알아요
arayo
I know in Korean is expressed as 알아요 (arayo).
The phrase is an assertion that the speaker possesses a specific answer or idea. It is derived from the verb 알다, which means to know.
Meaning: assertion that speaker has answer or idea (phrase)
Which one should you use?
While 알아요 is used to express knowing facts or information, if you want to say you know how to perform a specific skill, you should use the construction 할 줄 알아요.
How do you pronounce it?
arayo
Did you know?
- When responding to someone who has just shared a piece of news, saying 알아요 can sometimes sound blunt or even rude, as if you are saying 'I already knew that, so stop talking'.
- The word 알다 is the root for 알림, which is the standard Korean term used for a 'notification' or 'alert' on a smartphone.
- In a professional or military setting, 알아요 is replaced by 알겠습니다, which translates more closely to 'I have understood' or 'I have received the order'.
Examples in context
- 저는 그 상황들이 어떤지 알아요.I know what those situations are like.This sentence shows how to use 알아요 to describe understanding a situation.Tatoeba #8361456 by Eunhee, translation #2376334 by CK
- 제가 어떻게 알아요?How should I know?This sentence demonstrates a rhetorical use of 알아요 in a question.Tatoeba #11105430 by intertime, translation #25498 by CK
- 기타를 칠 줄 알아요.I know how to play the guitar.This sentence illustrates the use of 알아요 when expressing knowledge of a skill.Tatoeba #13177533 by atitarev, translation #6260921 by CK
- 저는 조금 한국어를 알고 있습니다.I know a little bit of Korean.
- 네, 그 책의 내용을 알고 있습니다.Yes, I know the content of that book.
- 죄송하지만, 정확한 정보를 잘못 알고 있었습니다.I'm sorry, but I had the wrong information.
- 이 노래, 내가 알아.I know this song.
- 언니, 나 이 일에 대해 알아.Sister, I know about this matter.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are talking about a new restaurant.
- 도현 Do-hyeon거기 정말 맛있다고 들었어요.geogi jeongmal masitdago deureosseoyo.I heard that place is really delicious.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 저도 알아요.ne, jeodo arayo.Yes, I know.
- 도현 Do-hyeon내일 같이 갈래요?naeil gachi gallaeyo?Do you want to go together tomorrow?
- 민지 Min-ji좋아요, 가요!joayo, gayo!Sounds good, let's go!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
