Dictionary — Entry No. 1175
알 때 할게
al-ttae-hallge · expression
알 때 할게
al-ttae-hallge
[ahl-TTAE-hahl-geh]
expressionbeginner
Meaning
Means ‘I’ll do it when I understand/know,’ expressing conditional future action. It combines ‘al’ (to know/understand) with a promise, showing Korean politeness by delaying commitment until full understanding is achieved.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Common in K-Dramas when characters make promises contingent on understanding situations. TWICE members use this in interviews when explaining future plans pending clarity. Reflects Korean cultural value of thoughtful decision-making rather than rushing.
Example Sentences
계획을 알 때 할게.
Gyehoekul al-ttae hallge.
I’ll do it when I understand the plan. (implies waiting for full information before committing)
규칙을 알 때 할게.
Gyugikul al-ttae hallge.
I’ll follow the rules once I understand them. (shows respect for learning process)
뭐하는 건지 알 때 할게.
Mwohaneun geonji al-ttae hallge.
I’ll do it once I understand what’s going on. (common response to confusing requests)
⚠️ Don’t use al-ttae-hallge when…
Don’t drop the ‘al-ttae’ part—just saying ‘hallge’ alone loses the conditional meaning. This isn’t about refusing; it’s about responsible decision-making, so tone matters to avoid sounding evasive.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay — character postpones decision with this phrase when overwhelmed by complex emotions
- K-Pop: TWICE — ‘More & More’ (lines about understanding their love before fully committing)
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.