Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 있잖아 | itjana |
| 알아 | ara |
In Korean, the translation depends on whether you are using the phrase as a conversational filler to grab attention or to ask if someone possesses information. Use 있잖아 as an interjection to signal a pause, a hesitation or to get someone's attention, much like saying "hey, listen" or "you know" in English. Use 알아 when you are literally asking if someone knows a person, a fact or a song.
What does it mean word for word?
The form 있잖아 is a combination of the verb 있다 (to exist or to be) and the suffix -잖아 (which conveys a sense of "as you know" or "you see").
Which one should you use?
있잖아 functions as a conversational filler or an attention-grabber, whereas 알아 is used to mean "to know" a specific fact or person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can make it polite by adding the suffix -요 to create 있잖아요, which is appropriate for speaking to someone older or in less casual settings. For a formal version of the concept of "knowing," you can use 알고 계시다.
How does it change in a sentence?
있잖아 is used in its casual or informal form.
How do you pronounce it?
itjana
Did you know?
- In K-dramas and movies, 있잖아 is frequently used by characters to create romantic tension, signaling a hesitation before confessing feelings.
- While English speakers use 'you know' to bridge gaps in thought, using the literal translation of 'you know' (knowledge) in the same way in Korean can make you sound like you are questioning the listener's intelligence.
- While 있잖아 is used to start a conversation, saying 있잖아 repeatedly in a short span can sound like a nervous tic or a characteristic of someone who is very shy.
Examples in context
- 내가 왜 여기있는지 알아?Do you know why I'm here?This sentence is useful for using 알아 to ask if someone knows a reason.Tatoeba #8357769 by Eunhee, translation #3255795 by CK
- 톰은 내 친구야. 그 사람을 알아?Tom is a friend of mine. Do you know him?This sentence is useful for using 알아 to ask if someone knows a person.Tatoeba #8367050 by Eunhee, translation #8355571 by CK
- 이 노래 알아?Do you know this song?This sentence is useful for using 알아 to ask if someone knows a song.Tatoeba #4710380 by rainbow4us, translation #1064334 by CK
- 저희 할 일을 알고 계시나요?Do you know our task?
- 이건 내일까지 끝내야 해, 알아?I have to finish this by tomorrow, you know?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-eun is trying to tell Min-jun some surprising news.
- 지은 Ji-eun있잖아, 나 어제 꿈을 꿨어.itjanna, na eoje kkum-eul kkwosseo.You know, I had a dream yesterday.
- 민준 Min-jun무슨 꿈이었는데?museun kkum-ieonneunde?What kind of dream was it?
- 지은 Ji-eun있잖아, 진짜 신기한 일이었어.itjanna, jinja singihan irieosseo.You know, it was a really strange thing.
- 민준 Min-jun빨리 말해줘.ppalli malhaejwo.Tell me quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you know” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
