How to say "I do not understand" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "I do not understand" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
이해 못 했어
ihae mot haesseo
Literally: I failed to understand.
When to use it
The most valuable sentence for a learner in Korea. Saying it clearly gets people to slow down instead of switching to English.
Polite form
- 이해 못 했어요ihae mot haesseoyoUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 잘 못 알아들었어요jal mot aradeureosseoyo= I did not catch thatAbout hearing rather than meaning. Very natural.
- 천천히 말해 주세요cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo= Please speak slowlyThe follow-up. Memorise it together with the line above.
- 한 번만 더 말해 주세요han beonman deo malhae juseyo= Please say it one more timeAsking for a repeat.
In a sentence
- 죄송해요, 이해 못 했어요.joesonghaeyo, ihae mot haesseoyo.Sorry, I did not understand.
- 조금 천천히 말해 주세요.jogeum cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo.Please speak a little more slowly.
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
essentialtravel