Korean Dictionary
How to say "I understand" in Korean
“I understand” in Korean is 알겠어요 (pronounced "Algesseoyo").
알겠어요
Algesseoyo
Usage & Context
Confirming that you understand what was said or instructed. The more formal version is 알겠습니다, commonly used in professional and hierarchical settings. It can also signal compliance: 'I'll do as you say'. Essential in workplace and formal communication.
Example Sentence
이 서류를 내일까지 제출해 주세요. —알겠어요.
Please submit these documents by tomorrow. —I understand.
How to use 알겠어요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I understand” is 알겠어요, romanized as Algesseoyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 알겠어요.
Pronunciation Guide
The '알' (al) sounds like 'all' in 'ball' but with a softer 'l' sound. '겠' (get) is like 'get' in 'get it'. '어' (eo) is like 'uh' in 'duh'. '요' (yo) is like 'yo' in 'yogurt'. The 'ㅅ' in '겠' becomes a 'ㅆ' sound when followed by '어', so it's pronounced 'Ahl-get-suh-yo'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
알겠습니다
Algesseumnida
A very formal and polite way to say 'I understand' or 'I will do as instructed.' Essential in professional, hierarchical, or highly respectful settings.
Casual (반말)
알겠어
Algesseo
Used with close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Confirming understanding of an instruction at work.
이 부분은 이렇게 수정해 주세요. —네, 알겠어요.
Please revise this part like this. —Yes, I understand.
Confirming understanding of a meeting time.
내일 아침 9시까지 모여야 해요. —알겠어요, 늦지 않을게요.
We need to gather by 9 AM tomorrow. —I understand, I won't be late.
Expressing comprehension of someone's point.
무슨 말인지 알겠어요.
I understand what you mean.
Cultural Context
알겠어요 is a fundamental phrase for indicating comprehension and agreement. The choice between '알겠어요' and '알겠습니다' is crucial in Korean communication, reflecting the speaker's respect for the listener and the situation's formality. '알겠습니다' is almost mandatory in formal settings (e.g., military, corporate, customer service to elders/superiors), while '알겠어요' is suitable for general polite interactions. It can also imply 'I've got it' or 'I'll do it,' signaling compliance.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 알겠어요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
무슨 말인지 알겠어요.
I understand what you mean.
잘 알겠어요.
I understand well.
알겠어요, 그렇게 할게요.
I understand, I'll do it that way.
Related Expressions
이해했어요
Ihaehaseoyo
I understood (more about cognitive comprehension)
네
Ne
Yes (simple affirmation, can imply understanding)
알아들었어요
Aradeureosseoyo
I caught on, I understood (often used after initial confusion)
그렇군요
Geureokunyo
I see, I understand (expresses realization)
More Greetings Words
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