Korean · Greetings & Essentials
"I don't understand" in Korean: 이해가 안 돼요
이해가 안 돼요ihaega an dwaeyo
I don't understand in Korean is 이해가 안 돼요 (ihaega an dwaeyo). 이해가 안 돼요 politely describes difficulty understanding; specify 말 or 설명 if the topic is unclear.
I don't understand: starting the exchange
죄송하지만 이해가 안 돼요.joesonghajiman ihaega an dwaeyo.
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How to pronounce 이해가 안 돼요
Say it
ihaega an dwaeyo
/ihɛka an twɛjo/
이해가 안 돼요 is read ihaega an dwaeyo. In 잘 이해가 안 돼요, read the full phrase as jal ihaega an dwaeyo.
"I don't understand" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 이해가 안 돼요ihaega an dwaeyo | I don't understand The inventory form for i don't understand. | The inventory form for i don't understand. |
| 잘 이해가 안 돼요jal ihaega an dwaeyo | I do not understand well 이해가 안 돼요 politely describes difficulty understanding; specify 말 or 설명 if the topic is unclear. | 이해가 안 돼요 politely describes difficulty understanding; specify 말 or 설명 if the topic is unclear. |
How to use 이해가 안 돼요 in real life
- 1I don't understand: starting the exchange
죄송하지만 이해가 안 돼요.
joesonghajiman ihaega an dwaeyo.
I am sorry, but I do not understand.
이해가 안 돼요 politely describes difficulty understanding; specify 말 or 설명 if the topic is unclear.
- 2I don't understand: adding useful context
이 설명은 이해가 안 돼요.
i seolmyeongeun ihaega an dwaeyo.
I do not understand this explanation.
This sentence places 이해가 안 돼요 in a complete exchange.
- 3I don't understand: a different conversation
이 부분이 이해가 안 돼요.
i bubuni ihaega an dwaeyo.
I do not understand this part.
This sentence places 이해가 안 돼요 in a complete exchange.
Mistakes English speakers make with 이해가 안 돼요
Incorrect: 죄송하지만 이해가 안 돼요이에요.
Correct: 죄송하지만 이해가 안 돼요.
When practicing i don't understand, a conjugated predicate already finishes this sentence; do not append the noun copula 이에요. Keep the complete form 죄송하지만 이해가 안 돼요.
Incorrect: 죄송하지만 이해가 안 돼요습니다.
Correct: 죄송하지만 이해가 안 돼요.
When practicing i don't understand, do not append a formal sentence ending to a predicate that already has its polite ending. Keep the complete form 죄송하지만 이해가 안 돼요.
Good to know
이해가 안 돼요 politely describes difficulty understanding; specify 말 or 설명 if the topic is unclear.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led greetings and essentials study exercise: two sentences with 이해가 안 돼요
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
죄송하지만 이해가 안 돼요.
joesonghajiman ihaega an dwaeyo.
I am sorry, but I do not understand.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
이 설명은 이해가 안 돼요.
i seolmyeongeun ihaega an dwaeyo.
I do not understand this explanation.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"I don't understand" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "I don't understand" in Korean
What does 이해가 안 돼요 mean?
I don't understand in Korean is 이해가 안 돼요 (ihaega an dwaeyo). 이해가 안 돼요 politely describes difficulty understanding; specify 말 or 설명 if the topic is unclear.
When should I say 잘 이해가 안 돼요?
이해가 안 돼요 politely describes difficulty understanding; specify 말 or 설명 if the topic is unclear.
How does 잘 이해가 안 돼요 differ from the basic expression?
잘 이해가 안 돼요 means “I do not understand well”. 이해가 안 돼요 politely describes difficulty understanding; specify 말 or 설명 if the topic is unclear.
Can I use 이해가 안 돼요 in a full sentence?
죄송하지만 이해가 안 돼요. means “I am sorry, but I do not understand.” 이해가 안 돼요 politely describes difficulty understanding; specify 말 or 설명 if the topic is unclear.
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