Logically Likely: -ㄹ/을 법하다
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -ㄹ/을 법하다 to express that something is logically expected or reasonable given the circumstances.
- Use -ㄹ 법하다 after consonant-ending verb stems (e.g., 먹을 법하다).
- Use -ㄹ 법하다 after vowel-ending verb stems (e.g., 갈 법하다).
- It implies a high degree of objective probability or justification for an action.
Overview
-(으)ㄹ 법하다 is a Korean grammar pattern that expresses a logical likelihood, plausibility, or reasonable expectation that something will happen, is happening, or was true, based on observable facts, common sense, or a general understanding of a situation. Unlike simple conjecture or subjective opinion, this pattern implies a reasoned deduction. It suggests that, given the circumstances or available evidence, the stated situation stands to reason or ought to be true.
The core meaning is derived from the noun 법 (beop), which signifies a 'law', 'rule', 'reason', or 'method'. When combined with the prospective modifier -(으)ㄹ and the descriptive verb 하다, it forms a construction meaning "to have reason/grounds to be (or do) something."
For example, if a student consistently studies diligently, it’s logically plausible they will pass an exam. You might say, 열심히 공부했으니 합격할 법해요. (Yeolsimhi gongbuhaesseuni hapgyeokhal beophaeyo.) – "Since they studied hard, it's logically likely they'll pass." This is not a mere guess, but a conclusion drawn from evidence. This pattern is rated B2 because it demands a nuanced understanding of logical inference and can be confused with other expressions of possibility or certainty.
How This Grammar Works
-(으)ㄹ 법하다 is a compound expression built upon foundational grammatical elements. The initial component, -(으)ㄹ, is a prospective adnominal ending (also known as a future or conjectural modifier) that attaches to verb or adjective stems. It functions to modify the following noun, indicating potentiality, future action, or an inferred state.법 (beop). The noun 법 itself carries meanings such as 'law', 'rule', 'principle', 'method', or 'reason'. When -(으)ㄹ precedes 법, it creates the sense of "the reason/grounds to (do/be) X" or "the way to (do/be) X." Finally, 하다 (hada), a versatile verb meaning 'to do' or 'to be', attaches to 법 to form a descriptive verb, 법하다.-(으)ㄹ 법하다 literally translates to something like "to have the reason or grounds for (doing/being) X." This linguistic architecture emphasizes the objective basis for the speaker's inference. It's not about a gut feeling or a personal wish, but rather a conclusion that aligns with established patterns, norms, or logical principles. When you use -(으)ㄹ 법하다, you are implicitly suggesting that any rational observer, given the same information, would arrive at a similar conclusion.비가 올 것 같아요. (Biga ol geot gatayo.) – "I think it will rain," it could be based on a feeling or a general observation. However, 하늘이 잔뜩 흐린 걸 보니 비가 올 법해요. (Haneuri jantteuk heuristic geol boni biga ol beophaeyo.) – "Seeing that the sky is very cloudy, it's logically likely to rain," implies a more concrete, evidence-based assessment.법 (reason) for the expectation of rain. The pattern often appears in situations where you are analyzing a situation or a person's behavior and drawing a sensible conclusion.Formation Pattern
ㄹ 법하다 and 을 법하다 depends on the final sound of the stem. The auxiliary 법하다 is typically written as a single unit, but in some contexts, especially when 법 acts more like a standalone noun modified by -(으)ㄹ, it might be separated. For consistency and clarity in B2-level writing, always treat 법하다 as a single unit following the modifier.
ㄹ 법하다 | 가다 (to go) | 갈 법하다 (갈 법해요) | gal beopada | Logically likely to go |
ㄹ consonant | Add ㄹ 법하다 (dropping ㄹ from stem before adding another ㄹ) | 살다 (to live) | 살 법하다 (살 법해요) | sal beopada | Logically likely to live|
을 법하다 | 먹다 (to eat) | 먹을 법하다 (먹을 법해요) | meogeul beopada | Logically likely to eat |
ㄹ 법하다 | 좋다 (to be good) | 좋을 법하다 (좋을 법해요) | joeul beopada | Logically likely to be good |
을 법하다 | 많다 (to be many) | 많을 법하다 (많을 법해요) | maneul beopada | Logically likely to be many |
ㄹ 법하다. For instance, 보다 (boda, to see) becomes 볼 법하다 (bol beopada). This implies that, based on some criteria, seeing something is a reasonable expectation.
