Sejong Korean Conversation 1-4 PDF+Audio (세종한국어 회화)

L1.59 A/V-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 grammar = look like, appear that, seem, I think ~express a supposition based on subjective reasons

Usage:

- Express a supposition based on intuitive/ subjective reasons about something happened in the past or an occurrence of an action/ situation that has yet to occur = look like, appear that…

- The expression is also used to express speaker's opinion or thought about something indirectly in a polite and gentle manner = seem,I think…

- (으)ㄴ 것 같다 is used when speaker has a clear basis for the supposition, while -(으)ㄹ 것 같다 is used when making a vague supposition.

Adjective / Past tense Verb + -ㄴ/은 것 같다:

바쁜 것 같다

간 것 같다

많은 것 같다

먹은 것 같다

*만든 것 같다 (만들다)

*들은 것 같다 (듣다)

Present tense Verb + -는 것 같다:

가는 것 같다

먹는 것 같다

*만드는 것 같다 (만들다)

*듣는 것 같다 (듣다)

Future tense Verb + -ㄹ/을 것 같다:

갈 것 같다

먹을 것 같다

*만들 것 같다 (만들다)

*들을 것 같다 (듣다)

Examples

1. 어젯밤에 비가 온 것 같아요.

It looks like it rained last night. (See water on the road)

2. 지금 비가 오는 것 같아요.

It looks like it is raining now. (See someone bringing an umbrella)

3. 비가 올 것 같아요.

It looks like it’s going to rain. (See the cloudy sky)

4. 음식 맛이 어때요?

- 좀 짠 것 같아요.

How does the food taste?

- It seems a little salty.

5. 시간이 빨리 가는 것 같아요.

- 그래요. 벌써 퇴근 시간이에요.

It seems like the time is flying by.

- Right. It’s already the quitting time.

6. 이 영화는 좀 심심한 것 같아요. (See the movie poster)

This movie seems a bit boring.

7. 오늘 날씨가 추운 것 같아요. (See someone wearing warm clothes)

It looks like the weather today is cold.

8. 집에 아무도 없는 것 같아요.
I guess there is no one in this house. (See the quiet house)

9. 다음 주 동아리 모임 올 수있어요?
- 가고 싶지만 다음 주에 출장이 있어서 못 갈 것 같아요.
Can you come to the club meeting next week?
- I want to go but I don't think I can make it because I have a business trip next week.

10. 미아는 자요?
- 아직 안 자는 것 같아요.
Is Mai sleeping?
- I don't think he's sleeping yet.

Difference between -겠어요 grammar, -(으)ㄹ 거예요 grammar and -(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 grammar:
1. A/V-겠어요 grammar expresses an intuitive, instantaneous supposition with no reason or basis.

2. A/V-(으)ㄹ 거예요 grammar expresses your supposition based on a basis like something directly heard or seen or experienced.

3. A/V-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 grammar expresses a supposition based on intuitive, subjective reasons that can be used in all cases, regardless of a basis

이 식당의 음식이 맛있을까요?

- (1) (잘 모르겠지만 제 생각에는) 맛있을 것 같아요.

- (2) 사람이 많은 것을 보니까 맛있을 것 같아요.

- (3) 손님이 많으니까 음식이 맛있을 거예요.

Do you think this restaurant food is tasty?

- (1) (I’m not sure but I think) it seems good.

- (2) Seeing there are many customers, it seems good.

- (3) Because there are many customers, I think it’s good.