How to say “I understand” in Korean
- 알겠어요algesseoyo
I understand, got it
"I understand" in Korean is 알겠어요 (algesseoyo) when you mean "got it" after an instruction or explanation. When you mean you understand someone's feelings or a difficult idea, Koreans use 이해해요 (ihaehaeyo).
Ways to say it
| Korean | Level | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 알겠어요 algesseoyo | Polite | "Got it" or "I see". The everyday way to show you understood. |
| 알겠습니다 algesseumnida | Formal | "Understood." Used at work, with customers, or with elders. |
| 알았어 arasseo | Casual | "Got it" to friends and younger people. |
| 이해했어요 ihaehaesseoyo | Polite | "I understood (it)." For an explanation, lesson or idea. |
| 이해해요 ihaehaeyo | Polite | "I understand" in the sense of empathy, like "I get why you feel that way". |
| 무슨 말인지 알아요 museun marinji arayo | Polite | "I know what you mean." |
Examples
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Your teacher explains a grammar point
A friend tells you why they are upset
Your manager explains a new rule
Tips
알다 means "to know", and 알겠어요 is how Koreans say "got it". 이해하다 means "to understand" in a deeper sense, such as understanding a concept or a person.
To show you are following someone's explanation, Koreans often just say 네 or 아, 네 ("ah, yes") as they listen.
In casual speech, 네 (your) is often pronounced 니 (ni) so it does not sound like 네 (yes).
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between algesseoyo and ihaehaeyo?
알겠어요 (algesseoyo) means "got it" and is used for instructions and information. 이해해요 (ihaehaeyo) means you understand an idea or someone's situation.
What does arasseo mean?
알았어 (arasseo) is a casual "okay, got it". You will hear it a lot between friends and in dramas.