Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 알겠어요 | algesseoyo | formal |
| 알겠습니다 | algetseumnida | formal |
| 알았어요 | arasseoyo | |
| 알았어 | arasseo | informal |
These forms are used to acknowledge information, confirm that you have understood something or signal acceptance of a statement. When using digital interfaces or clicking a button to acknowledge a message, use 확인 (confirmation) instead of these verbal forms.
What does it mean word for word?
The different forms of acknowledgement are derived from the verb 알다, which means 'to know'.
Which one should you use?
알겠습니다 is a more formal and assertive version of 알겠어요, frequently used when acknowledging instructions or orders from a superior to signal 'I understand' or 'I will do so'. 알았어 is the casual, non-honorific form used for 'Got it' or 'I understand'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you can use 알겠어요 or the more assertive 알겠습니다. For informal situations, such as speaking with friends or people younger than you, use 알았어.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding a question intonation to the informal form 알았어, you can turn the acknowledgement into a question asking for agreement or confirmation, similar to saying 'OK?' in English.
How do you pronounce it?
algesseoyo
Did you know?
- In text messages, people often shorten the acknowledgement to just ㅇㅇ, which represents the initial consonant of 응 (ung), the most casual way to say 'ok'.
- If you want to say 'ok' to express that something is 'fine' or 'acceptable' rather than 'I understand', you would use 괜찮아요 instead of 알겠어요.
- In highly formal military or corporate environments, 알겠습니다 is often shouted with an abrupt, clipped ending to demonstrate discipline and resolve.
Examples in context
- 더 이상 거짓말 하지마, 알았어?Don't lie anymore, OK?This example uses 알았어 to show how to ask for agreement.Tatoeba #5254841 by rainbow4us, translation #2270475 by CK
- 알았어?OK?This example uses 알았어 to ask for confirmation.Tatoeba #13174616 by atitarev, translation #13174620 by atitarev
- 알겠습니다.OK.This example uses 알겠습니다 to show a formal acknowledgement.Tatoeba #13118988 by atitarev, translation #2611318 by Eldad
Example conversation
Minji is giving instructions to Jihoon regarding a meeting.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 내일 회의는 오후 두 시예요.Jihoon ssi, naeil hoeineun ohu du siyeyo.Jihoon, the meeting tomorrow is at two o'clock in the afternoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 알겠어요. 지각하지 않을게요.ne, algesseoyo. jigakhaji aneulgeyo.Yes, I understand. I won't be late.
- 민지 Min-ji준비 자료도 꼭 챙겨와야 해요.junbi jaryodo kkok chaenggyeowaya haeyo.You must also bring the prepared materials.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 알겠어요. 준비해 갈게요.ne, algesseoyo. junbihae galgeyo.Yes, I understand. I will prepare them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ok” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
