Learn Korean: WH + 지 모르다 (2)

Let's take a look at the pattern WH + 지 모르다. I would say 모르다 is the most special verb in here so far since it’s the fourth pattern that involves the said verb. The first three tackles general facts and routines while this one focuses on the future with question words. In English, it’s a combination of questions words and infinitive- what to do, where to go, who to ask. The verb stem before –지 모르다 takes the additional character ㄹ, and it is also common to conjugate the verb further into 해야 하다/되다 (must, should, have to).

어떻게 해야 할 지 모르겠다.

I don’t know what to do.

뭐 해야 할지 모르겠다.

I don’t know what to do.

언제 결혼할지 모르겠다.

I don’t know when to marry.

얼마나 필요할지 모르겠다.

I don’t know how much I need.

어디부터 시작해야 할지 모르겠다.

I don’t know where to start.