Dictionary — Entry No. 0837
알았어
alasseo · verb
알았어
alasseo
[ah-RAHSS-uh]
verbbeginner
Meaning
The casual past tense of ‘alda,’ meaning ‘I understand’ or ‘I got it.’ This is the go-to response when someone explains something to you in Korean, expressing immediate comprehension and acknowledgment of their words.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Essential filler in K-Pop idols’ casual conversations and interview clips. BLACKPINK members frequently use this in behind-the-scenes content when responding to directors or staff. It’s the verbal equivalent of a nodding head—signals attentiveness and respect in Korean social dynamics.
Example Sentences
알았어, 내가 이해했어.
alasseo, naega ihaehasseo.
I got it, I understand. (emphatic confirmation)
음, 알았어! 그럼 내일 만나자.
eum, alasseo! geureom naeil mannaja.
Yeah, okay! Then let’s meet tomorrow. (accepting an arrangement)
알았어, 조심할게.
alasseo, josimhalge.
Got it, I’ll be careful. (acknowledging a warning)
⚠️ Don’t use alasseo when…
Don’t use 알습니다 (formal) in casual chat—it’s too stiff for friends. 알았어 is NOT the same as 알았어요—the -어 ending is strictly casual/intimate, never use with older people unless you’re very close.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Crash Landing on You — Yoon Se-ri uses this repeatedly when Ri Jeong-hyeok explains North Korean customs to her, marking her gradual understanding of his world.
- K-Pop: NewJeans — ‘Hype Boy’ — members respond with ‘알았어!’ in behind-the-scenes choreography practice videos when the choreographer explains formations.
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.