To know (polite) in Korean 🇰🇷

알아요 info.

• Tip to Remember the Word:
 • Think of "알다" as “to know” and notice its similarity to the English word “all”—as in “knowing it all.” The sound “알” can remind you that when you know something, you have “all” the essential information.

• Explanation:
 • The dictionary form of the verb is “알다.” “알아요” is the present tense, informal polite conjugation used in everyday conversation. It expresses knowing or being aware of something.

• Synonyms/Related Words:
 • 깨닫다 (kkaedatda) – to realize, be enlightened
 • 이해하다 (ihaehada) – to understand
 Note: While both relate to knowing in different ways, “알다” is used for being aware rather than deeply understanding.

• Conjugations of “알다” (Informal Polite/Formal Variants):

 1. Dictionary Form (Infinitive):
  • 알다    Romanized: alda

 2. Present Tense:
  • Informal Polite: 알아요    Romanized: arayo
  • Formal High: 압니다     Romanized: abmnida

 3. Past Tense:
  • Informal Polite: 알았어요   Romanized: arasseoyo
  • Formal High: 알았습니다   Romanized: arasseumnida

 4. Future Tense (less commonly used because “알다” is a stative verb, but for expressing a future state):
  • Informal Polite: 알 거예요  Romanized: al geoyeyo
  • Formal High: 알 것입니다  Romanized: al geotseumnida

• Example Sentences:

 1. Present Tense:
  • Korean: 저는 그 사실을 알아요.
   Romanized: Jeoneun geu sasireul arayo.
   English: I know that fact.

 2. Past Tense:
  • Korean: 어제 그 소식을 알았어요.
   Romanized: Eoje geu sosigeul arasseoyo.
   English: I learned that news yesterday.

 3. Formal Variant (Present):
  • Korean: 저는 그 문제를 압니다.
   Romanized: Jeoneun geu munjeleul abmnida.
   English: I know that problem.

 4. Future Tense:
  • Korean: 이제 그 사실을 알게 될 거예요.
   Romanized: Ije geu sasireul alge doel geoyeyo.
   English: I will come to know that fact.

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