알았어
The English phrase "ok (informal)" is translated into Korean as 알았어.
알았어 is used as an informal way to show that you understand or agree with what someone has said.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is the past tense of the verb 알다 (to know), and literally means "I knew" or "I have understood".
Which one should you use?
While 알았어 is the standard informal way to say you have understood, you can use 좋아 to say "OK" informally. For more politeness, use 알았어요 to speak to strangers or colleagues or use the much more formal and professional 알겠습니다 in business or military contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, the past tense form 알았어 is the standard way to express that you have received and understood information.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the present tense 알아 to mean "I understand". Instead, use the past tense 알았어 to express that you have understood the information.
Did you know?
- In certain texting cultures, Koreans might use the shorthand ㅇㅇ, which is the consonant version of 응 (yes), to convey a very quick 'ok' similar to 'k' in English.
- In a romantic or close relationship, 알았어 is often stretched into 알아아아써 to sound cute or playful, a style of speaking known as 'aegyo'.
- The formal reply 알겠습니다 comes from the same verb 알다 and is the standard answer staff and soldiers give when they receive an instruction.
Examples in context
- 알았어, 내일 봐.arasseo, naeil bwa.Ok, see you tomorrow.
- 응, 다 알았어.eung, da arasseo.Yeah, I understand everything.
- 알았어, 그렇게 할게.arasseo, geureoke halge.Ok, I will do that.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are deciding when to meet.
- 도현 Do-hyeon내일 오후 두 시에 만나자.naeil ohu du sie mannaja.Let's meet tomorrow at 2 PM.
- 서연 Seo-yeon알았어. 거기서 봐.arasseo. geogiseo bwa.Okay. See you there.
- 도현 Do-hyeon늦지 말고 와.neutji malgo wa.Don't be late.
- 서연 Seo-yeon걱정 마. 알았어!geokjeong ma. arasseo!Don't worry. I got it!