ㄹ: Although it looks like a consonant, ㄹ has special behavior. When -(으)ㄹ is added, the stem's final ㄹ is retained, and 법하다 is added directly. So, 만들다 (mandeulda, to make) becomes 만들 법하다 (mandeul beopada). The ㄹ is not dropped and then re-added; it simply follows the vowel-ending rule in this case. This indicates that making something is logically plausible given the circumstances.
ㄹ): Attach 을 법하다. For example, 읽다 (ikda, to read) becomes 읽을 법하다 (ilgeul beopada). This suggests that, based on a situation, reading something is a sensible expectation.
-(으)ㄹ 법하다. For example, 듣다 (deutda, to listen, ㄷ irregular) becomes 들을 법하다. 춥다 (chupda, to be cold, ㅂ irregular) becomes 추울 법하다. 낫다 (natda, to be better, ㅅ irregular) becomes 나을 법하다. These transformations are crucial for correct usage.
[verb/adj stem]-(으)ㄹ 법하다. For example, 갈 법해요, 먹을 법해요. While you might occasionally see 갈법하다 written as one word, especially in informal digital communication, it is generally considered incorrect in formal writing and exams. The unit 법하다 itself should not be separated, i.e., 갈 법 하다 is incorrect.
When To Use It
-(으)ㄹ 법하다 is employed when you want to express a conclusion drawn from reasonable grounds, evidence, or general understanding, rather than a mere guess or personal feeling. It signifies a deductive inference. Here are the primary contexts for its use:- To express logical deduction or reasonable expectation based on facts: When you have concrete information or observable conditions that lead you to believe something is likely. This is perhaps its most common application.
어제 늦게까지 일했으니까 피곤할 법해요.(Eoje neutgekkaji ilhaesseunikka pigonhal beophaeyo.) – "Since they worked until late last night, it's logically likely they'd be tired." (The late work is the reason for the fatigue.)이렇게 어려운 시험을 혼자 통과했으면 정말 대단할 법하죠.(Ireoke eoryeoun siheomeul honja tonggwahaesseumyeon jeongmal daedanhal beophajyo.) – "If they passed such a difficult exam alone, it's logically extraordinary." (The difficulty of the exam and solo success are the reasons for admiration.)
- To indicate something is a natural or expected consequence: When an outcome follows naturally from a given situation or a person's known characteristics.
워낙 성실한 분이라 그 일은 잘 해낼 법해요.(Wonak seongsilhan bunira geu ireun jal haenael beophaeyo.) – "Because they are such a diligent person, it's naturally expected they'll do that work well." (Diligence is the characteristic leading to the expected success.)그 식당은 늘 손님이 많으니 음식이 맛있을 법해요.(Geu sikdangeun neul sonnimi mani eumsigi masisseul beophaeyo.) – "That restaurant always has many customers, so the food is logically likely to be delicious." (Popularity indicates quality.)
- To describe something as plausible or credible (often regarding stories or rumors): When a piece of information or a story aligns with what you know about the situation or individuals involved.
그 배우가 사귄다는 소문이 들리던데, 실제로 같이 있는 사진을 보니 그럴 법해요.(Geu baeuga sagwindaneun somuni deullideonde, siljero gachi inneun sajineul boni geureol beophaeyo.) – "I heard a rumor that actor is dating someone, and seeing photos of them together, it seems plausible." (The photos provide credibility to the rumor.)그가 그런 거짓말을 했을 법한 사람이에요.(Geuga geureon geojinmareul haesseul beophan saramiyaeyo.) – "He's the kind of person who would logically be likely to tell such a lie." (Based on his character, lying is plausible.)
