What does 몰라 mean?

몰라 (mol-ra, molra)

"몰라" is a common Korean colloquial form of '모르다' meaning 'I don't know.' It's used to simply say you don't know something in everyday conversation.

Korean word 몰라 meaning I don't know

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

몰라(mol-ra, molra)

"몰라" is the informal spoken form of the verb "모르다," meaning 'to not know' or 'don't know.'

Nuances

  • Informal and friendly but can be rude
  • Firmly expresses lack of knowledge
  • Sometimes implies annoyance or disinterest
  • Tone can carry irritation depending on emotion

When to use

Talking with friends, Light argument, When a quick answer is needed

In context

"몰라" is mainly used in informal (banmal) speech, often with the subject omitted. It is commonly used as a short negative answer to questions. It can appear at the end of sentences to express emotion or stand alone.

Real-world examples

  • 너 어디 가?

    neo eo-di ga?, neo eo di ga?

    It naturally answers the question by indicating not knowing.

  • 몰라, 그냥 그래.

    mol-ra, geu-nyang geu-rae., mol ra, geu nyang geu rae.

    A natural sentence expressing not knowing with emotion.

  • 저는 몰라요.

    jeo-neun mol-ra-yo., jeo neun mol ra yo.

    Polite form of '몰라', showing formal speech.

  • 몰라! 왜 그래?

    mol-ra! wae geu-rae?, mol ra! wae geu rae?

    A natural expression in informal conversation with emotion.

  • 몰라요, 몰라.

    mol-ra-yo, mol-ra., mol ra yo, mol ra.

    Mixing polite and informal forms is unnatural.

  • 몰라서 가요.

    mol-ra-seo ga-yo., mol ra seo ga yo.

    Incorrect connective usage; '몰라서' is awkward here.

Quick quiz

  1. In which situation is "몰라" mainly used?

    "몰라"는 어떤 상황에서 주로 쓰이나요?("mol-ra"neuneo-tteonsang-hwang-e-seoju-rosseu-i-na-yo?, "molra"neuneotteonsanghwangeseojurosseuinayo?)
  2. Which sentence uses "몰라" correctly?

    다음 문장 중 "몰라"가 올바르게 사용된 것은?(da-eummun-jangjung"mol-ra"gaol-ba-reu-gesa-yong-doengeos-eun?, daeummunjangjung"molra"gaolbareugesayongdoengeoseun?)

More meaning guides

View all meaning guides →