Poetic Will: I Shall... (-으리라)
-으리라 to sound poetic, determined, or prophetic in writing, similar to the English I shall.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -으리라 to express a strong, formal, or literary determination or a deep-seated prediction about the future.
- Attach -으리라 to verb stems ending in a consonant (e.g., 먹으리라).
- Attach -리라 to verb stems ending in a vowel (e.g., 가리라).
- Use only in formal writing, speeches, or poetic contexts to sound authoritative or reflective.
Overview
The Korean grammatical ending -으리라 (-(eu)rira) stands as a unique and powerful expression within the language, primarily conveying a strong personal will, a solemn determination, or a prophetic declaration about future events. While modern Korean utilizes forms like -겠다 (-getda) and -(으)ㄹ 것이다 (-(eu)l geosida) for future tense and volition, -으리라 carries an unmistakable archaic, literary, or poetic weight. It signifies not merely a plan or a probability, but an unwavering resolve or an inevitable occurrence that often transcends immediate conversational contexts.
You will encounter this form predominantly in written works such as classical literature, poetry, song lyrics, historical texts, and dramatic monologues, rather than in everyday spoken discourse. Its presence elevates the tone of a statement, transforming a simple intention into a profound pronouncement.
This ending connects the speaker's internal conviction with an external action or state, emphasizing the depth of their commitment or belief. For instance, while 나는 성공할 것이다 (naneun seonggonghal geosida) means "I will succeed" in a neutral, predictive sense, 나는 성공하리라 (naneun seonggongharira) conveys "I shall succeed," imbued with an iron will and absolute certainty. Understanding -으리라 is crucial for advanced learners, as it unlocks a deeper appreciation for Korean literary traditions and allows for a nuanced interpretation of dramatic or historical narratives.
Its usage implies a speaker who is deeply invested in the outcome, often acting under moral imperative, fate, or personal conviction, distinguishing it significantly from more neutral future expressions.
How This Grammar Works
-으리라 lies in its ability to inject a sense of gravity and dramatic flair into a statement of future action or state. Functionally, it operates as both a volitional and prospective marker, indicating either the speaker's firm intention or a strong prediction of what will happen. However, its semantic scope is narrower and more specialized than its modern counterparts.-으리라, recognize that the speaker (or narrator) is not merely stating a fact but making a declaration. This declaration can stem from an internal, unshakeable resolution or an external, seemingly predestined outcome.나는 너를 잊지 않겠다 (naneun neoreul itji ankketda, "I won't forget you," a standard determined statement) and 나는 너를 잊지 않으리라 (naneun neoreul itji anheulira, "I shall not forget you," a poetic vow). The latter carries a weight of eternal commitment, often found in ballads or solemn promises. This difference arises from -으리라's historical roots.-으리라 inherently adopts a plain form or declarative style, meaning it does not carry any inherent politeness level toward the listener. Instead, its "formality" or "gravity" is derived from its literary nature. It is typically used in monologues, internal thoughts, or addresses to a general audience (as in speeches or written works) rather than direct conversation with an individual where politeness levels are paramount.-(으)ㄹ 거예요 or -(스)ㅂ니다 (with -(으)ㄹ 것입니다) would be expected. The implied absence of a direct conversational partner enhances its function as a self-declaration or a universal statement. It's less about polite communication and more about expressing a deep, often emotional, conviction or a powerful, unalterable truth.Formation Pattern
-으리라 is straightforward, relying on the final consonant of the verb stem. The rule is similar to other vowel/consonant-dependent suffixes in Korean. Always begin by identifying the verb stem, which is the verb without the dictionary ending -다 (-da).
ㄹ (l/r) batchim:
-리라 (-rira).
ㄹ batchim, the ㄹ drops, and then you attach -리라 (-rira). This is a common pattern for many ㄹ irregular verbs when followed by a vowel-initial ending.
가리라 | garira | I shall go / It shall go |
오리라 | orira | I shall come / It shall come |
보리라 | borira | I shall see / It shall be seen |
ㄹ batchim | 살리라 | sallira | I shall live / It shall live |
ㄹ batchim | 만드리라 | mandeurira | I shall make / It shall be made |
ㄹ irregulars: In 살다 and 만들다, the ㄹ batchim is removed before adding -리라. This is consistent with how ㄹ batchim behaves before some other vowel-initial endings (e.g., -(으)세요, -(으)면). The resulting form is often still perceived as having the ㄹ sound through dissimilation/assimilation.
