Stop Saying “I Don't Understand” Incorrectly in Korean: 이해 못해요 vs 이해 안 돼요
Confused about how to say “I don’t understand” in Korean? You’re not alone! Many learners mix up 이해 못해요 and 이해 안 돼요, or wonder whether to use 몰라요 or 모르겠어요.
🎯 What You’ll Learn
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이해 못해요 vs 이해 안 돼요 – Subtle difference in meaning and usage.
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몰라요 vs 모르겠어요 – When to say “I don’t know” vs “I don’t (quite) understand.”
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Real conversation examples to help you sound natural.
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Quick quiz to check your understanding!
💡 Why It’s Important
Choosing the wrong phrase can change your meaning or make you sound unnatural:
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이해 못해요 means “I can’t understand (at all).”
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이해 안 돼요 means “I don’t understand,” often used when something is unclear.
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몰라요 = “I don’t know.”
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모르겠어요 = “I’m not sure/I don’t quite know.”
Nailing these differences boosts both your grammar and your confidence!
🎥 Watch the Video
👉 Click here to watch on YouTube
🛑 Tip: Pause after each section and repeat the sentences aloud to practice!
🧠 Quick Comparison Table
| Phrase | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 이해 못해요 | I can’t understand at all | “이 문법은 이해 못해요.” |
| 이해 안 돼요 | I don’t understand (it’s unclear) | “왜 그렇게 말했는지 이해 안 돼요.” |
| 몰라요 | I don’t know | “그 사람 이름 몰라요.” |
| 모르겠어요 | I’m not sure / don’t quite understand | “어떻게 하는지 모르겠어요.” |
✏️ Practice Challenge
Try these exercises:
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Say “I don’t understand this sentence.”
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Say “I don’t know his phone number.”
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Say “I’m not sure how to use this grammar.”
Leave your sentences in the comments—I’ll help check them!
📣 Let’s Chat!
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