- To express something that
ought to beorshould bethe case (a normative expectation): Sometimes, it can carry a sense of what is right or proper given a standard or rule. 약속은 지켜질 법한데, 왜 연락이 없을까요?(Yaksogeun jikyeojil beopande, wae yeollagi eopseulkkayo?) – "Promises ought to be kept, so why isn't there any contact?" (Keeping promises is a standard expectation.)그 정도 노력했으면 성공할 법도 한데 안타깝네요.(Geu jeongdo noryeokhaesseumyeon seonggonghal beopdo hande antakkapneyo.) – "Having put in that much effort, one would logically expect success, but it's a pity." (Effort should lead to success.)
Common Mistakes
-(으)ㄹ 법하다 by confusing its specific meaning of logical likelihood with simpler expressions of possibility, personal intention, or absolute certainty. Understanding these distinctions is key to using the pattern naturally and correctly.- Confusing with Personal Intentions or Plans:
-(으)ㄹ 법하다is not used for your own future actions or intentions. You don't deduce what you will do; you decide to do it. Using this pattern for yourself can sound awkward or imply an external force is dictating your actions, which is generally unnatural. - ❌
저는 내일 공원에 갈 법해요.(Jeoneun naeil gongwone gal beophaeyo.) – "It's logically likely that I will go to the park tomorrow." (Sounds like you're observing yourself from outside, not stating a plan.) - ✅
저는 내일 공원에 갈 거예요.(Jeoneun naeil gongwone gal geoyeyo.) – "I will go to the park tomorrow." (Stating a plan/intention.) - ✅
저는 내일 공원에 갈 것 같아요.(Jeoneun naeil gongwone gal geot gatayo.) – "I think I'll go to the park tomorrow." (Expressing a soft intention or possibility.)
- Using for 100% Certainty: This pattern implies a high degree of likelihood or plausibility, but it does not signify absolute certainty. If you are 100% sure of something, or it's a confirmed fact,
-(으)ㄹ 법하다is inappropriate. It leaves a slight margin of doubt, acknowledging that logical deductions can occasionally be wrong. - ❌
내일 해가 동쪽에서 뜰 법해요.(Naeil haega dongjjogeseo tteul beophaeyo.) – "The sun is logically likely to rise in the east tomorrow." (This is a fact, not a likelihood.) - ✅
내일 해가 동쪽에서 뜰 거예요.(Naeil haega dongjjogeseo tteul geoyeyo.) – "The sun will rise in the east tomorrow." (Stating a fact.) - Consider the related pattern
-(으)ㄹ 게 분명하다for stronger, almost certain predictions based on clear evidence.
- Misunderstanding the Scope of
법: Learners sometimes treat법하다as a generic "seem" or "think." While it expresses a form of thinking, the법(reason/rule) element is crucial. It’s not just any "thinking," but thinking grounded in logical reasoning. If the inference is purely subjective or lacks a rational basis, other expressions are more fitting. - If you simply feel it might rain, use
비가 올 것 같아요. If you see dark clouds and strong wind, implying a logical connection, then비가 올 법해요is suitable.
- Incorrect Spacing: As noted in the formation section, the correct spacing is
[stem]-(으)ㄹ 법하다. Writing[stem]-(으)ㄹ법 하다(separating법and하다) or[stem]-(으)ㄹ 법하 다is incorrect. The auxiliary법하다functions as a single grammatical unit. - ❌
그럴 법 해요.(Geureol beop haeyo.) – Incorrect spacing. - ✅
그럴 법해요.(Geureol beophaeyo.) – Correct spacing.
- Overlapping with
-(으)ㄹ 것 같다: While both express possibility or conjecture,-(으)ㄹ 법하다is more formal and emphasizes the logical foundation.-(으)ㄹ 것 같다is much more versatile, covering everything from vague guesses to polite suggestions, and is far more common in everyday, casual speech. Overusing-(으)ㄹ 법하다in contexts where-(으)ㄹ 것 같다would suffice can make your speech sound overly formal or even pedantic. 오늘 저녁에 치킨을 먹을 법해요.(Oneul jeonyeoge chikineul meogeul beophaeyo.) – "It's logically likely we'll eat chicken tonight." (Sounds a bit heavy for a simple dinner plan unless there's strong evidence like a delivery order already placed or a pre-arranged event.)오늘 저녁에 치킨을 먹을 것 같아요.(Oneul jeonyeoge chikineul meogeul geot gatayo.) – "I think we'll eat chicken tonight." (Much more natural for a casual plan or suggestion.)
