Processing keyword: ~할 것이다 [hal geotida] (Will, shall)
Korean Grammar Point: ~할 것이다 [hal geotida] (Will, shall)
1. Introduction
In Korean, expressing future actions or events is often achieved using the grammar pattern ~할 것이다. This construction translates to "will" or "shall" in English and is widely used to indicate intentions, plans, or predictions about the future.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The expression ~할 것이다 is used to:
- Indicate a future action or event.
- Express the speaker's intention or plan.
- Make a prediction or assumption about what will happen.
Structure
To form this future tense expression, combine the verb stem with -ㄹ/을 것이다.
Formation
- Verb Stem + -ㄹ/을 + 것이다
How to Form
Identify the Verb Stem: Remove -다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
Verb (Dictionary Form) Verb Stem 가다 (to go) 가 먹다 (to eat) 먹 하다 (to do) 하 읽다 (to read) 읽 공부하다 (to study) 공부하 Add the Future Tense Marker (-ㄹ/을):
- If the verb stem ends with a vowel, add -ㄹ.
- If the verb stem ends with a consonant, add -을.
Verb Stem Ending Letter Future Marker Future Form 가 Vowel -ㄹ 갈 먹 Consonant -을 먹을 하 Vowel -ㄹ 할 읽 Consonant -을 읽을 공부하 Vowel -ㄹ 공부할 Add 것이다:
- Attach 것이다 to the future-marked verb stem.
Future Verb Stem Add 것이다 Full Future Form 갈 갈 + 것이다 갈 것이다 먹을 먹을 + 것이다 먹을 것이다 할 할 + 것이다 할 것이다 읽을 읽을 + 것이다 읽을 것이다 공부할 공부할 + 것이다 공부할 것이다
Conjugation of 것이다
것이다 can be conjugated to match different levels of politeness and speech styles.
Politeness Levels
Speech Style | Ending | Usage |
---|---|---|
Formal | 것입니다 | Formal situations (speeches, writing) |
Informal Polite | 거예요 | Everyday polite conversations |
Informal Casual | 거야 | Casual speech among close friends |
Examples
- Formal: 갈 것입니다.
- Informal Polite: 갈 거예요.
- Informal Casual: 갈 거야.
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparing ~할 것이다 and ~(으)ㄹ 거예요
Both ~할 것이다 and ~(으)ㄹ 거예요 are used to express future actions, but they differ slightly in formality and usage.
Grammar Point | Usage | Example |
---|---|---|
~할 것이다 | More formal; written language | 제가 다음 주에 출장을 갈 것입니다. |
~(으)ㄹ 거예요 | Informal polite; spoken language | 저는 내일 영화를 볼 거예요. |
Nuances
- ~할 것이다 is often used in formal writing, presentations, or when speaking to someone of higher status.
- ~(으)ㄹ 거예요 is more common in daily conversations and is considered less formal.
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Formal Situations
- 회의는 오후 2시에 시작할 것입니다.
- The meeting will start at 2 PM.
- 저는 대학에서 경제학을 전공할 것입니다.
- I will major in economics at university.
- 회사는 새 제품을 출시할 것입니다.
- The company will launch a new product.
Informal Polite Conversations
- 주말에 친구를 만날 거예요.
- I will meet a friend on the weekend.
- 내일 비가 올 거예요.
- It will rain tomorrow.
- 곧 점심을 먹을 거예요.
- I will have lunch soon.
Informal Casual Speech
- 나중에 너한테 전화할 거야.
- I will call you later.
- 우리는 여행을 갈 거야.
- We will go on a trip.
- 오늘 밤에 파티에 갈 거야?
- Will you go to the party tonight?
Negative Form
To make the future tense negative, add 안 before the verb or use -지 않을 것이다.
- 그는 오지 않을 것입니다.
- He will not come.
- 나는 술을 마시지 않을 거예요.
- I will not drink alcohol.
- 우리는 거기에 가지 않을 거야.
- We won't go there.
Questions
- 내일 뭐 할 거예요?
- What will you do tomorrow?
- 졸업 후에 어떤 계획이 있을 것입니다?
- What plans will you have after graduation?
- 저녁에 같이 식사할 거야?
- Will you have dinner together?
5. Cultural Notes
Politeness and Social Hierarchies
- In Korean culture, language reflects respect and social hierarchy.
- Using the correct level of formality is crucial.
- ~할 것입니다: Used in formal contexts, such as presentations or talking to superiors.
- ~(으)ㄹ 거예요: Appropriate for most daily interactions.
- ~(으)ㄹ 거야: Reserved for close friends or those younger than the speaker.
Idiomatic Expressions Using ~할 것이다
- 좋은 일이 있을 것입니다.
- Good things will happen.
- 모든 게 잘 될 거예요.
- Everything will be okay.
- 곧 알게 될 것입니다.
- You will know soon. These expressions often convey hope, reassurance, or certainty about the future.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Omitting the Future Marker -ㄹ/을
- Incorrect: 내일 도서관에 가 것예요.
- Correct: 내일 도서관에 갈 거예요.
- Using the Wrong Politeness Level
- Using casual speech in a formal setting can be disrespectful.
- Incorrect (to a boss): 보고서를 보낼 거야.
- Correct: 보고서를 보낼 것입니다.
Tips for Learners
- Remember the Vowel and Consonant Rule:
- If the verb stem ends with a vowel, add -ㄹ.
- 가다 → 갈 것이다
- If the verb stem ends with a consonant, add -을.
- 먹다 → 먹을 것이다
- If the verb stem ends with a vowel, add -ㄹ.
- Practice Politeness Levels:
- Use ~할 것입니다 in formal writing or speeches.
- Use ~(으)ㄹ 거예요 in polite everyday conversation.
- Use ~(으)ㄹ 거야 with close friends.
- Mnemonic Device:
- Vowel + ㄹ, Consonant + 을.
- Think "Very Likely" (Vowel + ㄹ)
- "Certain Event" (Consonant + 을)
- Vowel + ㄹ, Consonant + 을.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~할 것이다 is used to express future actions, intentions, or predictions.
- Form it by adding -ㄹ/을 to the verb stem, followed by 것이다.
- Adjust the ending to match the appropriate level of politeness.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank:
어떻게 미래 시제를 만들어요?
- Answer: Verb stem + -ㄹ/을 + 것이다
- Choose the correct future tense form for the verb "받다" (to receive):
a) 받을 것이다
b) 받을 거예요
c) Both a and b are correct depending on formality.
- Answer: c) Both a and b are correct depending on formality.
- Translate into Korean using the appropriate level of formality:
"We will start the project next month."
- Answer: 우리는 다음 달에 프로젝트를 시작할 것입니다.
Continue practicing by creating your own sentences using ~할 것이다 to describe future plans or actions. Understanding and using this grammar point will significantly enhance your ability to communicate about future events in Korean.