알았어 (al-ass-eo, alasseo)
알았어 (arasseo) is a common phrase in daily Korean to show understanding or agreement.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
‘알았어’ is the past tense of ‘알다’ meaning ‘to know,’ used to show understanding or acknowledgment.
Nuances
When to use
Everyday conversation, Talking with friends, Receiving instructions
In context
'알았어' is mainly used in informal spoken Korean among friends or close people to indicate understanding. The polite form is ‘알았어요’ and the formal one is ‘알겠습니다.’
알았어, 내일 7시에 만날게.
al-ass-eo, nae-il 7si-e man-nal-ge., al ass eo, nae il 7si e man nal ge.
‘알았어’ naturally shows understanding and agreement with the meeting time.
알았어, 숙제 안 했어.
al-ass-eo, suk-je an haess-eo., al ass eo, suk je an haess eo.
‘알았어’ is for understanding/agreement, not for denying one's own action.
선생님께서 말씀하셨다: '숙제를 꼭 하세요.' 학생이 답했다: '알았어.'
seon-saeng-nim-kke-seo mal-sseum-ha-syeoss-da: 'suk-je-reul kkok ha-se-yo.' hak-saeng-i dap-haess-da: 'al-ass-eo.', seon saeng nim kke seo mal sseum ha syeoss da: 'suk je reul kkok ha se yo.' hak saeng i dap haess da: 'al ass eo.'
Informal ‘알았어’ correctly shows the student's understanding and acceptance.
알았어, 감사합니다.
al-ass-eo, gam-sa-hap-ni-da., al ass eo, gam sa hap ni da.
‘알았어’ is informal and sounds awkward with polite thanks.
알았어! 내가 할게.
al-ass-eo! nae-ga hal-ge., al ass eo! nae ga hal ge.
Appropriate to express understanding and willingness to act.
In which situation is ‘알았어’ mainly used?
What is the polite form of ‘알았어’?
Which sentence uses ‘알았어’ incorrectly?