Real Conversations
-(으)ㄹ 법하다 appears in various conversational contexts, from casual discussions about daily events to more formal analyses. It's particularly useful when people are evaluating situations, sharing observations, or drawing conclusions based on shared understanding. You'll often hear it when someone is trying to make sense of something or explain why an event might have occurred.
Scenario 1
A
새로 오신 분, 정말 똑똑하시던데요? (Saero osin bun, jeongmal ttokttokhaseotdeonyo?)B
네, 경력도 화려하고 일처리도 빠르니, 회사에 큰 도움이 될 법해요. (Ne, gyeongnyeokdo hwaryeohago ilcheorido ppareuni, hoesae keun doumi doel beophaeyo.)A
B
- Observation: Speaker B is making a reasoned deduction about the new employee's future contribution based on their qualifications and efficiency.
Scenario 2
A
지수가 드디어 결혼한대! 믿어지지 않아. (Jisu-ga deudieo gyeolhonhandae! Mideojiji ana.)B
워낙 착하고 배려심 많으니까, 좋은 사람 만날 법했지. (Wonak chakago baeryeosim manheunikka, joeun saram mannal beophaetji.)A
B
법했지 is the past tense form, indicating a past logical likelihood.)- Observation: Speaker B acknowledges the surprise but frames it as a logical outcome given Jisu's well-known positive character traits.
Scenario 3
A
이번 사고는 인재일 가능성이 크다고 하네요. (Ibeon sagoneun injaeil ganeungseongi keudago haneoyo.)B
네, 안전 수칙을 제대로 지키지 않았다면 그런 결과가 나올 법합니다. (Ne, anjeon suchigeul jedaero jikiji anatdamyeon geureon gyeolgwa-ga naol beophamnida.)A
B
- Observation: Speaker B uses the formal 법합니다 to deliver a reasoned, albeit somber, conclusion based on a premise (failure to follow safety rules). This formal usage is common in news analysis or professional discussions.
Scenario 4
A
팀장님 얼굴이 많이 안 좋아 보이시던데, 무슨 일 있으세요? (Timjangnim eolguri mani an joha boisideonde, museun il isseuseyo?)B
요즘 야근이 잦아서 많이 힘드실 법해요. (Yojeum yageuni jajatseoseo mani himdeusil beophaeyo.)A
B
- Observation: Speaker B is deducing the team leader's emotional/physical state based on the observable fact of frequent overtime.
These examples illustrate how -(으)ㄹ 법하다 is used to present conclusions as reasonable, even if not absolutely certain, rooted in shared logic or known circumstances.
Quick FAQ
-(으)ㄹ 법하다 be used in the past tense? How does it differ from -(았/었)을 것이다?Yes, it can be used in the past tense by conjugating 하다 to 했다 or by using the past conjectural modifier -(았/었)을 before 법하다. There are two main ways:
- 1
-(으)ㄹ 법했다: This means "it was logically likely to happen (but perhaps didn't)" or "it was a plausible scenario." It conveys a sense that the logical expectation existed in the past.
그는 그럴 법한 사람인데, 의외로 안 그랬어요.(Geuneun geureol beophan saraminde, uioero an geuraesseoyo.) – "He is the kind of person who would logically be likely to do that, but surprisingly he didn't."그때 그 상황에서는 충분히 오해할 법했어요.(Geuttae geu sanghwangeseoneun chungbunhi ohaehwal beophaesseoyo.) – "In that situation at that time, it was logically quite likely to be misunderstood."
- 1
-(았/었)을 법하다: This means "it is logically likely that (something) did happen." This form makes a logical deduction about a past event or state. This is often closer in meaning to-(았/었)을 것이다.
