How to say "I do not know" in Korean

The natural way Koreans say "I do not know" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.

When to use it

Korean has a dedicated verb for not knowing (모르다) instead of adding a negative. Note it is not 안 알아 - that is a classic learner mistake.

Polite form

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  몰라요

  mollayo

  Use this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.

Other ways to say it

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  잘 모르겠어요

  jal moreugesseoyo

  = I am not really sure

  Softer and much more polite. Use this with strangers.
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  글쎄

  geulsse

  = Hmm, well

  For when you are thinking about it rather than refusing to answer.

In a sentence

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  나도 몰라.

  nado molla.

  I do not know either.
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  죄송해요, 잘 모르겠어요.

  joesonghaeyo, jal moreugesseoyo.

  Sorry, I am not really sure.