What it means
이해 means understanding, 가 is a subject marker, 안 negates, 돼요 means it works/becomes. Used when something is conceptually unclear.
Nuance & when to use
For not hearing someone, use 못 들었어요 (mot deureosseoyo). For not understanding language or concepts, 이해가 안 돼요 works well. It's slightly more emphatic than 모르겠어요.
⚠ Common mistake
이해 안 해요 is possible but 이해가 안 돼요 is the more natural expression for I just don't get it.
Example sentences
죄송한데, 이해가 안 돼요.
Joesonghande, ihaega an dwaeyo.
I'm sorry, I don't understand.
이 문장이 이해가 안 돼요.
I munjang-i ihaega an dwaeyo.
I don't understand this sentence.
설명을 들었지만 이해가 안 돼요.
Seolmyeong-eul deureotjiman ihaega an dwaeyo.
I heard the explanation, but I still don't understand.
이해가 안 돼요. 다시 설명해 주실 수 있어요?
Ihaega an dwaeyo. Dasi seolmyeonghae jusil su isseoyo?
I don't understand. Could you explain again?
See also
못 알아들어요
다시 말해 주세요
무슨 뜻이에요?
FAQ
When is this used?
For not hearing someone, use 못 들었어요 (mot deureosseoyo). For not understanding language or concepts, 이해가 안 돼요 works well. It's slightly more emphatic than 모르겠어요.
What's a common mistake?
이해 안 해요 is possible but 이해가 안 돼요 is the more natural expression for I just don't get it.
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