ㄹ):
ㄹ, you attach -으리라 (-eurira). The 으 (eu) vowel acts as a phonetic buffer.
먹으리라 | meogeulira | I shall eat / It shall be eaten |
찾으리라 | chajeulira | I shall find / It shall be found |
믿으리라 | mideulira | I shall believe / It shall be believed |
입으리라 | ibeulira | I shall wear / It shall be worn |
형용사): While less common than with verbs, -으리라 can technically attach to adjective stems to express a strong prediction or conviction about a state. For example, 아름답다 (areumdapda, to be beautiful) -> 아름다우리라 (areumdaurira, "It shall be beautiful"). This usage is highly poetic and rare, emphasizing an inevitable or determined state of being.
이다 (ida, to be): The copula 이다 can also combine with -리라. After a noun ending in a vowel, it becomes -이리라 (-irira). After a noun ending in a consonant, it typically becomes -으리라 (-eurira) or more commonly -이리라 when the noun acts as a predicate. For example, 이것이 진실이리라 (igeosi jinsiririra, "This shall be the truth") or 결정은 그의 몫이리라 (gyeoljeongeun geuui mokirira, "The decision shall be his part").
-으리라 is inherently future-oriented or volitional, so it does not combine with past tense markers like -았/었-. Its meaning is already tied to what is yet to happen or what one intends to make happen.
새 시대가 열리리라 (sae sidaega yeollirira, "A new era shall open"). Here, it's a declaration about an inevitable future event, not the speaker's will.
-으리라 in various literary and dramatic contexts.
When To Use It
-으리라 is highly constrained by context, making it a marker of specific communication registers rather than general-purpose speech. You should reserve this form for situations where a deep sense of conviction, solemnity, or dramatic declaration is appropriate. Its primary domains are literary, poetic, religious, and historical narratives.- Solemn Vows and Unwavering Resolutions:
-으리라 is highly effective. It goes beyond a simple 나는 할 것이다 ("I will do it") to convey an almost sacred commitment. This is particularly common in contexts of self-reflection, internal monologues, or declarations of intent in the face of adversity.결코 포기하지 않으리라.(gyeolko pogihaji anheulira.) – "I shall never give up." (A powerful personal vow, often stated internally or dramatically.)반드시 성공하여 돌아오리라.(bandeusi seonggonghayeo doraorira.) – "I shall surely succeed and return." (A determined promise before embarking on a difficult task, often with a heroic connotation.)그의 복수를 갚으리라.(geuui boksureul gapeulira.) – "I shall avenge him." (A solemn oath of retribution.)
- Prophetic Statements and Fated Outcomes:
-으리라 is frequently employed to articulate predictions or beliefs about what is destined to occur, often with a sense of inevitability. This can be seen in religious texts, philosophical discussions, or dramatic narratives where fate plays a significant role. The speaker believes the future is set, and their words are simply a reflection of that unalterable truth.새로운 세상이 열리리라.(saeroun sesangi yeollirira.) – "A new world shall open." (A prophetic declaration, often found in foundational myths or revolutionary manifestos.)그의 뜻대로 되리라.(geuui tteusdaero doerira.) – "It shall be according to his will." (A statement of predestination or acceptance of a higher power's plan, common in religious texts.)모든 진실이 밝혀지리라.(modeun jinsiri balkhyeojirira.) – "All truth shall be revealed." (A statement of inevitable disclosure, carrying a sense of ultimate justice.)
- Literary and Poetic Expression:
-으리라. Poets, lyricists, and authors use it to enhance the emotional depth and classical beauty of their writing. Its archaic feel adds a timeless quality, making statements resonate more profoundly. You will find it extensively in:- Song Lyrics: Especially in ballads, traditional Korean folk songs (
minyo), and epic narratives, where strong emotions and grand themes are expressed. For example, a love song might feature그대만을 사랑하리라(geudaemaneul sarangharira, "I shall love only you") to emphasize eternal devotion. Another example might be어둠 속에서 빛나리라(eodum sogeseo binnarira, "I shall shine in the darkness") to convey hope and resilience. - Poetry: To create a sense of heightened emotion, formal beauty, or a philosophical contemplation of life and destiny. It imbues verses with a deep, reflective quality, as in
내 삶은 영원히 흐르리라(nae salmeun yeongwonhi heureurira, "My life shall flow forever"). - Historical Dramas (
Sageuk): Characters, particularly those in positions of power (kings, generals, wise advisors), use-으리라when making crucial decisions, issuing commands, or declaring their ultimate intentions. For instance, a king might declare이 땅을 지키리라!(i ttangeul jikirira!, "I shall protect this land!") to rally his troops, or a general might proclaim반드시 적을 물리치리라!(bandeusi jeogeul mullichirira!, "I shall surely defeat the enemy!").
