How to Say “I Don’t Know” in Korean

Learning how to say “I don’t know” in Korean is essential for effective communication. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced Korean learner, this guide will provide you with both formal and informal ways to express your lack of knowledge. We will also delve into regional variations if necessary. Get ready to boost your Korean language skills!

Formal Ways to Say “I Don’t Know”

When speaking in formal situations or with someone older or in a higher position, it is important to use respectful language. Here are several ways to say “I don’t know” formally:

1. 몰라요 (mollayo)

This is the most common and versatile phrase to express “I don’t know” in formal settings. It can be used in various situations and is suitable for both casual and professional conversations.

Example:

Question: “어디에 고기를 사야 하나요?” (Where should I buy meat?)
Answer: “정말 몰라요.” (I really don’t know.)

2. 잘 모르겠습니다 (jal moreugesseumnida)

This phrase is more polite and formal than “몰라요.” It is commonly used in more respectful situations or when addressing someone of higher status.

Example:

Question: “여기 동물원은 어디에 있나요?” (Where is the zoo?)
Answer: “잘 모르겠습니다.” (I really don’t know.)

3. 아직 잘 몰라서요 (ajik jal mollaseoyo)

This phrase implies that you don’t know something yet, indicating a lack of information at the current moment. It is considered more formal and polite than the previous options.

Example:

Question: “이 약국은 어디 있을까요?” (Where could this pharmacy be?)
Answer: “아직 잘 몰라서요.” (I still don’t know.)

Informal Ways to Say “I Don’t Know”

When speaking with friends, family, or people of a similar age or lower status, you can use more casual language. Here are some informal ways to say “I don’t know” in Korean:

4. 몰라 (molla)

In informal situations, you can use “몰라” to express “I don’t know.” It’s commonly used among friends and peers.

Example:

Question: “오늘 뭐 할 거 알아?” (Do you know what we’re doing today?)
Answer: “몰라.” (I don’t know.)

5. 잘 몰라 (jal molla)

This informal phrase is similar to “몰라” but emphasizes the lack of knowledge even more. It can be used among close friends or in casual settings.

Example:

Question: “이 노래가 어떤 의미인지 알아?” (Do you know the meaning of this song?)
Answer: “잘 몰라.” (I really don’t know.)

Regional Variations

The Korean language consists of regional variations, and some areas have their own unique ways of saying “I don’t know.” Here is an example of a regional variation:

6. 몰라쪄 (mollajjyeo)

This phrase is specific to the Busan dialect and is commonly used in the Busan region to mean “I don’t know.”

Example:

Question: “이 점이 좀 특별한데, 뭐라고 할까요?” (This point is a bit special, what do you call it?)
Answer: “몰라쪄.” (I don’t know.)

Additional Tips and Phrases

Here are some additional tips and phrases related to expressing the idea of “I don’t know” in Korean:

• Use body language: When expressing uncertainty, you can shrug your shoulders and raise your eyebrows, which makes your response more effective.
• Try saying “I’m not sure” instead: Instead of directly saying “I don’t know,” you can use the phrase “확신이 안 서요” (haksin-i an seoyo), which means “I’m not sure.”
• Ask for clarification: If you didn’t understand the question or need further details, you can politely ask, “좀 더 설명해 주세요” (jom deo seolmyeonghae juseyo), which means “Can you please explain a bit more?”
• Stay positive: Expressing that you don’t know something is okay, and it shows honesty. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or clarification.