네, 이해해요
ne, ihaehaeyo
The English phrase "yes, I understand" is expressed in Korean as 네, 이해해요 (ne, ihaehaeyo).
This phrase is a polite way to confirm that you comprehend what someone has said.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 네 (yes) and 이해해요 (understand/comprehend).
Which one should you use?
While 이해해요 focuses on the cognitive process of comprehension, the related form 알았어요 is more commonly used to mean "I have received the information" or "I got it".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 네, 이해해요 is suitable for most daily social interactions. For a more formal version used in professional settings or when speaking to someone of much higher status, use 네, 이해합니다. In very formal settings, you may also use 네, 이해했습니다. Other informal options include 그러네. (Yeah, that's right.) and 응, 알아. (Yeah, I know.).
How do you pronounce it?
ne, ihaehaeyo
Did you know?
- Using 이해해요 to a superior can sometimes sound like you are judging their explanation, so subordinates often prefer the phrase 알겠습니다 to show obedience.
- Depending on the context, 네 can also be a contraction meaning 'your' or 'you' in the nominative case.
- When speaking to a subordinate or a close friend, using the polite 이해해요 might actually feel too distant or even strangely formal, as you would typically use the much shorter 알아.
Example conversation
Minji is explaining a task to Minjun at work.
- 민지 Min-ji이 부분은 이렇게 하시면 돼요.i bubuneun ireoke hasimyeon dwaeyo.You can do this part like this.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 이해해요. 감사합니다.ne, ihaehaeyo. gamsahamnida.Yes, I understand. Thank you.
- 민지 Min-ji더 궁금한 점 있으세요?deo gunggumhan jeom isseuseyo?Do you have any more questions?
- 민준 Min-jun아니요, 다 이해했어요.aniyo, da ihaehaesseoyo.No, I understood everything.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 네, CC BY-SA 4.0.
