💬 Phrases A1 ✓ Native Reviewed

몰라

molla

I don't know (casual)

Share on X

What it means

몰라 is the casual "I don't know" — one of the most frequently heard phrases in K-dramas. It comes from 모르다 (to not know). Extremely versatile in emotion.

Nuance & when to use

몰라 = I don't know (simple). 몰라! = I don't know! (frustrated). 나도 몰라 = I don't know either. Polite: 몰라요. Very polite/formal: 모릅니다. In K-drama emotional scenes, 몰라! shouted in frustration is iconic. Can also mean "I don't care anymore" in exasperation.

⚠ Common mistake

모르다 is the base verb. When conjugated: 몰라요 (polite present). Not 모르아요 — the irregular conjugation changes 모르 to 몰.

Example sentences

몰라요, 저도 처음이에요. Mollayo, jeodo cheoeumieyeo. I don't know, it's my first time too.
몰라! 그냥 가! Molla! Geunyang ga! I don't know! Just go!
어디 있는지 몰라요. Eodi inneunjji mollayo. I don't know where it is.

See also

알아요 잘 모르겠어요 글쎄요
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
Next lesson →

More A1 lessons

물 mul water 천천히 cheoncheonhi slowly / take your time 학교 hakgyo school
← 먹자 물 →

FAQ

When is this used?

몰라 = I don't know (simple). 몰라! = I don't know! (frustrated). 나도 몰라 = I don't know either. Polite: 몰라요. Very polite/formal: 모릅니다. In K-drama emotional scenes, 몰라! shouted in frustration is iconic. Can also mean "I don't care anymore" in exasperation.

What's a common mistake?

모르다 is the base verb. When conjugated: 몰라요 (polite present). Not 모르아요 — the irregular conjugation changes 모르 to 몰.

Ready to learn more Korean?

Get one free Korean lesson every day — straight to your inbox.

Get Daily Korean Free →

Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime