몰라요
mollayo
I don't know (polite)
몰라
molla
I don't know (casual)
몰라요 vs 몰라: Polite vs Casual 'I Don't Know' in Korean
몰라요 (mollayo) is the polite form of 'I don't know,' used with strangers, seniors, and in formal contexts, while 몰라 (molla) is the casual form used among close friends.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 몰라요 (mollayo) | 몰라 (molla) | |
|---|---|---|
| Speech Level | Polite (존댓말) | Casual (반말) |
| Politeness Marker | Ends in 요 | No 요 ending |
| Appropriate With | Strangers, elders, teachers, coworkers | Friends of same age, siblings, young children |
| Base Verb | 모르다 (moreuda) → 몰라요 | 모르다 (moreuda) → 몰라 |
| More Formal Option | 모릅니다 (moremnida) — very formal/official | N/A — 몰라 is already the most casual |
Examples in Context
Answering a question from a professor you don't know the answer to — using 몰라요
죄송한데, 저도 잘 몰라요.
I'm sorry, but I don't know either.
Telling a stranger on the street you don't know the way — using 몰라요
저는 이 동네를 잘 몰라요.
I don't know this neighborhood well.
Telling a friend you have no idea about something — using 몰라
글쎄, 나도 몰라. 걔한테 직접 물어봐.
Honestly, I don't know either. Ask them directly.
Expressing cluelessness about a situation with a friend — using 몰라
그 사람 왜 그랬는지 몰라.
I don't know why that person did that.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Using 몰라 with a teacher or boss — this sounds blunt and rude. Always say 몰라요 or 모릅니다 in formal situations.
- ✗Saying 모르다 directly as a statement — 모르다 is the dictionary form and cannot be used as a standalone sentence. Always conjugate to 몰라 or 몰라요.
- ✗Confusing 모르다 (to not know) with 없다 (to not have/exist) — 나는 그 답을 몰라 (I don't know the answer) vs 나는 그 답이 없어 (I don't have the answer).
- ✗Forgetting 잘 몰라요 (I don't know very well) — adding 잘 softens the statement and sounds more humble, which is culturally valued in Korean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most formal way to say 'I don't know' in Korean?
모릅니다 (moremnida) is the highest formal register, used in business presentations, official settings, or formal broadcasts.
Can 몰라 sound rude even between friends?
If said sharply with a dismissive tone, yes. Adding 나도 몰라 (I don't know either) or 진짜 몰라 (I really don't know) makes it sound more natural and less curt.
Is there a way to say 'I'm not sure' rather than 'I don't know'?
Yes — 잘 모르겠어요 (I'm not sure / I'm not certain) is softer and more commonly used in polite conversation when you're uncertain rather than completely unaware.
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