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PROBABILITY IN KOREAN
To express probability in Korean, certain endings and expressions are used to help convey different levels of certainty, uncertainty, and assumptions about what might happen.
Let’s have a look at the sentence structures.
USING 것 같다
This structure is used to express likelihood or uncertainty, similar to “I think”, “likely” or “It seems like.”
It is used for general assumptions or predictions about something likely to happen.
PATTERN
S + V + -ㄹ/을 것 같다
| 비가 올 것 같아요. | It seems like it’s going to rain. |
| 오늘 늦게 끝날 것 같아. | I think I’ll finish late today. |
| 그 영화가 재미있을 것 같아요. | I think that movie will be interesting. |
View More Examples:
| 아마 친구가 올 것 같아요. | I think my friend might come. |
| 이 옷이 좀 클 것 같아요. | This clothes might be a bit big. |
| 그가 곧 도착할 것 같아. | It seems like he’ll arrive soon. |
USING 지도 모르다
This structure indicates a lower level of certainty, often used for “might” or “could be.”
It conveys lower certainty and is often used when something is possible but uncertain.
PATTERN
S + V + -ㄹ/을지도 모르다
| 비가 올지도 몰라요. | It might rain. |
| 그가 이미 도착했을지도 몰라요. | He might have already arrived. |
| 내일 시험이 있을지도 몰라. | There might be a test tomorrow. |
View More Examples:
| 이 계획이 실패할지도 몰라요. | This plan might fail. |
| 이번 주말에 눈이 올지도 몰라요. | It might snow this weekend. |
| 그가 나를 기다릴지도 몰라. | He might be waiting for me. |
USING 테니까
This structure shows high probability, often used to imply an outcome or make a suggestion based on probability.
PATTERN
S + V + -ㄹ/을 테니까
| 늦을 테니까 먼저 가세요. | Since I’ll be late, so go ahead. |
| 피곤할 테니까 집에서 쉬어요. | Since you’re probably tired, rest at home. |
| 추울 테니까 따뜻하게 입으세요. | Since it’s likely to be cold, dress warmly. |
View More Examples:
| 배고플 테니까 음식 좀 준비할게요. | Since you’ll probably be hungry, I’ll prepare some food. |
| 사람이 많을 테니까 일찍 가자. | Since it’s likely to be crowded, let’s go early. |
| 비가 올 테니까 우산을 챙기세요. | Since it’s likely to rain, take an umbrella. |
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FAQs
How to use 것 같다?
“것 같다” is used to express uncertainty or probability, similar to saying “it seems like” or “I think” in English.
It is often used to make guesses or assumptions based on what you know or perceive.
You can attach it to the verb stem or adjective, and it usually implies a possibility rather than a certainty.
How is “테니까” different from “것 같다”?
“테니까” is used to express a logical conclusion or assumption based on a situation, similar to saying “since it seems that” or “because it seems like” in English.
While “것 같다” is a guess or assumption, “테니까” implies a reason or cause for that assumption.
Can “지도 모르다” be used in any situation?
Yes, “지도 모르다” is used to indicate uncertainty or possibility, similar to saying “might” or “could” in English.
It suggests that something might happen or be true, but it is not certain.
It can be used in various situations to express doubt or a hypothetical scenario.
Can I use “것 같다” with all types of verbs?
Yes, “것 같다” can be used with most verbs and adjectives, but you need to attach it to the verb stem.
If the verb ends in a vowel, you typically add “것 같다” directly, while for verbs ending in a consonant, you use “것 같다” after the verb stem.
Any other similar to “테니까” and “것 같다”?
Yes, other expressions such as “아마” (probably), “이럴 것 같다” (it seems like this might happen), or “대신에” (instead of) can be used to express probability or likelihood.
These expressions help communicate different levels of certainty or assumptions based on the context.
Does LTL provide Korean classes?
Yes!
You can study with us in Seoul, in our Hongdae location, or online if you prefer learn from home.
Contact us here if you have any questions.