- Self-Address and Internal Monologue:
-으리라 can be used. It signifies an internal commitment, rather than a message intended for an external listener. This is often an expression of deep self-resolve.오늘부터 매일 운동하리라.(oneulbuteo maeil undongharira.) – "Starting today, I shall exercise every day." (A personal resolution, akin to a diary entry.)결코 흔들리지 않으리라.(gyeolko heundeulliji anheulira.) – "I shall never waver." (An internal affirmation of strength.)
- Formal, Written Announcements (Rare in Modern Contexts):
-으리라 might have appeared in very formal written proclamations or declarations. However, in modern formal announcements, -(으)ㄹ 것입니다 or -겠습니다 are overwhelmingly preferred due to their established politeness and clarity in contemporary administrative language. Its use in this context today would likely be perceived as overly dramatic or anachronistic, reserved perhaps for very specific, ceremonial declarations with a deliberate archaic style.-으리라 correctly and appreciate its unique role in Korean expression.Common Mistakes
-으리라 is a grammatically valid and powerful expression, its specialized nature makes it prone to misuse by learners. Avoiding these common pitfalls is essential for sounding natural and comprehending its true intent.- Using it in Everyday Spoken Conversation:
-으리라 is virtually never used in standard, everyday spoken Korean. Using it in casual or even polite conversation will sound extremely stiff, dramatic, archaic, or even humorous (if intentionally used for effect among close friends). Imagine someone saying, "I shall have a coffee" at a cafe. It's jarring.- Incorrect:
커피를 마시으리라.(keopireul masieurira.) ❌ (You shall drink coffee.) - Correct (Standard, Politeness):
커피 마실게요.(keopi masilgeyo.) ✅ (I'll have coffee.) - Correct (Standard, Future):
커피 마실 거예요.(keopi masil geoyeyo.) ✅ (I will drink coffee.) - Why it's wrong: Modern Korean communication values directness and appropriate politeness levels.
-으리라lacks these conversational markers and conveys a dramatic tone completely unsuitable for mundane interactions. Its literary nature sets it apart from the pragmatic needs of daily speech.
- Attaching Politeness Markers (
-요,-(스)ㅂ니다):
-으리라 cannot combine with standard politeness suffixes like -요 (-yo) or -(스)ㅂ니다 (-(seu)mnida). Such combinations are grammatically incorrect and jarring to native speakers. This is a fundamental clash of linguistic registers.- Incorrect:
가리라요.(garirayo.) ❌ (Trying to add politeness to an archaic plain form.) - Incorrect:
먹으리라습니다.(meogeulirasimnida.) ❌ (Attempting to use formal speech ending with-으리라.) - Why it's wrong: The plain form nature of
-으리라directly conflicts with the function of politeness markers. These are two distinct grammatical systems meant for different communicative purposes. Mixing them creates a linguistic hybrid that is unintelligible or comical.
- Using it to Ask Questions:
-으리라 is a declarative ending only. It expresses the speaker's own will or a strong prediction. You cannot use it to form questions about someone else's intentions or about future events. It lacks the interrogative function of endings like -(으)ㄹ까요? (-(eu)lkkayo?) or -(으)ㄹ 건가요? (-(eu)l geongayo?).- Incorrect:
내일 영화 보러 가리라?(naeil yeonghwa boreo garira?) ❌ (Shall you go to see a movie tomorrow? – sounds like a dramatic challenge, not a question.) - Correct (Asking Intention):
내일 영화 보러 갈래요?(naeil yeonghwa boreo gallaeyo?) ✅ (Do you want to go to see a movie tomorrow?) - Correct (Asking Future):
내일 영화 보러 갈 거예요?(naeil yeonghwa boreo gal geoyeyo?) ✅ (Will you go to see a movie tomorrow?) - Why it's wrong: Its inherent meaning is a statement of will or prediction, not an inquiry. Korean grammar uses distinct endings for questions, and
-으리라does not fulfill that role.
