Processing keyword: ~할 것이다 [hal geosida] (Will)
Korean Grammar Point: ~할 것이다 [hal geosida] (Will)
1. Introduction
Expressing future actions is essential in any language. In Korean, one common way to indicate the future tense is by using ~할 것이다 [hal geosida], which translates to "will" in English. This grammar point is fundamental for conveying intentions, plans, or predictions.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
~할 것이다 is used to express an action that will happen in the future. It indicates:
- Intentions: What someone plans to do.
- Predictions: What someone expects to happen.
Structure
The construction combines a verb stem with a future tense marker and 것이다.
Formation:
- Verb Stem + -(으)ㄹ + 것이다
- If the verb stem ends in a vowel: Add -ㄹ 것이다
- If the verb stem ends in a consonant: Add -을 것이다
Formation Diagram:
| Verb Stem (Dictionary Form) | Ends With | Future Marker | Combined Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | Vowel | -ㄹ 것이다 | 갈 것이다 |
| 먹다 (to eat) | Consonant | -을 것이다 | 먹을 것이다 |
| 읽다 (to read) | Consonant | -을 것이다 | 읽을 것이다 |
| 보다 (to see) | Vowel | -ㄹ 것이다 | 볼 것이다 |
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with Similar Grammar Points
- ~겠다:
- Usage: Expresses intention, spontaneous decision, or assumption.
- Example: 제가 도와드리겠습니다. (I will help you.)
- Nuance: More formal and immediate.
- ~하려고 하다:
- Usage: Indicates an attempt or plan to do something.
- Example: 내일 공부하려고 해요. (I plan to study tomorrow.)
- Nuance: Focuses on the plan rather than the action itself. Differences:
- ~할 것이다 emphasizes a future action or event that is expected to happen.
- ~겠다 often conveys immediate intention or willingness.
- ~하려고 하다 highlights the intention or attempt to do something.
4. Examples in Context
Formal (존댓말)
- 저는 내년에 한국에 갈 것입니다.
- I will go to Korea next year.
- 회의는 오후 3시에 시작할 것입니다.
- The meeting will start at 3 PM.
Informal Polite (해요체)
- 비가 올 거예요.
- It will rain.
- 친구를 만날 거예요.
- I will meet a friend.
Informal Casual (반말)
- 나 중학교에 입학할 거야.
- I will enter middle school.
- 주말에 영화 볼 거야.
- I will watch a movie on the weekend.
Written Context
- 이 제품은 곧 출시될 것입니다.
- This product will be launched soon.
- 다음 주에 결과를 발표할 것입니다.
- We will announce the results next week.
Spoken Context
- 그는 곧 올 거예요.
- He will come soon.
- 시험이 어려울 거야.
- The exam will be difficult.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness and Formality
Korean language emphasizes respect and hierarchy through speech levels. The ending of ~할 것이다 changes based on the level of politeness:
- Formal Polite: ~할 것입니다
- Used in formal settings, business, presentations.
- Informal Polite: ~할 거예요
- Common in everyday conversation among peers.
- Casual: ~할 거야
- Used among close friends or to someone younger.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 꿈은 이루어질 것이다.
- Dreams will come true.
- 시간이 해결해 줄 것이다.
- Time will solve it.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Using the Wrong Future Marker
- Mistake: 가다 → 가을 것이다 ✗
- Correction: 가다 → 갈 것이다 ✓
- Forgetting Politeness Levels
- Mistake: Formal setting but saying 할 거야 ✗
- Correction: Use 할 것입니다 in formal contexts.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of 것이다 as "thing is" — so 할 것이다 literally means "will do is" leading to "will do".
- Practice Politeness Levels: Create sentences with different endings to get comfortable with switching formality.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~할 것이다 is used to express future actions or events.
- Attach -ㄹ 것이다 to vowel-ending verb stems, -을 것이다 to consonant-ending verb stems.
- Adjust endings (-거야, -거예요, -것입니다) based on politeness levels.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Convert to future tense using ~할 것이다: 마시다 (to drink)
- Answer: 마실 것이다
- Is the following sentence formal or informal?
- 우리는 다음 주에 만날 거예요.
- Answer: Informal Polite
- True or False: ~할 것이다 and ~하려고 하다 have the same meaning.
- Answer: False (They both refer to future actions but have different nuances.)
Feel free to practice by creating your own sentences using ~할 것이다 and experiment with different verbs and politeness levels!