Meaning and Usage
The verb '알다' means 'to know' or 'to be aware of'. It is one of the most fundamental verbs in Korean and is used to express knowledge or recognition of facts, people, or information.
Common Contexts
- Knowing a person or being familiar with someone: '그 사람을 알아요' (I know that person).
- Understanding how to do something: '어떻게 하는지 알아요?' (Do you know how to do it?).
- Being aware of news or information: '소식을 알고 있다' (to know the news).
Collocations and Patterns
- '알다 + noun' (to know something): e.g., '사실을 알다' (to know the fact).
- '알고 있다' (to be aware of, to have knowledge): used to emphasize ongoing knowledge.
- '모르다' is the antonym, meaning 'to not know'.
Register and Politeness
'알다' is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. Politeness is shown by verb endings, e.g., '알아요' (polite), '압니다' (formal polite).
Common Learner Mistake
Confusing '알다' with '알리다' (to inform). Remember, '알다' is to know, while '알리다' means to let someone know or to inform.