알겠어
algesseo
In Korean, "got it" can be expressed as 알겠어 (algesseo).
Meaning: I understand (intj)
Which one should you use?
While 알겠어 emphasizes the process of coming to understand or a future realization, 알았어 (the past tense of 알다) is more commonly used to mean 'Okay, I've got it' in response to a command or information.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal setting like a workplace, or when speaking to superiors or elders, you should use 알겠습니다. For a polite manner, use 알았어요.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle 요 at the end of a phrase when speaking informally can make it slightly more polite.
How do you pronounce it?
algesseo
Did you know?
- In texting, people often shorten 'I understand' to just ㅇㅇ, which are the consonants for 응응 (eung-eung), used to show a quick, casual 'got it'.
- Korean has a unique distinction between 알다 (to know/understand) and 깨닫다 (to realize). While 알겠어 is used for general understanding, the latter is reserved for a 'lightbulb moment' or spiritual awakening.
- While 알겠어 is used for understanding, a common way to say 'got it' in a casual, slightly cheeky way is to say 어어 (eoh-eoh), which mimics the sound of a grunt or a quick nod.
Examples in context
- 알겠어!Got it!This sentence is useful for an exclamation of understanding using 알겠어.Tatoeba #8363299 by Eunhee, translation #320484 by CM
- 알겠어?Got it?This sentence is useful for asking if someone else understands using 알겠어.Tatoeba #11106958 by intertime, translation #455353 by CM
- 알겠습니다.Got it.
- 나도 이제 다 알겠어.nado ije da algesseo.I understand everything now, too.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are discussing their weekend plans.
- 수빈 Su-bin토요일 오후 두 시에 만나자.to-yo-il o-hu du-si-e man-na-ja.Let's meet on Saturday at 2 PM.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 알겠어.eung, al-ges-seo.Okay, got it.
- 수빈 Su-bin늦지 말고 꼭 와.neut-ji mal-go kkok wa.Make sure you aren't late.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo걱정 마, 알겠어.geok-jeong ma, al-ges-seo.Don't worry, I got it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
