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HOW TO USE -(으)ㄹ까 봐
When you’re worried something might happen—or already has—Korean uses the grammar pattern -(으)ㄹ까 봐.
It’s a handy way to express concern, fear, or a reason behind taking precautionary action.
EXPRESSING WORRY OR FEAR
The grammar is used to express worry or fear about a potential future event.
It conveys the idea that the speaker is concerned or anxious that something might happen, and the structure is typically used when the speaker is unsure but apprehensive about an outcome.
This structure often expresses personal concern, care for someone else, or an element of caution regarding a possible negative situation.
English Equivalents:
- I’m worried that…
- I’m afraid that…
- I fear that…
PATTERN
Verb / Adjective + -(으)ㄹ까 봐
| 감기에 걸릴까 봐 걱정돼요. | I’m worried that I might catch a cold. |
| 기침을 자주 해서 감기일까 봐 걱정이에요. | I cough often, so I’m worried it might be a cold. |
| 두통이 심해서 약을 먹을까 봐요. | I have a severe headache, so I’m worried I might need to take medicine. |
| 몸살이 나서 쉬어야 할까 봐요. | I have body aches, so I’m worried I might need to rest. |
USEFUL VOCABULARY
| 감기 걸리다 | to catch a cold |
| 열나다 | to have a fever |
| 두통 | headache |
| 기침하다 | to cough |
| 병원에 가다 | to go to the hospital |
| 진료 받다 | to receive medical treatment |
| 약을 먹다 | to take medicine |
| 호흡이 가빠지다 | to become short of breath |
| 머리가 어지럽다 | to feel dizzy |
| 배탈이 나다 | to have a stomachache |
| 몸살이 나다 | to have body aches |
| 응급실 | emergency room |
| 주사 맞다 | to get an injection |
See some examples of these words in use:
| 갑자기 배가 아파서 병원에 갈까 봐요. | I’m worried I might need to go to the hospital because my stomach suddenly hurts. |
| 기침을 자주 해서 다른 사람들에게 전염될까 봐 걱정돼요. | I’m worried that I might spread it to others because I cough often. |
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FAQs
Can -ㄹ까 봐 be used in both past and future situations?
Yes, it can.
It’s commonly used to express concern about something that might happen or might have happened.
Context and verb tense help clarify the time frame.
Is -ㄹ까 봐 always negative in meaning?
While it often expresses worry or fear, it can also show caution or concern in a neutral or even caring way—like doing something just in case.
What’s the difference between -ㄹ까 봐 and -을지도 몰라요?
Both can express uncertainty, but -ㄹ까 봐 implies worry or a reason for taking action, while -을지도 몰라요 is more neutral and speculative.
Can I use -ㄹ까 봐 with any verb or adjective?
Mostly with action verbs. When used with adjectives, it may sound unnatural unless describing a situation indirectly.
Focus on actions or events you’re worried about.
Is it polite to say -ㄹ까 봐요 in conversation?
Yes!
Adding -요 makes it polite and appropriate for everyday use.
For example: 늦을까 봐요 (“I’m afraid I might be late”).
Can I study Korean with LTL?
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.