Signification
Expressing a prediction that rain is likely to occur soon.
Contexte culturel
Rainy days are synonymous with 'Pajeon' and 'Makgeolli.' This is because the sound of rain is acoustically similar to the sound of frying a pancake (Jeon). The 'Jang-ma' (monsoon) season in July makes rain prediction a daily obsession. People constantly check weather apps and use this phrase to plan their commutes. In Korean culture, sharing an umbrella (u-san-seul-sseu-da) is a common trope in romantic dramas, often preceded by one character saying '비가 올 것 같아서 가져왔어' (I brought it because I thought it would rain). Koreans use '것 같다' (seems like) for almost everything to avoid sounding too direct or aggressive. It's a key part of 'Chem-myeon' (saving face).
The 'Safe' Opinion
If you aren't 100% sure about anything in Korea, just add '것 같아요' to the end. It makes you sound more humble and polite.
Don't over-conjugate
Avoid saying '비가 올 것 같을 것 같아요.' One '것 같아요' is enough to show uncertainty.
Signification
Expressing a prediction that rain is likely to occur soon.
The 'Safe' Opinion
If you aren't 100% sure about anything in Korea, just add '것 같아요' to the end. It makes you sound more humble and polite.
Don't over-conjugate
Avoid saying '비가 올 것 같을 것 같아요.' One '것 같아요' is enough to show uncertainty.
The 'Deut' Alternative
If you want to sound like a K-drama protagonist, try '비가 올 듯하네요' while looking wistfully out a window.
Small Talk Gold
Weather is the best small talk in Korea. If you're in an elevator with a neighbor, '비가 올 것 같네요' is a perfect icebreaker.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'I think it will rain tomorrow.'
내일은 비가 ___ 것 같아요.
Since 'tomorrow' (내일) is in the future, you must use the future modifier -ㄹ.
Which sentence is most natural when you see dark clouds?
하늘이 아주 어두워요. ____.
Dark clouds are evidence for a future prediction, which is the primary use of '올 것 같아요'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 우산을 왜 가져가요? 나: 하늘을 보세요. ________.
The person is taking an umbrella because they *predict* rain based on looking at the sky.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are inside a room with no windows. You hear a pitter-patter sound on the roof.
Since you hear the sound *now*, you predict that it *is currently* raining, so you use the present modifier -는.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices내일은 비가 ___ 것 같아요.
Since 'tomorrow' (내일) is in the future, you must use the future modifier -ㄹ.
하늘이 아주 어두워요. ____.
Dark clouds are evidence for a future prediction, which is the primary use of '올 것 같아요'.
가: 우산을 왜 가져가요? 나: 하늘을 보세요. ________.
The person is taking an umbrella because they *predict* rain based on looking at the sky.
Situation: You are inside a room with no windows. You hear a pitter-patter sound on the roof.
Since you hear the sound *now*, you predict that it *is currently* raining, so you use the present modifier -는.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! Just change '비' (rain) to '눈' (snow): '눈이 올 것 같아요.'
'올 거예요' is a more direct future statement (It will rain), while '올 것 같아요' is a softer prediction (I think it will rain).
Yes, but use the formal version: '비가 올 것 같습니다.'
In casual spoken Korean, subject particles like '가' are often dropped for speed and ease.
Absolutely. '늦을 것 같아요' (I think I'll be late) or '맛있을 것 같아요' (I think it will be delicious).
Mostly, yes. It expresses a subjective opinion or a guess based on evidence.
If it's just starting, you can say '비가 오기 시작해요' (It's starting to rain).
Use the past modifier: '비가 온 것 같아요.'
It is gender-neutral. Everyone uses it!
To a close friend: '비 올 것 같아.' Or even shorter: '비 올 듯.'
Expressions liées
비가 올 듯하다
similarIt looks as though it will rain.
비가 올 모양이다
specialized formIt appears (visually) that it will rain.
비가 오겠다
similarI bet it's going to rain.
비가 쏟아지다
builds onTo pour rain.
비가 그치다
contrastThe rain stops.
