Today we’ll see some Korean grammar patterns which are used to form sentences to talk about an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.
Conjecture means to form an opinion or supposition about something on the basis of incomplete information.
V ~(으)/ㄹ거예요
Used to express the speaker's supposition based on a personal experience or something seen or heard that provides a basis for the belief.
This pattern can be used to make future tense sentences. Also, when used for supposition it cannot be used in question form.
For Example:
- 이 옷을 입으면 더울 거예요. - If you wear these clothes, you'll feel hot.
- 티셔츠 입을 거예요. - I'm going to wear a t-shirt.
V ~(으)ㄹ 까요
This grammar is used while asking for someone’s opinion, suggesting to do something together or, used for questions, thoughts or guesses.
For Example:
- 오늘 점심에 뭐 먹을까요? - What shall we eat for lunch today?
- 오늘 밤에 저녁 나가서 먹을까요? - Should we go out for dinner tonight?
A ~아/어/여 보이다
This expression is used to indicate that one feels or guesses something by the appearance of something mentioned in the preceding statement.
It is used in the situation where someone is expressing their feeling on the outward appearance of a person, event or thing. The word 보이다 indicates that something looks/seems like (something).
For Example:
- She looks sad/depressed. 슬퍼 보이다. / 우울해 보이다.
- You look tired. / You looked tired. 피곤해 보이다. / 피곤해 보였다.
V/A ~(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ 것 같다
It used to express predictions when something seems to be like in a way which might be occurring, may have occurred or will occur in future.
For Example:
- I think it's raining : 비 오는 것 같아요.
- I think it rained today : 오늘 비 온 것 같아요 /오늘 비 왔을 것 같아요.
- I think it will rain today : 오늘 비 올 것 같아요.
A/V-(으)ㄴ/는 모양이다
An expression used to guess that something is in progress or in a certain state, considering another fact or situation.
This grammar pattern is used to infer or guess a situation after observation. About things that you can see or hear.
For Example:
- It looks like it’ll rain. / It is likely to rain.
비가 올 모양이다.
- Seung-gyu has been tired these days, but he seems to be having a hard time at work.
승규가 요즘 계속 피곤해 하던데 일이 힘든 모양이에요.
V/A ~(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다
It is used by the speaker to indicate if he/she thought something or didn't know about something.
It is equivalent to saying “I thought that / I didn’t know that.”
For Example:
- 어떻게 하는 줄 몰랐어요. I didn't know how to do it.
- 난 그들이 곧장 집에 가는 줄 알았어요. I think they went straight home.
- 이렇게 먹는 줄 몰랐어요. I didn't know you could eat like this.
A/V ~ㄹ/을 리가 없다
An expression used to indicate that the speaker is certain that the content of the preceding statement has an explanation or could possibly be true.
It is used to indicate disbelief or doubt. It has the same meaning as "It's impossible to………"
For Example:
- There's no way he got sick. - 그 사람이 병에 걸렸을 리가 없어요.
- Tests can't be easy. - 시험이 쉬울 리가 없어요.
A/V/N ~(으)ㄹ 걸요
An expression used to indicate that the content of the preceding statement is the speaker's opinion or guess.
It is used as a sentence's final ending that reveals a fact about the future or a supposition of the speaker.
It is equivalent to saying- "probably, I think, I bet".
For Example:
- He'll only go to the movies.
그는 영화만 보러 갈걸요.
- Jisoo is still going to school.
지수는 아직 학교에 다닐걸요.
A/V/N ~듯이
It is a connective ending used when the following statement is almost the same as the preceding statement.
It can also be understood as (second clause) like; as if; as though; as (first clause).
It is often used idiomatically and also when confirming the fact that is known by both the speakers.
For Example:
- Do as your brother does.
네 형이 하듯이 해라.
- Tears pour down like rain.
눈물이 비 오듯이 흐른다.
Usage of 겠
This grammar point means intention or something that the speaker plans to do or will do. It is used to indicate future actions or possibilities as well.
It is sometimes used to express the action that the speaker mentions in the sentence which will be the action the speaker intends to do.
For Example:
- The class must have already ended.
수업이 벌써 끝났겠다.
- The awards ceremony will begin now.
지금부터 시상식을 시작하겠습니다.
V~(으)ㄹ 테니까
An expression used to indicate the speaker's intention to do the act mentioned in the preceding statement, as a condition for the following statement.
An expression used to indicate the speaker's strong guess as a condition for the following statement.
For Example:
- If you get a call, I'll take notes, so feel free to go out.
전화가 오면 내가 메모해 놓을 테니까 마음 놓고 외출하세요.
- The soup must have cooled down, so warm it up before you eat.
국이 식었을 테니까 데워 드세요.
(으)ㄹ 게 뻔하다
An expression used to express that the incident mentioned in the preceding statement almost occurred but ultimately did not occur. It can be used in the expressions used to exaggerate something that happened in the past.
It is used for something obvious and negative sentences.
For Example:
- 울 뻔 했어.
I almost cried. ( But I didn't.)
- 그녀는 짙은 연기에 거의 질식해 죽을 뻔했다.
She almost choked to death in the thick fumes. ( But she didn't die )
A/V ~(으)ㄹ지도 모르다
This pattern is equivalent to “may; might; perhaps; maybe; possibly etc.”
This grammar pattern is used when there is a doubt and something isn’t known for sure.
For Example:
- Otherwise he might possibly have lost his life.
그렇지 않았더라면 그는 목숨을 잃었을지도 모른다.
- He may possibly recover.
그는 회복할지도 모른다.
- I´m afraid not.
그렇지 않을지도 모른다.
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- TOPIK – The Complete Guide & 2. TOPIK Levels and Passing Marks. You can also Practice Online with TOPIK GUIDE Mock Tests.
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Learning Korean can be tricky, especially when the goal of your learning is conversation. If you’ve ever attempted to speak Korean but were unable to, then hopefully you’ll find this post helpful.
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