Meaning and Usage
The verb '모르다' means 'to not know' or 'to be unaware of something.' It is one of the most basic and frequently used verbs in Korean for expressing lack of knowledge or information.
Common Contexts
You can use '모르다' when you want to say you don't know a fact, a person, a method, or any kind of information. It is often used in everyday conversations, questions, and expressions of uncertainty.
Politeness and Forms
'모르다' is often conjugated into polite forms like '몰라요' or '모릅니다' depending on the formality level. The plain form '모르다' is used in dictionaries or informal speech.
Common Collocations
- '모르다 + question word' (e.g., 어떻게 몰라요?) to express not knowing how to do something.
- '모르다 + noun' (e.g., 이름을 몰라요) to express not knowing a person’s name.
- '모르다 + reason clause' (e.g., 몰라서 질문했어요) to explain why you did something.
Learner Tips
A common mistake is confusing '모르다' with '모이다' (to gather). Make sure to pronounce and write carefully. Also, '모르다' is different from '모시다' (to serve respectfully), so context is important.
Using '모르다' correctly helps you express uncertainty or lack of knowledge naturally in Korean conversations.