Suggestion -(으)ㄹ까요 in Korean

Overview

The ending -(으)ㄹ까요 is used to make suggestions ("shall we?") or wonder about something ("do you think?"), a key CEFR A2 pattern. It uses the future modifier -(으)ㄹ plus the question marker 까 and polite 요. It is the go-to form for polite suggestions in Korean.

How It Works

Stem type	Pattern	Example
Vowel stem	-ㄹ까요?	갈까요? (Shall we go?)
Consonant stem	-을까요?	먹을까요? (Shall we eat?)

Use	Example	Translation
Suggestion (we)	같이 갈까요?	Shall we go together?
Offer (I)	창문 열까요?	Shall I open the window?
Wonder	내일 비가 올까요?	Do you think it will rain?

Examples in Context

Korean	Romanization	English	Note
같이 갈까요?	ga-chi gal-kka-yo	Shall we go together?	suggestion
뭐 먹을까요?	mwo meo-geul-kka-yo	What shall we eat?	group decision
창문 열까요?	chang-mun yeol-kka-yo	Shall I open the window?	offer
내일 비가 올까요?	nae-il bi-ga ol-kka-yo	Do you think it will rain?	wondering
어디서 만날까요?	eo-di-seo man-nal-kka-yo	Where shall we meet?	planning
택시 탈까요?	taek-si tal-kka-yo	Shall we take a taxi?	suggestion
커피 마실까요?	keo-pi ma-sil-kka-yo	Shall we have coffee?	invitation
이거 살까요?	i-geo sal-kka-yo	Should we buy this?	decision

Common Mistakes

Confusing -(으)ㄹ까요 with -(으)ㄹ 거예요

• Wrong: Using them interchangeably
• Right: -(으)ㄹ까요 = shall we / do you think; -(으)ㄹ 거예요 = will / going to
• Why: -(으)ㄹ까요 seeks the listener's input; -(으)ㄹ 거예요 states a plan or prediction.

Using with a third person subject

• Wrong: 그가 갈까요? (meaning "shall he go?")
• Right: 그가 갈까요? works only as "do you think he'll go?" (wondering)
• Why: For suggestions, the subject is typically "we" or "I." Third person triggers the wondering meaning.

Usage Notes

-(으)ㄹ까요 is extremely polite and collaborative. It is the standard form for making group decisions (뭐 먹을까요? at a restaurant). The casual form is -(으)ㄹ까: 갈까? (shall we go?). It is often paired with -(으)ㄹ게요 in responses: 갈까요? — 네, 갈게요 (Shall we go? — Yes, let's/I will).

Practice Tips

• Practice making restaurant/outing suggestions: 뭐 먹을까요? 어디 갈까요?
• Use the "offer" form in helpful situations: 도와드릴까요? (Shall I help you?)
• Pair suggestions with responses: 갈까요? — 네, 가요 / 아니요, 다음에요.

Related Concepts

• Prerequisite: Future/Intention -(으)ㄹ 거예요 — shares the -(으)ㄹ modifier base