Supposition -(으)ㄹ 것 같다 in Korean

Overview

The pattern -(으)ㄹ 것 같다 expresses guesses, suppositions, and hedging in Korean at the CEFR B1 level. It literally means "it seems like it will" and is one of the most frequently used expressions in Korean conversation. Combined with different modifier forms, it covers past, present, and future guesses. Korean speakers use it extensively to soften statements and avoid sounding too direct.

How It Works

Tense	Pattern	Example
Future guess	-(으)ㄹ 것 같다	비가 올 것 같아요 (seems like it'll rain)
Present guess	-는 것 같다 (action) / -(으)ㄴ 것 같다 (descriptive)	먹는 것 같아요 / 좋은 것 같아요
Past guess	-(으)ㄴ 것 같다 (action)	간 것 같아요 (seems like went)

Examples in Context

Korean	Romanization	English	Note
비가 올 것 같아요.	bi-ga ol geot ga-ta-yo	It looks like it'll rain.	future guess
맛있을 것 같아요.	ma-si-sseul geot ga-ta-yo	Looks like it'll be delicious.	prediction
그가 간 것 같아요.	geu-ga gan geot ga-ta-yo	It seems he left.	past guess
피곤한 것 같아요.	pi-gon-han geot ga-ta-yo	Seems tired.	present state
좋을 것 같아요.	jo-eul geot ga-ta-yo	I think it'll be good.	opinion
비싼 것 같아요.	bi-ssan geot ga-ta-yo	Seems expensive.	hedging
잘못한 것 같아요.	jal-mot-an geot ga-ta-yo	I think I made a mistake.	self-assessment
이해한 것 같아요.	i-hae-han geot ga-ta-yo	I think I understood.	tentative

Common Mistakes

Using wrong modifier tense

• Wrong: 가는 것 같아요 (for "seems like went")
• Right: 간 것 같아요 (past action requires -(으)ㄴ)
• Why: The modifier tense inside 것 같다 must match the time reference of the guess.

Overusing 것 같다 to the point of vagueness

• Wrong: Using it for every statement
• Right: Use it for genuine uncertainty, politeness, or hedging — not for known facts
• Why: While hedging is culturally valued in Korean, excessive use sounds indecisive.

Usage Notes

것 같다 is one of the defining features of conversational Korean. It makes statements less direct and more polite. Even when fairly certain, Koreans often use 것 같아요 to soften: 이게 더 좋은 것 같아요 (I think this one is better). In casual speech: 것 → 거: 올 거 같아. In formal writing, less hedging is used.

Practice Tips

• Practice giving opinions with hedging: 이 영화가 재미있을 것 같아요.
• Convert direct statements to hedged ones: 맛있어요 → 맛있는 것 같아요.
• Guess about upcoming events: 내일 날씨가 좋을 것 같아요.

Related Concepts

• Prerequisite: Verb/Adj Modifying Nouns — modifier forms are essential for this pattern