I Don't Know in Korean: 몰라요 (Mollayo)

"I don't know" in Korean is 몰라요 (mollayo). Softer version: 잘 모르겠어요 (jal moreugesseoyo).

몰라요 is extremely common. 잘 모르겠어요 adds "I'm not sure," which feels politer with strangers.

Politeness levels

Related phrases

• 알아요 (arayo): I know
• 생각나요 (saenggangnayo): I remember
• 확인해 볼게요 (hwaginhae bolgeyo): I'll check

Field tip

In shops, 잘 모르겠어요 plus pointing to a coworker is totally fine.

Common mistake

Bare 모릅니다 can sound blunt. Soften with 잘 or a short excuse.

Go further

Practice these phrases in Seonsaengnim lessons and dictionary, with native audio and flashcards.