한국어 알아들어요
hangugeo aradeureoyo
To say "I understand korean" in Korean, use 한국어 알아들어요 (hangugeo aradeureoyo).
This phrase is used to state that you possess the ability to comprehend spoken Korean.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 한국어 (Korean language) and 알아들어요 (to understand/to catch the meaning).
Which one should you use?
While 이해해요 (understand) can be used, 알아들어요 specifically emphasizes the ability to comprehend spoken language or what is being said.
How do you pronounce it?
hangugeo aradeureoyo
Did you know?
- Although nodding while saying 알아들어요 is common, nodding too many times during a conversation can be interpreted as a sign of impatience.
- While 알아들어요 means 'to understand' in a spoken context, it literally translates to 'knowing and hearing', combining the verbs for 'to know' and 'to hear'.
- The word 한국어 is a Sino-Korean term. This means it is built from Chinese characters, specifically the characters for 'Korea' and 'language', a common feature of many academic and formal Korean words.
Examples in context
- 한국어 알아들어요.hangugeo aradeureoyo.I understand Korean.
- 조금은 한국어 알아들어요.jogeumeun hangugeo aradeureoyo.I understand a little Korean.
Example conversation
Minjun is checking if Jieun can follow the conversation at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 한국어 알아들어요?jieun ssi, hangugeo aradeureoyo?Jieun, do you understand Korean?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 한국어 알아들어요.ne, hangugeo aradeureoyo.Yes, I understand Korean.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 다행이네요.jeongmal dahaeng-ineyo.That's a relief.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워요, 민준 씨.gomawoyo, minjun ssi.Thank you, Minjun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 한국어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
