Dictionary — Entry No. 0872
알고 있어
algo-isseo · verb
알고 있어
algo-isseo
[ahl-go IS-uh]
verbbeginner
Meaning
Means ‘I know’ or ‘I understand.’ Combines 알다 (to know) with the present continuous -고 있다, indicating current state of knowledge.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Casual affirmation in K-pop and K-drama. NewJeans’ lyrics use ‘알고 있어’ for emotional understanding. Essential in dialogue for character acknowledgment.
Example Sentences
나는 알고 있어.
naneun algo isseo.
I know. (definite knowledge)
너를 알고 있어.
neoleul algo isseo.
I know you. (understand your essence)
뭐 하는지 알고 있어.
mwo haneun-ji algo isseo.
I know what you’re doing. (aware of actions)
⚠️ Don’t use algo-isseo when…
알고 있어 is casual; formal is 알고 있어요; don’t use for newly discovered knowledge (use 알았어 instead); in negation: 몰라 is informal past (I found out I don’t know), vs. 모르고 있어 (current state of not knowing)
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Crash Landing on You — repeated ‘I know you’ moments of recognition
- K-Pop: NewJeans — ‘알고 있어’ in lyrics expressing emotional knowing/understanding
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.