Processing keyword: ~할 것 같다 [hal geot gatda] (Seems like, feels like)

Korean Grammar Point: ~할 것 같다 [hal geot gatda] (Seems like, feels like)

1. Introduction

The expression ~할 것 같다 [hal geot gatda] is used in Korean to express a guess, assumption, or supposition about future events or situations. It translates to "it seems like", "I think that", or "it looks like" in English. This grammar point helps convey uncertainty while indicating a likelihood based on evidence or intuition.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~할 것 같다 indicates the speaker's conjecture about something that is likely to happen or be true.
• It expresses a future assumption or a prediction made with some level of uncertainty.

Structure

• Verb Stem + -(으)ᄅ 것 같다

Formation Diagram

How to Form ~할 것 같다

Verb Ending	Rule	Example Verb	Conjugation
Vowel ending	Verb Stem + -ᄅ 것 같다	가다 (to go)	가 + -ᄅ 것 같다 = 갈 것 같다
Consonant ending	Verb Stem + -을 것 같다	먹다 (to eat)	먹 + -을 것 같다 = 먹을 것 같다
ㄹ ending	Verb Stem + -ᄅ 것 같다	살다 (to live)	살 + -ᄅ 것 같다 = 살 것 같다

• Note: If the verb stem ends with ㄹ, treat it as ending with a vowel. The ㄹ at the end of the stem combines smoothly with -ᄅ 것 같다.

---

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing Similar Grammar Points

~하는 것 같다 (Present Guess)

• Usage: To guess or assume about a present situation.
• Example: 비가 오는 것 같아요. (It seems like it's raining.)

~한 것 같다 (Past Guess)

• Usage: To guess or assume about a past event.
• Example: 그가 떠난 것 같아요. (It seems like he left.)

Difference with ~할 것 같다

• ~할 것 같다 specifically indicates a future guess or prediction.
• Example: 비가 올 것 같아요. (It seems like it will rain.)

---

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

Formal Situations

1. 오늘 회의가 길어질 것 같습니다.
   • It seems like today's meeting will be extended.
2. 곧 비가 올 것 같습니다. 우산을 챙기세요.
   • It looks like it will rain soon. Please take an umbrella.

Informal Situations

1. 내일 영화 보러 갈 것 같아. 같이 갈래?
   • I think I'll go watch a movie tomorrow. Want to join?
2. 이 옷이 더 예쁠 것 같아. 이거 살까?
   • I think these clothes might be prettier. Should I buy this?

Written Context

1. 경제 상황이 개선될 것 같습니다.
   • It seems like the economic situation will improve.
2. 새로운 정책이 효과가 있을 것이라고 생각합니다.
   • I think the new policy will be effective.

Spoken Context

1. 졸업하고 뭐 할 거야?
   • 글쎄, 취직할 것 같아.
     • Well, I think I'll get a job.
2. 오늘 날씨가 추울 것 같아서 나가지 말자.
   • It seems like it will be cold today, so let's not go out.

---

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• Formal Polite: ~할 것 같습니다.
  • Used in formal settings, with elders, or superiors.
• Standard Polite: ~할 것 같아요.
  • Commonly used in everyday polite conversation.
• Informal/Casual: ~할 것 같아.
  • Used among close friends or those of the same age.

Cultural Relevance

• Koreans often express themselves indirectly to be polite. Using ~할 것 같다 softens statements, making them sound less assertive and more considerate.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 맛있을 것 같아요.
  • It seems like it will be delicious.
  • Often used when looking at food, even before tasting it.

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Wrong Tense Usage
   • Incorrect: 내일 비가 오는 것 같아요.
     • (Using present tense for future prediction.)
   • Correct: 내일 비가 올 것 같아요.
     • It seems like it will rain tomorrow.
2. Consonant/Vowel Confusion
   • Incorrect: 읽을 것 같다 (with ㄹ ending verb)
     • Still correct because 읽다 ends with a consonant.
   • Note: Pay attention to whether the verb stem ends with a vowel, consonant, or ㄹ.

Tips for Remembering

• Time Frame Clues
  • Past: ~한 것 같다 (It seems like [past action])
  • Present: ~는 것 같다 (It seems like [ongoing action])
  • Future: ~할 것 같다 (It seems like [future action])
• Mnemonic Device
  • "할" in ~할 것 같다 can remind you of "할 거야" (I will do), indicating future tense.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~할 것 같다 is used to express a guess or assumption about the future.
• Formed by attaching -ᄅ/을 것 같다 to the verb stem.
• Adjust the ending based on whether the verb stem ends with a vowel or consonant.
• Politeness levels can be switched according to the context.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank:
   • "It seems like he will come late."
   • 그가 늦게 _____ 것 같아요. Answer: 올
2. Choose the correct form:
   • I think I will meet my friend tomorrow.
     • A) 친구를 내일 만난 것 같아요.
     • B) 친구를 내일 만날 것 같아요. Answer: B) 친구를 내일 만날 것 같아요.
3. Correct the mistake:
   • Incorrect: 비가 오는 것 같다. (When predicting future rain.)
   • Correct: 비가 _____ 것 같다. Answer: 올

---

By mastering ~할 것 같다, you can express your thoughts and predictions about future events more naturally in Korean. Practice by making your own sentences about what you think might happen!

---

© Hanabira.org