Verb/Adjective + 겠 (2) – “I guess / It must be / Probably will…”
In this lesson, we’ll learn the second usage of 겠 in Korean grammar. For the first usage of 겠 (1) – to express strong intention [click here].
1. Grammar Structure:
Verb/Adjective + 겠: Used to express assumption, prediction, or speculation about something (usually involving someone/something else, not the speaker).
When used this way, 겠 expresses:
-
“It must be…”
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“Probably…”
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“I guess…”
-
“It seems like…”
2. When to Use:
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To guess or assume about a situation, feeling, or outcome, usually based on context.
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Usually used for 3rd person subjects or objects/situations, not for yourself.
3. Examples:
Making a Guess:
- 가: 어머니께 시계를 드릴 거예요.
I’m going to give my mother a watch.
나: 어머니가 좋아하시겠어요.
She must really like it. -
가: 어제도 잠을 못 잤어요.
I couldn’t sleep well last night either.
나: 그래요? 많이 피곤하겠어요.
Really? You must be very tired. -
오늘은 못 가겠습니다.
→ I probably won’t be able to go today.
With Past Tense (-았/었-) or Honorific (-시-)
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정말 재미있었겠네요.
→ It must have been really fun. -
시험이 벌써 시작했겠는데요.
→ The test must have already started.
4. 겠 (2) vs (으)ㄹ 거예요
| 겠 (2) | (으)ㄹ 거예요 |
|---|---|
| Used when there is a specific situation or context | Can be used with or without context |
| Can be used with 2nd/3rd person subjects | Usually used with 3rd person subjects only |
Example:
– 비가 오겠어요. → It looks like it will rain. (based on the sky)
– 비가 올 거예요. → It will rain. (general future)
– 내일은 오전에 비가 오겠습니다. 오후에는 맑겠습니다. It will rain in the morning tomorrow, and it will be clear in the afternoon.
– 배고프겠어요. → You must be hungry.
– 춥겠어요. → It must be cold.
Summary: Use 겠 (2) when you want to express a guess or assumption based on what you observe or know.
It’s especially common in:
– Daily conversations
– Weather forecasts
– Polite expressions
– Reactions to others’ situations
