Korean Dictionary
How to say "I Don't Know" in Korean
“I Don't Know” in Korean is 몰라 (pronounced "mol-la").
몰라
mol-la
Usage & Context
A casual way to say I don't know. This phrase is used in K-dramas when characters are confused, avoiding a question, or genuinely uncertain. It can convey different emotions depending on tone and context.
Example Sentence
몰라, 내가 뭘 알겠어?
I don't know, how would I know?
How to use 몰라 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I Don't Know” is 몰라, romanized as mol-la.
Usage tip
Drama lines are memorable, but some expressions are emotional or exaggerated compared with everyday Korean.
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 몰라.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'mohl-lah' — two syllables with a doubled 'l' sound. Don't rush; the 'll' gets a tiny hold, almost like saying 'mole-lah' but softer.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
모르겠습니다
moreugetseumnida
Very formal — used with strangers, in interviews, or when addressing superiors
Casual (반말)
몰라
molla
Already the casual form — used with close friends or younger people
More Example Sentences
a sibling brushing off a question
몰라, 너가 알아서 해.
I don't know, just figure it out yourself.
politely admitting you don't know someone
그 사람 이름? 몰라요.
That person's name? I don't know.
giving up on indecision about what to eat
아, 몰라! 그냥 짜장면 시키자.
Ugh, whatever! Let's just order jajangmyeon.
Cultural Context
몰라 carries way more than 'I don't know' — tone decides everything. A sulky '몰라~' dragged out with rising intonation is a staple of aegyo (flirty cuteness), while a flat '아, 몰라!' means 'I'm done thinking, do whatever.' K-drama couples use it during fights, kids whine it to parents, and it's one of the first 'real' Korean expressions foreign fans pick up from variety shows. Saying it in the polite 몰라요 form softens it into a normal 'I'm not sure.'
Editorial note
We review drama-style expressions like 몰라 for tone, because lines that sound natural in a scene can feel too emotional or direct in everyday Korean.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
몰라요.
I don't know. (polite)
나도 몰라.
I don't know either.
아, 몰라!
Ugh, whatever! / I give up!
Related Expressions
모르다
moreuda
to not know (dictionary form)
글쎄
geulsse
hmm / well, I'm not sure
잘 모르겠어
jal moreugesseo
I'm not quite sure (softer)
알다
alda
to know (antonym)
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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