알다

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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.

Example Sentences

저는 그 사람을 잘 알아요.

Jeoneun geu sarameul jal arayo.

I know that person well.

이 문제를 어떻게 해결하는지 알아요?

I munjeleul eotteoke haegyeolhaneunji arayo?

Do you know how to solve this problem?

그 소식을 이미 알고 있었어요.

Geu sosigeul imi algo isseosseoyo.

I already knew that news.