- Confusing Volition for Neutral Future:
-으리라 predicts the future, it always carries an element of strong will, determination, or perceived inevitability. It is not a neutral future tense marker like -(으)ㄹ 것이다. Using it for simple, objective future statements will sound overly dramatic or even like a dire prophecy.- Incorrect (for a neutral prediction):
내일 비가 오리라.(naeil biga orira.) ❌ (Tomorrow, it shall rain. - sounds like a prophecy, not a simple weather forecast.) - Correct (Neutral Prediction):
내일 비가 올 거예요.(naeil biga ol geoyeyo.) ✅ (It will rain tomorrow.) - Why it's wrong: The strong semantic content of
-으리라makes it unsuitable for factual, neutral statements where no dramatic intent or personal resolve is implied. It overstates the speaker's commitment or the certainty of the event.
- Overuse in Writing:
-으리라 should be used judiciously. Its power comes from its relative rarity. Overusing it can make your writing sound monotonous, overly bombastic, or even comical, diminishing its impact. Integrate it where the emotional or declarative weight truly calls for it, rather than as a default future tense. The impact of a strong statement is often lost when it is repeatedly used without genuine necessity.- Why it's wrong: Like any strong rhetorical device, its effectiveness relies on contrast and strategic placement. Its overuse can dilute its special significance and make the text feel unnatural or forced.
-으리라 and instead wield it as a precise and impactful tool in your advanced Korean communication, primarily in its appropriate literary and dramatic contexts.Real Conversations
The section title "Real Conversations" for -으리라 requires a nuanced explanation, as its direct use in daily spoken interaction is extremely rare. While you will almost never hear —으리라 in a casual chat with friends or a formal meeting, its presence in certain forms of media and specific, intentional uses can be considered part of "real-world" communication for advanced learners.
- Limited Use for Dramatic or Humorous Effect:
Among very close friends, or in informal online contexts (like texting or social media with specific communities), -으리라 might be used for intentional comedic effect or hyperbole. This is a conscious stylistic choice to inject extreme drama into a mundane situation, much like a native English speaker might say "I shall conquer this mountain of laundry!" with an exaggerated flourish. The humor comes precisely from the mismatch between the lofty grammatical form and the trivial context.
- Example (Texting a friend): 이번 주말엔 꼭 쉬리라! (ibeon jumaren kkok swirira!) – "This weekend, I shall certainly rest!" (Said in an over-the-top, dramatic way, acknowledging its archaic feel.)
- Example (Online comment): 드디어 시험 끝! 이제 자유를 만끽하리라! (deudieo siheom kkeut! ije jayureul mankkikharira!) – "Finally, exams are over! Now, I shall fully enjoy freedom!" (A dramatic, celebratory declaration.)
- Context: These uses are highly informal and rely on shared understanding of the form's archaic nature. Misusing this with acquaintances or in formal settings will lead to confusion rather than humor.
- Monologues within Media (Reflecting Internal "Conversation"):
While not direct dialogue, -으리라 frequently appears in media that simulates internal thought processes or emotional declarations. This counts as "real usage" for learners to encounter and understand.
- Song Lyrics: Many Korean ballads and OSTs (Original Soundtrack) for dramas use -으리라 to express deep emotional commitment or inevitable fate. These are intensely "real" in conveying emotion and are consumed by millions.
- "영원히 너를 사랑하리라" (yeongwonhi neoreul sarangharira) – "I shall love you forever." (A common line in romantic songs, expressing undying love.)
- Historical Dramas (Sageuk): As mentioned, characters making grand proclamations or swearing oaths frequently use -으리라. While stylized, these dramas reflect historical speech patterns and are a significant part of Korean culture and media consumption.
- "이 나라를 바로 세우리라!" (i narareul baro seurira!) – "I shall restore this nation!" (A king's resolute declaration in a historical drama.)
- Poetry and Literature: Reading modern poetry or contemporary novels might occasionally bring you across -으리라 used to add a lyrical or profound touch to a character's internal thoughts or narrative descriptions. This is an author's deliberate choice to evoke a particular feeling.
