알다
alda[ˈa̠(ː)ɭda̠]
To say know in Korean, use 알다 (alda), the verb for knowing facts or people. If unsure, use 알다. Wiktionary also lists …와 친한 사이다 (…wa chinhan saida).
Meaning: be acquainted or familiar with (verb)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 알다 | alda | [ˈa̠(ː)ɭda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| …와 친한 사이다 | …wa chinhan saida |
알다 is used when you have information or a fact, and also when you are acquainted with someone.
Which one should you use?
To describe a close, friendly relationship with someone, Koreans use …와 친한 사이다.
How does it change in a sentence?
In standard polite conversation 알다 becomes 알아요. The past form 알았다 is often used to mean I got it or understood. 아는 modifies a noun, describing something or someone a person knows.
How do you pronounce it?
It is written in Latin letters as alda.
Did you know?
- The word 사이다 used in the phrase …와 친한 사이다 to describe a relationship is the same word Koreans use for 'cider' or lemon-lime soda.
- The verb 알다 is used in the phrase 알겠습니다 to signal a professional or formal acknowledgement of a superior's order.
- The particle 와 in the phrase …와 친한 사이다 is also used as an onomatopoeia for a sound of surprise or wonder, much like the English 'wow'.
Examples in context
- 난 그들이 알고 있는 것이 무엇인지 안다.I know just what they know.안다 is the plain present form, saying I know.
- 마샤가 제 룸메이트이에요. 저는 마샤를 알고 지내요. 좋은 분이지요.Marsha is my roommate. I know Marsha. She is nice.알고 here describes knowing Marsha as an acquaintance.
- 제 전화번호 알아요?Do you know my phone number?알아요 politely asks whether the listener knows the phone number.
- 알고 계시나요?Do you know?
- 그것을 아십니까?Do you know that?
- 그녀를 알아?Do you know her?
- 나도 알아.I know too.
- 네가 그 사람을 알아?Do you know that person?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “know” translations and entries 알다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사이다, 알다, 와, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
