Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to understand" in Korean: 이해하다
이해하다ihaehada
to understand in Korean is 이해하다 (ihaehada). 이해하다 takes the thing understood as its object; 못 이해해요 expresses inability to understand.
to understand: an everyday statement
질문을 이해해요.jilmuneul ihaehaeyo.
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How to pronounce 이해하다
Say it
ihaehada
/ihɛhata/
Read 이해하다 as ihaehada. The spoken form 이해해요 is ihaehaeyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to understand" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 이해하다ihaehada | to understand Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 이해해요ihaehaeyo | to understand (polite present) Use 이해해요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 이해해요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 이해했어요ihaehaesseoyo | to understand (polite past) Use 이해했어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 이해했어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 이해하다 in real life
- 1to understand: an everyday statement
질문을 이해해요.
jilmuneul ihaehaeyo.
I understand the question.
이해해요 is the present form of 이해하다.
- 2to understand: a different situation
설명을 듣고 이해했어요.
seolmyeongeul deutgo ihaehaesseoyo.
I understood after hearing the explanation.
이해했어요 is the past form of 이해하다.
- 3to understand: a question or request
이 문장을 이해해요?
i munjangeul ihaehaeyo?
Do you understand this sentence?
이해해요 is the present form of 이해하다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 이해하다
Incorrect: 이해하다.
Correct: 이해해요.
When practicing to understand, 이해하다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 이해해요.
Incorrect: 어제 이해해요.
Correct: 어제 이해했어요.
When practicing to understand, for a completed event yesterday, use 이해했어요; the present form 이해해요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
이해하다 takes the thing understood as its object; 못 이해해요 expresses inability to understand. 이해해요 is the polite conversational form of 이해하다; 이해했어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 이해하다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
질문을 이해해요.
jilmuneul ihaehaeyo.
I understand the question.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
설명을 듣고 이해했어요.
seolmyeongeul deutgo ihaehaesseoyo.
I understood after hearing the explanation.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to understand" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to understand" in Korean
How do I use 이해하다 in polite speech?
이해해요 is the polite conversational form of 이해하다; 이해했어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 이해하다 in a past-tense sentence?
이해했어요 is the polite past form. 이해하다 takes the thing understood as its object; 못 이해해요 expresses inability to understand.
What does 이해해요 mean here?
이해해요 is used for to understand. For example, 질문을 이해해요. means “I understand the question.”
What should I remember about 이해하다?
이해하다 takes the thing understood as its object; 못 이해해요 expresses inability to understand.
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