- "그는 끝까지 자신의 신념을 지키리라 다짐했다." (geuneun kkeutkkaji jasinui sinnyeomeul jikirira dajimhaetda.) – "He vowed that he would protect his convictions until the end." (A narrative description of internal resolve.)
- Contrast with Modern Volitional/Future Forms in "Real" Speech:
To truly understand -으리라's non-conversational nature, it's vital to contrast it with what native speakers actually use:
- -겠다 (-getda): Expresses the speaker's immediate will or intention, or a strong supposition about something. Can be formal or informal. 제가 하겠습니다. (jega hagetseumnida.) – "I will do it." (Formal, determined.) 나도 먹겠다. (nado meokgetda.) – "I'll eat too." (Informal, definite intention.)
- -(으)ㄹ 것이다 (-(eu)l geosida): The most common and versatile future tense marker, expressing both prediction and intention. Can be polite or informal.
- 내일 비가 올 거예요. (naeil biga ol geoyeyo.) – "It will rain tomorrow." (Prediction, polite.)
- 저는 한국에 갈 겁니다. (jeoneun hanguge gal geomnida.) – "I will go to Korea." (Intention, formal.)
- -(으)ㄹ게요 (-(eu)lgeyo): Expresses the speaker's intention or promise, often with the nuance of doing something for the listener's benefit or in response to their statement. Always polite.
- 제가 전화할게요. (jega jeonhwahalgeyo.) – "I'll call you." (Promise, polite.)
In essence, while -으리라 is not a tool for participating in real-time, reciprocal conversations, it is absolutely a part of the "real world" of Korean language use through its presence in media and literature. For advanced learners, recognizing it allows for a deeper appreciation of Korean cultural and expressive traditions.
Quick FAQ
-으리라 in a text message to a Korean friend?Only if you're being intentionally humorous or overly dramatic, and you are very close friends who understand your stylistic choice. It would be perceived as a comedic exaggeration of a mundane statement. For typical communication, use -(으)ㄹ게 (informal) or -(으)ㄹ 거야 (informal future/volitional).
-으리라 a formal or informal ending?It is neither in the conventional sense of politeness levels (like 해요체 or 합쇼체). It belongs to a literary or archaic plain form register. Its "formality" comes from its solemn, declarative nature, not from honoring a listener. It addresses a general audience or expresses an internal thought, rather than engaging in direct, polite conversation.
Almost never in daily spoken language. You will hear it in historical dramas, read it in poetry, song lyrics, and classical literature, or occasionally used for deliberate, over-the-top dramatic effect by individuals who are fully aware of its archaic nature. It is not part of contemporary conversational fluency.
-으리라 and -겠다 or -(으)ㄹ 것이다?The core distinction is register and nuance. -으리라 conveys an archaic, poetic, solemn, or prophetic will/prediction. It's stronger and more dramatic. -겠다 expresses a standard strong will, intention, or supposition, common in both formal and informal speech. -(으)ㄹ 것이다 is the most neutral and widely used future tense/volitional marker, suitable for both objective predictions and intentions across various politeness levels. Think of -으리라 as "I shall," -겠다 as "I will (definitely)", and -(으)ㄹ 것이다 as "I will (generally)" or "It will (happen)".
-으리라 connected to any specific Korean literary periods or historical contexts?Yes, it has deep roots in classical Korean literature, including traditional poems (시조, sijo), historical chronicles, and religious texts. Its usage reflects a linguistic heritage where such declarative and volitional endings were more prevalent. Encountering it can give you a window into older forms of Korean expression and the cultural values (e.g., strong resolve, fate) they often conveyed.
-으리라 to express a prediction about a third person?Yes, you can, especially when it's framed as a solemn prediction or a fated outcome. For example, 그는 위대한 인물이 되리라. (geuneun widaehan inmuri doerira.) – "He shall become a great figure." Here, it's a declaration about an inevitable future, not a statement of their personal will. This usage reinforces the prophetic aspect of -으리라.
Conjugation of -으리라
| Verb Type | Stem | Ending | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Consonant
|
먹-
|
-으리라
|
먹으리라
|
|
Vowel
|
가-
|
-리라
|
가리라
|
|
ㄹ-stem
|
살-
|
-리라
|
살리라
|
|
Negative
|
하지 않-
|
-으리라
|
하지 않으리라
|
|
Past (rare)
|
했-
|
-으리라
|
했으리라
|
|
Passive
|
보이-
|
-리라
|
보이리라
|
Meanings
A formal, literary grammatical ending used to express a strong personal resolution or a confident prediction about the future.