어제 잠을 거의 못 잤으니 지금쯤 피곤할 법해요.(Eoje jameul geoui mot jasseuni jigeumjjeum pigonhal beophaeyo.) – "Since he barely slept last night, it's logically likely he's tired by now." (Present state based on past action)그 정도 큰 충격이면 분명히 기억 못 할 법해요.(Geu jeongdo keun chunggyeogimyeon bunmyeonghi gieok mot hal beophaeyo.) – "With that much impact, it's logically likely he wouldn't remember." (Past ability based on past event)
-(았/었)을 것이다:-(았/었)을 것이다also expresses a past conjecture, meaning "must have (done/been)" or "probably (did/was)." It can be based on evidence but can also be a more general assumption.어제 비가 왔을 거예요.(Eoje biga wasseul geoyeyo.) – "It probably rained yesterday." (A general guess or assumption.)-(았/었)을 법하다specifically emphasizes the logical grounds for the past inference. It's a more reasoned conclusion about a past event or state.창문이 다 젖은 걸 보니 어제 비가 왔을 법해요.(Changmuni da jeojeun geol boni eoje biga wasseul beophaeyo.) – "Seeing that the windows are all wet, it's logically likely it rained yesterday." (The wet windows provide the법.)
-(으)ㄹ 법하다 is versatile and can be used across various formality levels by conjugating 하다:
- Informal (Plain Form):
-(으)ㄹ 법하다(Used in diaries, with close friends of equal status) 그럴 법하다.(Geureol beopada.) – "It's logically likely to be so."- Informal Polite (해체):
-(으)ㄹ 법해요(Most common in everyday polite conversation) 그럴 법해요.(Geureol beophaeyo.) – "It's logically likely to be so."- Formal Polite (합니다체):
-(으)ㄹ 법합니다(Used in formal speeches, presentations, news reports) 그럴 법합니다.(Geureol beophamnida.) – "It is logically likely to be so."- Casual (해라체/반말):
-(으)ㄹ 법해(With very close friends, inferiors) 그럴 법해.(Geureol beopae.) – "It's logically likely to be so."
Yes, absolutely. It's used to ask if something is logically plausible or if there are reasonable grounds for an expectation.
그게 가능할 법할까요?(Geuge ganeunghal beophalkkayo?) – "Do you think that's logically possible?" / "Would it stand to reason that that's possible?"아무리 바빠도 이메일 한 통 보낼 법하지 않아요?(Amuri bappado imeil han tong bonael beopaji anayo?) – "No matter how busy they are, wouldn't it be logically plausible to send just one email?"
-(으)ㄹ 법하다 compare to -(으)ㄹ 것 같다 and -(으)ㄹ 만하다?-(으)ㄹ 법하다 | Logically likely / Plausible | Objective reason/evidence | 그럴 법해요. (It's logically likely/plausible.) 성공할 법해요. (It's logically likely to succeed.) |-(으)ㄹ 것 같다 | I think / It seems / Appears to | Subjective opinion/general impression | 그럴 것 같아요. (I think so.) 성공할 것 같아요. (I think it will succeed.) |-(으)ㄹ 만하다 | Worthwhile / Deserves (doing/being) / Understandable | Worthiness, suitability, or justification | 볼 만해요. (It's worth watching.) 이해할 만해요. (It's understandable.) |-(으)ㄹ 법하다vs.-(으)ㄹ 것 같다:-(으)ㄹ 법하다implies a stronger, more reasoned basis for the likelihood, often backed by facts or common sense.-(으)ㄹ 것 같다is a general, softer expression of possibility or opinion, which can be based on anything from a gut feeling to observation. You can often use-(으)ㄹ 것 같다where-(으)ㄹ 법하다is used, but not always vice-versa, as-(으)ㄹ 법하다requires that logical grounding.-(으)ㄹ 것 같다is more frequently used in casual dialogue.
-(으)ㄹ 법하다vs.-(으)ㄹ 만하다: These two are easily confused because만하다(manhada) also uses만which can mean 'equal to' or 'worth'. However, their meanings are distinct.-(으)ㄹ 법하다is about likelihood or plausibility.-(으)ㄹ 만하다is about worthiness, suitability, or justification. For example,그 영화는 볼 법해요.(Geu yeonghwaneun bol beophaeyo.) means "That movie is logically likely to be seen (by many people)" or "It's plausible one would watch that movie." Whereas,그 영화는 볼 만해요.(Geu yeonghwaneun bol manhaeyo.) means "That movie is worth watching."
