How to Say “I Don't Understand” in Korean and Keep Talking
Say you don't understand in Korean without ending the conversation: 잘 모르겠어요, 이해가 안 돼요, and polite requests to repeat or slow down.
Choose between 모르겠어요 and 이해가 안 돼요
잘 모르겠어요 (jal moreugesseoyo) means “I'm not sure” or “I don't really know.” It is soft and very common. Use it when you don't know an answer, or when you heard the words but can't follow the meaning.
이해가 안 돼요 (ihaega an dwaeyo) means “I don't understand it.” It points more clearly at comprehension. 이해 못 했어요 (ihae mot haesseoyo), “I didn't understand,” is useful right after someone has finished speaking.
The -겠- in 모르겠어요 softens the statement. That is why it sounds gentler than the plain 몰라요 (mollayo), “I don't know,” which can feel blunt or even dismissive depending on tone.
Follow up with a request
Saying you don't understand works best with a next step:
- 다시 한번 말해 주세요. — “Please say it once more.”
- 천천히 말해 주세요. — “Please speak slowly.”
- 이게 무슨 뜻이에요? — “What does this mean?”
- 영어로 말해 주실 수 있어요? — “Could you say it in English?”
말해 주실 수 있어요? adds the honorific -시- and sounds more polite than 말해 주세요. It suits strangers and older people.
A conversation that keeps going
A: 이 버스는 시청 앞에서 안 서요. 다음 정류장에서 내리세요.
“This bus doesn't stop in front of City Hall. Get off at the next stop.”
B: 죄송해요, 잘 모르겠어요. 천천히 말해 주세요.
“Sorry, I don't quite follow. Please speak slowly.”
A: 다음 정류장에서 내리세요.
“Get off at the next stop.”
B: 아, 다음 정류장이요? 감사합니다.
“Ah, the next stop? Thank you.”
Repeating the key words with -이요? (“…you mean?”) confirms what you heard.
Tell people you are still learning
한국어를 잘 못해요 (hangugeoreul jal motaeyo) means “I don't speak Korean well.” 한국어 공부한 지 3개월 됐어요 (“I've been studying Korean for three months”) helps people adjust their speed. Both are honest and usually get a patient response.
Common mistakes
Don't say 이해 안 해요; it sounds like “I refuse to understand” rather than “I can't understand.” Use 이해가 안 돼요 or 이해 못 했어요. Also avoid repeating 몰라요 alone to staff; it can sound like you're ending the conversation.
Practice asking for help
Have someone read a sentence quickly, or play a short Korean clip. Respond with 잘 모르겠어요, then add one request: 다시 한번 말해 주세요 or 천천히 말해 주세요. Finally, repeat one key word with -이요? to confirm it. Practice until the request comes out without pausing.
Once you understand the answer, practice asking for directions in Korean.
Explore Saystep for Korean speaking practice with feedback. You can also practice this article's dialogue independently, without using an app.