When learning a new language, understanding and expressing that you comprehend someone’s message is essential for effective communication. In Korean, conveying “understood” can be quite simple once you become familiar with the appropriate terms. This guide will provide you with various ways to say “understood” in Korean, including formal and informal ways, along with some tips, examples, and common usage scenarios.
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Formal Ways to Say “Understood” in Korean
If you wish to convey that you understand something in a polite and formal manner, you can use the following expressions:
- 알겠습니다 (al-gess-seumnida) – This is the most straightforward and commonly used formal expression for “understood” in Korean. It literally translates to “I got it” or “I understand,” and it shows respect towards the person you are speaking with.
- 이해했습니다 (i-hae-haet-seumnida) – This expression, which means “I understood,” is slightly more formal and emphasizes that you comprehend the message. It can be used in professional settings or when speaking to someone of higher status.
- 말씀하신 대로 하겠습니다 (mal-ssum-ha-shin dae-ro ha-gess-seumnida) – If you want to show even more respect, especially to someone of higher authority, you can use this phrase, which translates to “I will do as you have said.” It conveys your understanding and willingness to comply respectfully.
Informal Ways to Say “Understood” in Korean
For casual or friendly conversations, you can use less formal expressions to indicate that you understand. Here are some examples:
- 알았어 (al-ass-eo) – This is a simple and common way of saying “understood” among friends or peers. It is an abbreviation of “알았어요” (al-ass-eoyo), which is the more polite version. If you’re unsure about the level of formality, it’s better to opt for the longer form.
- 응 (eung) – Similar to the English “yeah” or “okay,” this short and informal response is often used among close friends or in casual situations. It conveys a relaxed understanding without sounding overly formal.
- 그래 (geu-rae) – This word means “right” or “okay.” It can be used to express your understanding in an informal conversation, especially when agreeing with what someone has said.
Additional Tips and Usage Examples
To use these expressions naturally and effectively, keep the following tips in mind:
- Tone: Pay attention to your tone of voice when saying “understood” in Korean. A respectful and attentive tone is crucial when using formal expressions, especially in professional or hierarchical settings.
- Non-verbal Signals: Alongside verbal expressions, you can complement your understanding with appropriate non-verbal signals, such as nodding your head or maintaining eye contact. This reinforces that you are actively listening and comprehending the message.
- Context Matters: Consider the context and the relationship between you and the person you are speaking with. In formal situations, it’s safer to use a more polite expression, whereas informal expressions are suitable for friends, peers, or casual settings.
Let’s explore some usage examples to better understand how these expressions can be applied:
Example 1:
Person A: 이 계획은 내일까지 끝내야 해요. (I gye-ho-ggeun nae-il-kka-ji kkeut-nae-ya hae-yo)
Person B: 알겠습니다. (Al-gess-seumnida)
Translation: Person A: “This plan needs to be completed by tomorrow.” Person B: “Understood.”
Example 2:
Person A: 우리 팀은 오늘부터 새로운 프로젝트에 참여할 거예요. (U-ri tim-eun o-neul-bu-te sae-ro-un pro-jeok-te-e cham-yeo-hal geo-ye-yo)
Person B: 말씀하신 대로 하겠습니다. (Mal-ssum-ha-shin dae-ro ha-gess-seumnida)
Translation: Person A: “Our team will participate in a new project starting today.” Person B: “I will do as you have said.”
Example 3:
Person A: 이 책 정말 재미있어. (I chaek jeong-mal jae-mi-iss-eo)
Person B: 알았어. (Al-ass-eo)
Translation: Person A: “This book is really interesting.” Person B: “Got it.”
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “understood” in Korean is vital for effective communication in various situations. Whether it’s a formal or informal conversation, the expressions provided in this guide will help you convey your understanding appropriately. Remember to consider the context, maintain a respectful tone, and adapt your choice of expression based on the nature of the conversation. With practice and usage of these phrases, you’ll effortlessly indicate that you’ve comprehended the message in no time. Happy learning!
