잘 모르겠어요
I do not understand / I am not sure
Try it freeListen and repeat 잘 모르겠어요Use the audio examples below to practice this exact intention.Open →Explanation
잘 모르겠어요 literally means “I do not know well,” but it naturally communicates “I do not understand” or “I am not sure.”
It is softer than a blunt “no.” Use it when directions, explanations, or a question are unclear.
For spoken Korean that you cannot hear clearly, 잘 못 들었어요 means “I did not hear well.”
Examples
죄송하지만, 잘 모르겠어요.
Joesonghajiman, jal moreugesseoyo.
Sorry, but I do not understand.
잘 못 들었어요.
Jal mot deureosseoyo.
I did not hear well.
Mini dialogue
A: 이 양식을 작성해 주세요.
A: Please fill out this form.
B: 죄송하지만, 잘 모르겠어요.
B: Sorry, but I do not understand.
Common mistakes
- 모르겠어요 is not the same as 몰라요; 몰라요 can sound much more casual or abrupt.
- Use 못 들었어요 for hearing, not 모르겠어요.
How to practice
- A polite, humble phrase for learners.
- Add 죄송하지만 (“I am sorry, but”) for extra politeness.
Check yourself
Question 1 of 1
Which phrase means “I did not hear well”?
Related
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