What does 알겠어 mean?

알겠어 (al-gess-eo, algesseo)

알겠어 is a common expression used in daily conversation to show understanding or agreement.

Korean phrase 알겠어 meaning understood

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

알겠어(al-gess-eo, algesseo)

'알겠어' is a phrase formed by the verb '알다' (to know/understand) plus the ending '-겠어', indicating understanding or acknowledgment of what someone said.

Nuances

  • Includes agreement or acceptance, not just understanding
  • Conveys a friendly and natural tone
  • Inappropriate or rude in formal settings

When to use

Casual talk with friends, Informal workplace conversation, Family conversation

In context

'알겠어' is an informal ending used among close friends or peers to express understanding or acceptance of what was said. It usually appears at the end of a sentence and corresponds to the polite form '알겠습니다'.

Real-world examples

  • 네, 알겠어.

    ne, al-gess-eo., ne, al gess eo.

    A natural informal sentence expressing understanding to a friend or colleague.

  • 알겠어요.

    al-gess-eo-yo., al gess eo yo.

    Polite form suitable for formal situations.

  • 알겠어?

    al-gess-eo?, al gess eo?

    Informal question asking if the other person understands.

  • 알겠어!

    al-gess-eo!, al gess eo!

    Exclamatory sentence expressing strong understanding or acceptance.

  • 알겠어요, 감사합니다.

    al-gess-eo-yo, gam-sa-hap-ni-da., al gess eo yo, gam sa hap ni da.

    Polite sentence naturally combining understanding with thanks.

  • 알겠어, 하지 마.

    al-gess-eo, ha-ji ma., al gess eo, ha ji ma.

    Natural sentence expressing both understanding and command among friends.

  • 알겠어? 알겠어!

    al-gess-eo? al-gess-eo!, al gess eo? al gess eo!

    Repeated use shows checking understanding and affirmation.

  • 알겠어요?

    al-gess-eo-yo?, al gess eo yo?

    Polite question asking if the other person understands in formal settings.

Quick quiz

  1. In which situation is '알겠어' mainly used?

    '알겠어'는 어떤 상황에서 주로 사용되나요?('al-gess-eo'neuneo-tteonsang-hwang-e-seoju-rosa-yong-doe-na-yo?, 'algesseo'neuneotteonsanghwangeseojurosayongdoenayo?)
  2. What is the polite form of '알겠어'?

    '알겠어'의 존댓말 형태는 무엇인가요?('al-gess-eo'uijon-daes-malhyeong-tae-neunmu-eos-in-ga-yo?, 'algesseo'uijondaesmalhyeongtaeneunmueosingayo?)
  3. Which sentence uses '알겠어' correctly?

    다음 중 '알겠어'를 올바르게 사용한 문장은?(da-eumjung'al-gess-eo'reulol-ba-reu-gesa-yong-hanmun-jang-eun?, daeumjung'algesseo'reulolbareugesayonghanmunjangeun?)

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