아 그렇군요
a geureokgunyo
In Korean, oh okay is expressed as 아 그렇군요 (a geureokgunyo).
This phrase is used to signal that you have just processed or understood a piece of information that was previously unknown to you.
Which one should you use?
While 아 그렇군요 is the default, 아 그래요 is a slightly more conversational and common polite way to say oh okay or is that so? The informal version 아 그렇구나 is used with friends or people younger than you.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 아 그렇군요 is polite and suitable for most social situations. For more formal settings, 알겠습니다 is used to show understanding and agreement in a polite manner, while 알았습니다 serves as a formal version of I got it or okay. In informal settings, you can use 알았어 or the casual and relaxed 어, 그래 among friends.
How do you pronounce it?
a geureokgunyo
Did you know?
- The syllable 아 can be a simple sound of realization, but it also functions as a Sino-Korean word meaning 'I' or 'me' when derived from the Chinese character 我.
- If you use the informal 아 그렇구나 toward a stranger or a superior, it can sound patronizing or condescending, as if you are talking to a child or an inferior.
- In a professional setting, using 알겠습니다 instead of 아 그렇군요 is crucial because the former implies you will act on the information, whereas the latter only confirms you heard it.
Examples in context
- 아 그렇군요.a geureokunyo.Oh, I see.
- 아 그렇군요, 몰랐어요.a geureokunyo, mollasseoyo.Oh, I see, I didn't know that.
- 아 그렇군요! 이제 알겠어요.a geureokunyo! ije algesseoyo.Oh, I see! Now I understand.
Example conversation
Jieun and Hyunwoo are talking about a change in a schedule.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 내일 회의가 취소됐어요.hyunwoo ssi, naeil hoe-iga chwisodwaesseoyo.Hyunwoo, tomorrow's meeting has been canceled.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아 그렇군요. 알려주셔서 감사합니다.a geureokunyo. allyeojusyeoseo gamsahamnida.Oh, I see. Thank you for letting me know.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 그럼 내일은 쉬세요.ne, geureom naeil-eun swiseyo.Yes, then please take tomorrow off.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 알겠습니다.ne, algetseumnida.Okay, I understand.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아, CC BY-SA 4.0.
