What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 한국어 (Korean language) and 알아요 (know).
Which one should you use?
While 한국어 알아요 is the default, 한국어를 잘 하시는군요 is a polite way to acknowledge someone's proficiency, such as saying "You know Korean well." For expressing surprise or admiration regarding someone's Korean skills, you can use 한국어를 잘 하시네요. In informal settings, 한국어를 잘 알아 is a straightforward way to say "You know Korean," and 한국어를 잘 하네 is used to acknowledge someone's skills among friends or acquaintances.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 한국어 알아요 uses the polite -아요 ending, making it suitable for speaking to strangers or people older than you. If you are speaking to someone of much higher social status or an elder, the honorific form 한국어 아세요? is more appropriate. For informal contexts, you may use 한국어를 잘 알아 or 한국어를 잘 하네.
How does it change in a sentence?
In formal writing or precise speech, the object marker 를 is often inserted between 한국어 and 알아요 to form 한국어를 알아요.
How do you pronounce it?
hangugeo arayo
Did you know?
- The word 한국어 is a Sino-Korean term, meaning its roots are based on Chinese characters.
- While 한국어 identifies the language, the word 한글 specifically refers to the alphabet. An English speaker might use 'Korean' for both, but in Korea these are distinct concepts.
- To compliment someone's skills, it is actually more common to use the verb 하다, meaning 'to do', rather than 'to know' or 'to speak'.
Examples in context
- 한국어를 잘 하시는데, 어떻게 배우셨나요?You know Korean well. How did you learn it?
- 아직 많이 배워야 해요.I still have a lot to learn.
- 혹시 한국어 알아요?hok-si han-guk-eo ara-yo?By any chance, do you know Korean?
Example conversation
Minji meets Jihun at an international airport.
- 민지 Min-ji안녕하세요, 한국어 알아요?annyeonghaseyo, hangugeo arayo?Hello, do you know Korean?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 조금 할 수 있어요.ne, jogeum hal su isseoyo.Yes, I can speak a little.
- 민지 Min-ji다행이네요! 도와주세요.dahaeng-ineyo! dowajuseyo.That's a relief! Please help me.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 제가 도와줄게요.ne, jega dowajulgeyo.Yes, I will help you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 한국어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
