of the day (noon/afternoon) or the meal eaten during that time (lunch).
저녁
A1The time between afternoon and night (evening) or the meal eaten during that time (dinner).
마시다
A1To drink or swallow liquid. It can also refer to breathing in air.
만나다
A1To come together with someone at a specific place or time. It is used for both planned appointments and accidental encounters.
기다리다
A1To stay in one place or delay action until a particular time or event occurs. It is commonly used for transport, people, or news.
이야기하다
A1To speak or converse with others to exchange information or feelings. It is often shortened to '얘기하다' in casual speech.
듣다
A1To perceive sound through the ears or to pay attention to what someone is saying. It also means to take a course or listen to music.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free