Processing keyword: ~을/ㄹ 거예요 [eul/l geoyeyo] (Going to, will)

Korean Grammar Point: ~을/ㄹ 거예요 [eul/l geoyeyo] (Going to, will)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~을/ㄹ 거예요, which is used to express future actions or plans. Similar to "going to" or "will" in English, this structure helps you talk about what you intend to do or what will happen in the future.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~을/ㄹ 거예요 is used to indicate a future action or state. It expresses the speaker's intention, plan, or a prediction about the future.

Structure

To form this future tense, attach ~을 거예요 or ~ㄹ 거예요 to the verb stem.

• Verb stem ending with a consonant: ~을 거예요
• Verb stem ending with a vowel: ~ㄹ 거예요

Formation Diagram

Verb Ending	Attach	Resulting Form
Ends with consonant	~을 거예요	먹 + 을 거예요 = 먹을 거예요
Ends with vowel	~ㄹ 거예요	가 + ㄹ 거예요 = 갈 거예요

Examples of Formation

1. 먹다 (to eat)
   • Verb Stem: 먹 (ends with consonant)
   • Future Form: 먹 + 을 거예요 = 먹을 거예요 (will eat)
2. 가다 (to go)
   • Verb Stem: 가 (ends with vowel)
   • Future Form: 가 + ㄹ 거예요 = 갈 거예요 (will go)

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with ~겠어요

While ~을/ㄹ 거예요 expresses planned future actions, ~겠어요 can express intention or speculation but is less commonly used for definite future plans. | Grammar Point | Usage | Example | |---------------|-------------------------------|---------------------------------| | ~겠어요 | Intention, willingness, speculation | 알겠어요. (I see/I understand.) | | ~을/ㄹ 거예요 | Planned future actions | 내일 만날 거예요. (I will meet tomorrow.) |

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 저는 다음 주에 여행을 할 거예요.
   • I am going to travel next week.
2. 회의가 곧 시작될 거예요.
   • The meeting will start soon.

Informal Conversations

1. 주말에 뭐 할 거예요?
   • What are you going to do on the weekend?
2. 친구들과 영화를 볼 거예요.
   • I will watch a movie with friends.

Written Context

1. 날씨가 추워질 거예요.
   • The weather will become cold.
2. 새로운 프로젝트를 시작할 거예요.
   • We will start a new project.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, being clear about one's plans is appreciated, and using ~을/ㄹ 거예요 helps convey that clarity. It's a polite way to inform others of your intentions.

Levels of Politeness

• ~을/ㄹ 거예요 is polite and commonly used.
• For more formal speech, especially in official announcements or formal writing, ~을/ㄹ 것입니다 can be used.
  • 내년에 새 지점을 열 것입니다.
    • We will open a new branch next year.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 좋은 일이 생길 거예요.
  • Good things will happen.
• 다 잘될 거예요.
  • Everything will be fine.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Ending
   • Incorrect: 가다 → 가을 거예요 ❌
   • Correct: 가다 → 갈 거예요 ✔️
     • Since 가 ends with a vowel, attach ~ㄹ 거예요.
2. Confusion with Present Tense
   • Incorrect: 내일 학교에 가요. (I go to school tomorrow.)
   • Correct: 내일 학교에 갈 거예요. (I will go to school tomorrow.)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device
  • Vowel + ㄹ 거예요, Consonant + 을 거예요.
  • If the verb stem ends with a vowel, add ㄹ 거예요. If it ends with a consonant, add 을 거예요.
• Practice
  • Conjugate different verbs to the future tense using ~을/ㄹ 거예요 to become familiar with the pattern.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~을/ㄹ 거예요 is used to express future plans or intentions.
• Attach ~을 거예요 after verb stems ending with a consonant, and ~ㄹ 거예요 after verb stems ending with a vowel.
• It's widely used in both spoken and written Korean for polite conversation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Conjugate the verb 읽다 (to read) in future tense using ~을/ㄹ 거예요.
2. Translate to Korean: "She will study Korean."
3. Identify the mistake: 마시다 → 마실 거예요.

Answers

1. 읽다 → 읽을 거예요 (will read)
2. 그녀는 한국어를 공부할 거예요.
3. There is no mistake. 마시다 ends with a vowel 시, so 마실 거예요 is correct.

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By mastering ~을/ㄹ 거예요, you can confidently talk about future events and your plans in Korean. Keep practicing with different verbs to become more comfortable with this essential grammar point!

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