Learn Korean from Your Bias
No.171

Korean expression

알아

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What does 알아 mean?

알아 means "I know; what do you know about me?" in Korean.

How it works here

알아 is the casual present form of 알다, meaning “know” or “understand.”

Dictionary form

알다

To know or understand a person, fact, situation, or method through familiarity or experience.

알아 is the casual present form of 알다 (to know). It often emphasizes already knowing or being familiar with something.

When it's used

Used when objecting to someone claiming to know the speaker well.

The line

오케이 너 날 뭘 알아?!

Okay, what do you know about me?!

An irritated challenge to someone who claims to know the speaker.

Scene from “Run BTS! 2023 Special Episode - Next Top Genius Part 2” · Channel: BANGTANTV Watch on YouTube

More examples

  1. 그 사람은 한국어를 좀 알아요.

    That person knows a little Korean.

  2. 나는 이 동네 길을 잘 알아.

    I know the roads in this neighborhood well.

Quick check

What does this mean here?

알아

오케이 너 날 뭘 알아?!

  • To know or understand a person, fact, situation, or method through familiarity or experience
  • It means being unable to immediately grasp what someone means even after hearing them.
  • It means a situation where you can hardly recognize someone right away after a long time apart.
  • It means a situation where you cannot understand what someone said and briefly freeze up.
Show the answer

To know or understand a person, fact, situation, or method through familiarity or experience

알아 is the casual present form of 알다 (to know). It often emphasizes already knowing or being familiar with something.

Other words in this line

오케이
Okay
너
You
나
I; me
무엇
What

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