-(으)ㄹ 법하다 relate to other certainty expressions in the chapter?- Logical Past Guess:
-(았/었을 것이다(-(at/eot)eul geosida): As discussed above,-(았/었)을 것이다expresses a past conjecture, "must have done/been," often a general assumption.-(았/었)을 법하다focuses on the logical reason for that past conjecture.
- Expressing Absolute Certainty:
-(으)ㄹ 게 분명하다(-(eu)l ge bunmyeonghada): This pattern expresses a very high degree of certainty, almost a definite fact, based on clear evidence.분명하다(bunmyeonghada) means 'to be clear/obvious'. While-(으)ㄹ 법하다is about high likelihood,-(으)ㄹ 게 분명하다pushes into the realm of near certainty. If-(으)ㄹ 법하다is 80-90% sure,-(으)ㄹ 게 분명하다is 95%+ sure.
- There's No Way...:
-(으)ㄹ 리가 없다(-(eu)l riga eopda): This is the logical opposite of-(으)ㄹ 법하다. It means "there is no way (that something will happen)" or "it's impossible (that something happened)."리(ri) means 'reason' or 'grounds', so-(으)ㄹ 리가 없다literally means "there are no reasons/grounds for (something to happen)." This pattern strongly negates any logical possibility.
-(으)ㄹ 법하다 effectively to convey sophisticated logical inferences in Korean.Formation Table
| Verb Stem | Ending | Result |
|---|---|---|
|
가
|
ㄹ 법하다
|
갈 법하다
|
|
먹
|
을 법하다
|
먹을 법하다
|
|
듣
|
을 법하다
|
들을 법하다
|
|
만들
|
ㄹ 법하다
|
만들 법하다
|
|
웃
|
을 법하다
|
웃을 법하다
|
|
보
|
ㄹ 법하다
|
볼 법하다
|
Meanings
Indicates that a situation is highly probable or that a reaction is perfectly reasonable/justified.
Logical Expectation
Something is expected to happen based on common sense.
“비가 올 법한 날씨예요.”
“그 정도면 충분히 이해할 법해요.”
Justified Reaction
An action or feeling is understandable given the context.
“그렇게 말할 법도 하네요.”
“그가 떠날 법한 이유가 있어요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
V + ㄹ/을 법하다
|
갈 법하다
|
|
Negative
|
V + ㄹ/을 법하지 않다
|
갈 법하지 않다
|
|
Question
|
V + ㄹ/을 법한가요?
|
갈 법한가요?
|
|
Emphasis
|
V + ㄹ/을 법도 하다
|
갈 법도 하다
|
|
Past (Conjecture)
|
V + 었/았을 법하다
|
갔을 법하다
|
Formality Spectrum
그가 화를 낼 법도 합니다. (Casual conversation)
그가 화를 낼 법도 해요. (Casual conversation)
그가 화를 낼 법도 해. (Casual conversation)
화낼 만하네. (Casual conversation)
Usage Map
Logic
- 당연하다 Natural
Emotion
- 이해하다 Understandable
Examples by Level
비가 올 법해요.
It is likely to rain.
그가 화를 낼 법해요.
It is understandable that he is angry.
그럴 법한 이유가 있네요.
There is a logical reason for that.
그렇게 생각할 법도 해요.
It is quite reasonable to think that way.
그가 떠난 것은 충분히 이해할 법한 일이다.
It is entirely understandable that he left.
상황이 이렇다면 그가 불만을 가질 법도 하다.
Given the situation, it is only natural for him to be dissatisfied.
Easily Confused
Both use future modifiers and express expectation.
Both express future probability.
Both deal with probability.
Common Mistakes
가다 법하다
갈 법하다
먹다 법하다
먹을 법하다
갈 법해요 (past)
갔을 법해요
가 법하다
갈 법하다
갈 만하다 (when meaning probability)
갈 법하다
갈 것 같다 (when meaning logical certainty)
갈 법하다
갈 법한가?
갈 법한가요?
