What does 알았어 mean?
알았어 means "An expression naturally used to say that one understood and accepted what the other person said" in Korean.
When it's used
Used to briefly respond that the speaker understood or accepted an instruction or explanation after listening to the conversation.
The line
어.. 오케이, 알았어.
Uh.. okay, got it.
This is said in response to hearing someone's brief instructions and immediately understanding them.
Scene from “[SPECIAL VIDEO] SEVENTEEN 5th Anniversary '빛나는 5주년(Shining 5th Anniversary)'” · Channel: SEVENTEEN Watch on YouTube
More examples
메시지 오면 내가 바로 확인할게. 알았어.
I'll check as soon as the message arrives. Got it.
지금은 밖에 나가도 됩니다. 알았어, 바로 나갈게.
You may go outside now. Got it, I'll go out right away.
Quick check
When would you use this expression?
알았어
어.. 오케이, 알았어.
Uh.. okay, got it.
- A situation where the speaker says that they did not understand the instructions at all.
- A situation where the speaker answers that they understood immediately after hearing brief instructions.
- A situation where the speaker says they became angry immediately after hearing the other person.
Show the answer
A situation where the speaker answers that they understood immediately after hearing brief instructions.
An expression naturally used to say that one understood and accepted what the other person said. This is a very common reaction expression in spoken language. Its meaning is close to ‘알겠어’ (I understand), but it feels more immediate and casual. Depending on the speech level, it can change to 알았어, 알았어요, or 알았습니까. In informal speech, 알았어 is usually used. Although it looks like a past-tense form, it is actually a confirmation or response expression rather than a completed tense.
Other words in this line
- 오케이
- Okay; got it
- 알다
- To know; to understand
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