이해하다 vs 알다

Korean word comparison

How they differ

알다 signals knowledge or awareness of a fact, person, or information, but does not necessarily imply grasping underlying reasons, logic, or nuance; 이해하다 specifically means to comprehend or mentally grasp meaning. In practice, 알다 can be shallower (knowing that), while 이해하다 is deeper (understanding why/how).

When to use each

When to use 이해하다: Prefer 이해하다 when you want to emphasize comprehension of meaning, reasoning, or someone's feelings.

When to use 알다: Prefer 알다 when you simply want to state that you know or are aware of a fact, a person, or information without implying deep comprehension.

Side-by-side examples

1. 그의 설명을 이해했어요.
   (I understood his explanation.)
2. 그의 설명을 알았어요.
   (I knew/was aware of his explanation.)

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More 이해하다 comparisons

• 이해하다 vs 파악하다
• 이해하다 vs 알아듣다