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How to say I Don't Know in Korean: mo reu gess eo yo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When do Koreans say "I don't know" — 모르겠어요 (moreugesseoyo)?

Koreans use it when they are unsure or don't have the answer.

Q2. Is "I don't know" — 모르겠어요 (moreugesseoyo) polite enough?

Yes. "모르겠어요 (moreugesseoyo)" is polite and natural. You can also say "모르겠어 (moreugesseo)" casually.

Q3. What should I say when asked something I don't know?

You can say "I don't know, sorry" — 모르겠어요, 죄송해요 (moreugesseoyo, joesonghaeyo).

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EPS TOPIK: How to Say "I Don't Know" in Korean

What does "모르겠어요 (moreugesseoyo)" mean?

모르겠어요 means "I don't know." 모르다 (moreuda) = to not know, 겠어요 (gesseoyo) = polite uncertain. Most common natural response when unsure. Considered humble and trustworthy in Korean culture.

Polite: 모르겠어요 (mo-reu-get-seo-yo) - Standard
Formal: 모르겠습니다 (mo-reu-get-seum-ni-da) - Formal
Casual: 모르겠어 (mo-reu-get-seo) - Friends

Grammar Breakdown

모르다 (moreuda) = to not know
겠어요 (gesseoyo) = polite uncertain
겠습니다 (getseumnida) = formal uncertain
→ 모르겠어요 = I don't know.

When to Use It

1. Class/Work: Unsure answer.
2. Daily: Honest response.
3. Formal: Humble admission.

Real-Life Examples

모르겠어요, 미안해요. mo-reu-get-seo-yo, mi-an-hae-yo.

I don't know, sorry.

모르겠습니다, 확인해 보겠습니다. mo-reu-get-seum-ni-da, hwak-in-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.

I don't know, I will check. (Formal)

모르겠어, 나도. mo-reu-get-seo, na-do.

I don't know, me neither. (Casual)

잘 모르겠어요. jal mo-reu-get-seo-yo.

I don't really know.

Similar Expressions

• 몰라요 (mollayo) - I don't know (short)
• 잘 모르겠어요 (jal moreugesseoyo) - I don't really know
• 기억이 안 나요 (gieogi an nayo) - I don't remember