Strong Resolution
Expressing a firm, often solemn, personal commitment to do something.
“내일은 꼭 이 일을 끝내리라.”
“나는 다시는 그곳에 가지 않으리라.”
Confident Prediction
Making a strong, almost prophetic statement about a future event.
“봄이 오면 꽃이 피리라.”
“그의 노력은 결국 빛을 보리라.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + (으)리라
|
성공하리라
|
|
Negative
|
Stem + 지 않으리라
|
가지 않으리라
|
|
ㄹ-stem
|
Stem + 리라
|
만드리라
|
|
Formal
|
High register
|
기억하리라
|
|
Literary
|
Written style
|
피리라
|
|
Prediction
|
Future outcome
|
오리라
|
Formality Spectrum
반드시 성공하리라. (Personal goal)
꼭 성공할 거예요. (Personal goal)
꼭 성공할 거야. (Personal goal)
성공각이다. (Personal goal)
Usage Contexts of -으리라
Context
- 문학 Literature
- 연설 Speech
Tone
- 엄숙함 Solemnity
- 결의 Resolution
Examples by Level
나는 공부하리라.
I shall study.
나는 가리라.
I shall go.
나는 먹으리라.
I shall eat.
나는 보리라.
I shall see.
내일은 꼭 성공하리라.
I will surely succeed tomorrow.
그는 다시 돌아오리라.
He shall return.
우리는 이기리라.
We shall win.
봄이 오면 꽃이 피리라.
When spring comes, flowers shall bloom.
나는 평생 진실만을 말하리라 다짐했다.
I vowed that I would only speak the truth for the rest of my life.
그의 노력은 결국 빛을 보리라 믿는다.
I believe his efforts will eventually shine.
역사는 우리를 기억하리라.
History shall remember us.
어둠이 지나면 빛이 오리라.
After the darkness, light shall come.
나는 어떠한 고난이 닥쳐도 굴하지 않으리라.
I shall not yield, no matter what hardships befall me.
이 땅에 평화가 깃들리라 확신한다.
I am convinced that peace shall dwell in this land.
그는 자신의 운명을 스스로 개척하리라 마음먹었다.
He determined that he would carve out his own destiny.
진실은 언젠가 밝혀지리라.
The truth shall eventually be revealed.
그가 남긴 유산은 영원히 전해지리라.
The legacy he left behind shall be passed down forever.
우리의 의지는 결코 꺾이지 않으리라.
Our will shall never be broken.
시간이 흐르면 모든 상처는 치유되리라.
As time passes, all wounds shall heal.
그는 다시는 과거의 잘못을 반복하지 않으리라 맹세했다.
He swore that he would never repeat the mistakes of the past.
천하가 다시금 평온을 되찾으리라.
The world shall regain its peace once more.
나의 영혼은 저 별들 사이를 유영하리라.
My soul shall wander among those stars.
이 비극의 끝에서 새로운 희망이 솟아나리라.
From the end of this tragedy, new hope shall spring forth.
그 누구도 우리의 앞길을 막지 못하리라.
No one shall be able to block our path forward.
Easily Confused
Both express intention, but -겠다 is for immediate/personal plans, -으리라 is for grand/literary intent.
Both are future-oriented, but -ㄹ 것이다 is neutral, -으리라 is dramatic.
Sometimes -리라 is used for 'I guess' (presumptive), but that is a different usage.
Common Mistakes
오늘 밥을 먹으리라.
오늘 밥을 먹을 거예요.
내일 학교에 가리라?
내일 학교에 갈 거예요?
안 가리라.
안 갈 거예요.
숙제 하리라.
숙제 할 거예요.
친구를 만나리라.
친구를 만날 거예요.
비가 오리라.
비가 올 거예요.
먹으리라?
먹을까요?
내일 영화를 보리라.
내일 영화를 볼 거예요.
그가 가리라 생각한다.
그가 갈 것이라고 생각한다.
안 하리라.
하지 않으리라.
그녀가 성공하리라.
그녀가 성공하리라고 믿는다.
