Learning how to express “I don’t know” in Korean is an essential part of any language learner’s journey. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through various ways to convey this phrase in both formal and informal contexts. While there are no significant regional variations, we will focus on the commonly used expressions. So, let’s dive in and explore the different ways to say “I don’t know” in Korean!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
In formal situations when speaking to someone older, higher in authority, or people you don’t know well, you can use the following phrases to express that you do not know something politely:
a) Formal Phrase 1: 몰라요 (Mollayo)
The most straightforward way to convey “I don’t know” in formal settings is by using the word “몰라요” which is pronounced as “mollayo.” This phrase is appropriate when speaking to someone you need to show respect to, such as your boss, teacher, or any other authority figure.
Example:
A: 국밥 맛있어요? (Gukbap matisseoyo? – Is the beef soup delicious?)
B: 죄송해요, 몰라요. (Joesonghaeyo, mollayo. – I’m sorry, I don’t know.)
b) Formal Phrase 2: 잘 모르겠습니다 (Jal moreugesseumnida)
Another way to politely express “I don’t know” is by using the phrase “잘 모르겠습니다” (jal moreugesseumnida). It has a slightly more formal tone compared to “몰라요” and can be used in professional or academic settings.
Example:
A: 이 책의 저자를 아세요? (I chaegui jeoja-reul aseyo? – Do you know the author of this book?)
B: 죄송합니다, 잘 모르겠습니다. (Joesonghamnida, jal moreugesseumnida. – I’m sorry, I don’t know.)
2. Informal Expressions:
When speaking to close friends, peers, or people younger than you, you can use informal expressions to say “I don’t know.” Let’s explore the commonly used informal phrases:
a) Informal Phrase 1: 몰라 (Molla)
In casual conversations, “몰라” (molla) can be used to express that you don’t know something. It is a simplified version of “몰라요” used mainly among friends and people of the same age group.
Example:
A: 오늘 같이 영화 볼까? (Oneul gachi yeonghwa bolgga? – Shall we watch a movie together?)
B: 그 영화 어때? (Geu yeonghwa eottae? – How’s the movie?)
A: 몰라. (Molla. – I don’t know.)
b) Informal Phrase 2: 잘 몰라 (Jal molla)
Another colloquial way to say “I don’t know” informally is by using the phrase “잘 몰라” (jal molla). This phrase is commonly used among friends and peers in casual conversations.
Example:
A: 길 안내할 수 있어? (Gil annaehal su isseo? – Can you give me directions?)
B: 아, 잘 몰라. (Ah, jal molla. – Oh, I don’t know.)
Additional Tips:
a) Nonverbal Expressions:
Sometimes, words may not be necessary to convey “I don’t know” in Korean. You can use various nonverbal expressions to indicate your lack of knowledge, such as shrugging your shoulders, raising your eyebrows, or giving a puzzled look.
b) Politeness Matters:
It is crucial to consider the level of formality when using Korean expressions. Addressing someone formally or informally impacts the choice of phrases you use. Always make sure to match your language with the appropriate level of politeness based on the person you are speaking to.
c) Context Matters:
Understanding the context of the conversation is essential. Depending on the situation, the phrase “I don’t know” might be expressed differently. For instance, if someone asks for your opinion, you can say “잘 모르겠어요” (jal moreugesseoyo), which means “I’m not sure.”
Conclusion:
Being able to say “I don’t know” in Korean is an important skill for effective communication. In formal situations, you can use “몰라요” (mollayo) or “잘 모르겠습니다” (jal moreugesseumnida) to convey your lack of knowledge politely. In informal settings, “몰라” (molla) or “잘 몰라” (jal molla) can be used among friends and peers. Remember to consider the level of formality and the context of the conversation to choose the appropriate expression. Keep practicing and soon you’ll feel confident expressing your lack of knowledge in Korean!
