-(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ 것 같다
Quick answer: -(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ 것 같다 means I think, it seems — you are not certain, and you say so.
How to form it
Past → -(으)ㄴ 것 같다 · now → -는 것 같다 · future → -(으)ㄹ 것 같다
In Korean: 지난 일 → -(으)ㄴ 것 같다 지금 → -는 것 같다 앞일 → -(으)ㄹ 것 같다
What to know
Korean speakers reach for 것 같다 far more than English speakers say «I think». Saying 목이 부었어요 flatly can sound like you are the doctor. 것 같아요 leaves the judgement open, which is why it fills a clinic waiting room.
Examples
- 목이 부은 것 같아요.I think my throat is swollen.
- 소화가 안 되는 것 같아요.I do not seem to be digesting well.
- 쉬면 나아질 것 같아요.I think it will get better if I rest.
Where it's taught
HanDa Level 2 (TOPIK I), Lesson 18: 목이 부은 것 같아요 — I think my throat is swollen. Also in the Level 2 book.
Practise -(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ 것 같다 out loud
In the HanDa app this is Level 2, Lesson 18 — drills, a speaking check and an AI teacher that corrects what you say. Free for 7 days.