알겠습니다
algesseumnida
In Korean, 'understood' is said as 알겠습니다 (algesseumnida).
The phrase is commonly used as a direct response to instructions, orders or information provided by a superior or a customer.
Meaning: comprehended (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 알다 (to know) combined with the auxiliary verb -겠- (indicating intention or future/conjecture) and the formal ending -습니다. Literally, it means 'I have come to know/understand'.
Which one should you use?
While 알겠습니다 expresses a formal acknowledgment of information, 알아요 is a more neutral statement of the fact that you possess the knowledge.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
알겠습니다 is the formal and polite way to say 'understood' or 'I see' in professional or hierarchical settings. 알았습니다 is also a formal expression for 'understood', though it is slightly less polite than 알겠습니다. For informal situations, you can use 알았어 or 알겠어 when speaking with friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
algesseumnida
Did you know?
- If a subordinate answers a superior with 알아요 (I know) instead of 알겠습니다, it can sound arrogant or dismissive, as if the superior is wasting time explaining something obvious.
- In highly hierarchical settings like the military or large corporations, repeating 알겠습니다 with a sharp, rhythmic tone is a standard way to demonstrate discipline and absolute readiness.
- Depending on the intonation, the informal 알겠어? can change from a statement of 'understood' into a stern question meaning 'Do you understand me?' or 'Are we clear?'
Examples in context
- 알겠습니다, 선생님Understood, teacher
- 알았습니다, 사장님Understood, boss
- 응, 알았어Yeah, understood
- 그렇구나, 알겠어I see, understood
- 무슨 뜻인지 알겠습니다.museun tteusinji algetseumnida.I understand what you mean.
- 주의 사항은 잘 알겠습니다.juui sahang-eun jal algetseumnida.I clearly understood the precautions.
Example conversation
A boss gives instructions to an employee in an office.
- 민지 Min-ji내일까지 이 보고서를 완성하세요.naeilkkaji i bogoseoreul wanseonghaseyo.Please finish this report by tomorrow.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 알겠습니다.ne, algetseumnida.Yes, I understood.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 실수 없이 부탁해요.Dohyeon ssi, silsu eopsi butakhaeyo.Dohyeon, please do it without mistakes.
- 도현 Do-hyeon걱정 마세요, 잘 알겠습니다.geokjeong maseyo, jal algetseumnida.Don't worry, I understood clearly.