Sentence Patterns
나는 반드시 ___하리라.
___이/가 오면 꽃이 피리라.
나는 다시는 ___하지 않으리라.
역사는 우리를 ___하리라.
Real World Usage
나는 꿈을 향해 달리리라.
국민의 뜻을 따르리라.
별이 지리라.
왕이 되리라.
우리는 승리하리라.
그는 복수를 다짐하리라.
The 'Sageuk' Effect
Not for Chatting
Self-Motivation
Smart Tips
Use -으리라 to emphasize your thesis statement.
Use -으리라 to show their deep resolve.
Use -으리라 for your final closing statement.
Use -으리라 for rhythmic and emotional impact.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'ㄹ' in -으리라 often links to the next word if it starts with a vowel.
Falling
성공하리라↘
Conveys finality and resolve.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '으리라' as the 'Royal Will'. It's what a king or a hero says when they are making a promise to the kingdom.
Visual Association
Imagine a knight standing on a cliff, sword raised, shouting '승리하리라!' (I shall win!). The wind is blowing, and the scene is epic.
Rhyme
꿈을 향해 가리라, 절대 포기 않으리라.
Story
A young hero decides to save his village. He stands before the elders and declares, 'I shall return.' He uses the formal -으리라 to show he is serious. He faces many trials, but his resolve remains, repeating 'I shall succeed' in his mind.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about your biggest life goals using -으리라. Read them out loud with a dramatic voice.
Cultural Notes
This grammar is a staple in classic Korean novels and poetry to depict the internal monologue of characters.
Politicians use this to sound like they are making a historic promise to the nation.
Characters in historical dramas use this constantly to sound noble and authoritative.
Derived from the Middle Korean future-volitional suffix '-리-'.
Conversation Starters
당신의 인생 목표는 무엇입니까?
가장 좋아하는 시의 구절은 무엇인가요?
역사 속 인물 중 누구를 존경하나요?
미래의 한국 사회는 어떻게 변할까요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
나는 반드시 성공___.
Choose the best sentence.
Find and fix the mistake:
내일 친구를 만나리라?
나는 열심히 공부할 거예요.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
먹다 + -으리라 = ?
나는 / 포기 / 않으리라
-으리라 can be used in casual text messages.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises나는 반드시 성공___.
Choose the best sentence.
Find and fix the mistake:
내일 친구를 만나리라?
나는 열심히 공부할 거예요.
가다 -> ?
먹다 + -으리라 = ?
나는 / 포기 / 않으리라
-으리라 can be used in casual text messages.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesI ___ to the ends of the earth.
I ___ the clouds.
Where would you most likely see this grammar?
I shall live honestly.
그곳에 가리라요.
Match the stem to the conjugation.
고난을 / 이 / 극복하리라
Translate into poetic Korean.
I shall not cry.
Choose the best translation.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It is risky. It might sound too dramatic. Use -겠습니다 instead.
Usually, yes. It expresses the speaker's will.
Because it is frequently used in poetry to express deep emotion.
-겠다 is for intention/conjecture in daily life; -으리라 is for formal/literary resolve.
Rarely, only in narrative writing to describe a character's internal state.
Yes, as '지 않으리라'.
Technically yes, but it is extremely rare and sounds very archaic.
In your journal or creative writing projects.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Ich werde...
German future is neutral; -으리라 is highly marked.
Je ferai...
French does not have a dedicated 'literary' future suffix.
Yo haré...
Spanish lacks a register-specific future marker.
～ようと思う
Japanese volitional is more common in speech.
我将...
Chinese '将' is a particle, not a suffix.
سأفعل...
Arabic future is strictly temporal.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Formal 'By' Agent (-에 의해)
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Based On: -을/를 바탕으로
Overview In Korean, expressing that an action, creation, or judgment is **based on** a particular source is crucial for...
The 'Double Passive' Vibe (Advanced Causative Passive)
Overview Korean, like many languages, employs grammatical mechanisms to shift focus within a sentence. The **Double Pass...
The Inference Ending: It looks like... (-나/는가 보다)
Overview As you navigate the complexities of B2-level Korean, you encounter grammar that allows for more nuanced express...
Expressing Shock: -다니 (How Could...)
Overview **-다니** (romanized: -dani) is an upper-intermediate (B2) Korean grammar pattern used to express strong surpr...