갈 법한 이유가 있다
갈 법한 이유가 있다
갈 법하지 않다
갈 법하지 않다
갈 법한 거다
갈 법하다
갈 법한 일이다 (in wrong context)
갈 법하다
갈 법한 상황이다
갈 법하다
갈 법한 생각이다
갈 법하다
Sentence Patterns
___할 법한 날씨예요.
그가 ___할 법도 해요.
그건 ___할 법한 이유가 있어요.
___할 법하지 않나요?
Real World Usage
비가 올 법한 날씨입니다.
그럴 법도 해.
이직할 법한 이유가 있습니다.
그렇게 생각할 법도 합니다.
배달이 늦을 법한 시간대네요.
관광객이 많을 법한 곳이에요.
Focus on Logic
Not Worthiness
Use with -도
Be Empathetic
Smart Tips
Use '법도 하다' to show empathy.
Use '올 법하다' instead of '올 것 같다'.
Use '그럴 법한 이유' to sound professional.
Use the question form to seek agreement.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 'ㄹ' in '법' often links to the next vowel.
Rising
갈 법한가요? ↑
Seeking confirmation.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '법' as 'Law' (법률). If something follows the 'law' of logic, it is '법하다'.
Visual Association
Imagine a judge holding a scale. On one side is the event, on the other is the logic. They balance perfectly.
Rhyme
Logic is the key, add 법하다 to the verb, you'll see!
Story
Min-su was late. His boss didn't yell. It was '지각할 법한' (understandable to be late) because the subway broke down. Everyone agreed it was logical.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about why your daily routine is logical using this pattern.
Cultural Notes
Used to validate a colleague's decision without sounding overly opinionated.
Used to show empathy for a friend's struggle.
Used to describe scenes with a sense of inevitability.
Derived from '법' (law/rule) + '하다' (to do). It literally means 'to follow the rule of'.
Conversation Starters
오늘 날씨가 비가 올 법한가요?
그 친구가 화를 낼 법도 한가요?
이 상황에서 그가 떠날 법한가요?
그의 행동이 이해할 법한가요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
비가 ___ 법해요.
그럴 법하다 means:
Find and fix the mistake:
그가 화를 낼 만해요 (meaning logical).
그럴 법해.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: 그가 왜 떠났을까? B: ___.
그가 / 화 / 낼 / 법하다
법하다 is for worthiness.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises비가 ___ 법해요.
그럴 법하다 means:
Find and fix the mistake:
그가 화를 낼 만해요 (meaning logical).
그럴 법해.
Match the logic.
A: 그가 왜 떠났을까? B: ___.
그가 / 화 / 낼 / 법하다
법하다 is for worthiness.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercises이제 슬슬 그가 ___ 법한 시간이다.
Choose the nuance of 'It stands to reason...'
나는 내일 학교에 갈 법하다.
법도 / 엄마가 / 해요 / 걱정하실
It is NOT likely to happen.
What does this phrase mean?
Match logic vs. gut feeling.
그 곳에 맛집이 ___ 법해요.
사람이 살을 법하다.
When to use this grammar?
그는 부자라서 비싼 차를 ___ 법하다.
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
Yes, use '갔을 법하다' for past conjecture.
It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
만하다 is for worth, 법하다 is for logic.
Yes, '갈 법하지 않다'.
Yes, it is very common in daily speech.
It implies an objective logical basis.
No, it attaches to verb stems.
It might sound like you are talking about worthiness.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
〜はずだ
Japanese 'hazu' is stronger and more common.
es lógico que
Korean is a suffix, Spanish is a phrase.
es ist logisch, dass
Korean is more concise.
il est logique que
Korean is more integrated into the verb.
理应 (lǐyīng)
Chinese is an adverbial modifier.
من المنطقي أن
Korean is a suffix.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
No choice but to... (-ㄹ/을 수밖에 없다)
Overview The Korean grammar pattern `-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다` is a powerful expression of inevitability. It conveys that du...
Present Progressive: -ing (고 있다)
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To the Absolute Max: (-ㄹ/을 대로)
Overview Korean grammar employs `-(ㄹ/을) 대로` to express that a state or action has reached its absolute **utmost limi...
Just/Only: Emphatic Limitation (-ㄹ/을 뿐이다)
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Blaming Others: -탓에 and -바람에
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