A2 Expressions & Patterns 8 min read Easy

Expressing Guesses & Opinions: 'It seems like' (-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다)

Use 것 같다 to express guesses or opinions softly and sound like a natural Korean speaker.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use -(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 to express your personal opinion or a guess about a situation in a soft, polite way.

  • Use -(으)ㄴ 것 같다 with adjectives (e.g., 예쁜 것 같아요 - It seems pretty).
  • Use -는 것 같다 with verbs (e.g., 먹는 것 같아요 - It seems like they are eating).
  • Use -은/ㄴ 것 같다 for past tense verbs (e.g., 먹은 것 같아요 - It seems like they ate).
Verb/Adj + (으)ㄴ/는 + 것 같다

Overview

-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 is a fundamental Korean grammar pattern expressing conjecture, opinion, or observation, translating to “it seems like,” “I think,” or “it appears that.” Unlike a direct factual statement, this structure allows you to present information with a degree of uncertainty or politeness. It is ubiquitous in daily Korean conversation, reflecting a cultural inclination towards indirect communication and humility, particularly when expressing personal judgments or observations that might challenge another's perspective. Mastering this pattern is crucial for sounding natural and integrating effectively into Korean communication styles, moving beyond rigid, direct statements to more nuanced and socially appropriate expressions.

It serves to soften assertions and provide a graceful way to share thoughts without claiming absolute certainty.

How This Grammar Works

At its core, -(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 combines a noun-modifying verb or adjective form with the dependent noun 것 (geot, meaning “thing” or “fact”) and the descriptive adjective 같다 (gatda, meaning “to be like” or “to be similar”). Linguistically, you are essentially creating a nominalized clause—a clause that functions as a noun—which is then described by 같다. For example, 비가 오다 (bi-ga o-da, “rain comes”) becomes 비가 오는 것 (bi-ga o-neun geot, “the thing that rain comes” or “the fact that it's raining”).
Attaching 같다 transforms this into 비가 오는 것 같다, meaning “it is like the fact that it is raining,” or more naturally, “it seems like it's raining.”
The key to understanding its function lies in the various noun-modifying endings (-(으)ㄴ, -는, -(으)ㄹ) that precede 것. These endings indicate the tense and aspect of the action or state being observed or guessed. While the verb 같다 typically remains in the present tense (같아요, 같습니다), the modifier attached to the preceding verb or adjective dictates whether the event you are guessing about is occurring now, has occurred, or will occur.
This allows for a flexible expression of probability and perception across different timeframes, making it a versatile tool for expressing nuanced thoughts.

Formation Pattern

1
The formation of -(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 depends on whether the preceding word is a verb, an adjective, or a noun, and the tense you wish to convey. The 것 is always followed by 같다, which then conjugates for politeness levels (e.g., 같아요 for informal polite, 같습니다 for formal polite, 같아 for casual).
2
1. Verbs (동사: Dongsa - Action Verbs)
3
Verbs use different modifiers for present, past, and future tenses when describing 것.
4
| Tense | Stem Ending | Modifier | Full Pattern | Meaning | Example (해요체) | Example (합니다체) |
5
| :---------- | :---------- | :------- | :-------------------------- | :---------------------------- | :---------------------------- | :------------------------------- |
6
| Present | Vowel/Consonant | -는 | Verb Stem + -는 것 같다 | Seems to be doing (now) | 먹는 것 같아요 (Meok-neun geot gat-a-yo) | 먹는 것 같습니다 (Meok-neun geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
7
| | 읽다 (to read) | -는 | 읽는 것 같다 (Ilk-neun geot gatda) | Seems to be reading | 읽는 것 같아요 | 읽는 것 같습니다 |
8
| Past | Vowel | -(으)ㄴ | Verb Stem + -ㄴ 것 같다 | Seems to have done | 온 것 같아요 (On geot gat-a-yo) | 온 것 같습니다 (On geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
9
| | Consonant | -은 | Verb Stem + -은 것 같다 | Seems to have done | 먹은 것 같아요 (Meok-eun geot gat-a-yo) | 먹은 것 같습니다 (Meok-eun geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
10
| | 하다 (to do) | -ㄴ | 한 것 같다 (Han geot gatda) | Seems to have done | 한 것 같아요 | 한 것 같습니다 |
11
| Future | Vowel | -ㄹ | Verb Stem + -ㄹ 것 같다 | Seems likely to do / will do | 올 것 같아요 (Ol geot gat-a-yo) | 올 것 같습니다 (Ol geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
12
| | Consonant | -을 | Verb Stem + -을 것 같다 | Seems likely to do / will do | 먹을 것 같아요 (Meok-eul geot gat-a-yo) | 먹을 것 같습니다 (Meok-eul geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
13
| | 가다 (to go) | -ㄹ | 갈 것 같다 (Gal geot gatda) | Seems likely to go | 갈 것 같아요 | 갈 것 같습니다 |
14
Note on ㄹ irregular verbs: For verbs ending in ㄹ (e.g., 만들다 - mandeulda, “to make”), the ㄹ drops before -(으)ㄴ or -(으)ㄹ. However, for the present tense -(으)는, the ㄹ remains.
15
Present: 만들다 → 만드는 것 같다
16
Past: 만들다 → 만든 것 같다
17
Future: 만들다 → 만들 것 같다
18
2. Adjectives (형용사: Hyeongyongsa - Descriptive Verbs)
19
Adjectives primarily use -(으)ㄴ for the present tense to describe a current state, and -(으)ㄹ for future conjecture. Expressing a past state with -(으)ㄴ 것 같다 is less common; instead, the adjective itself is often put into the past tense before 것 같다 (e.g., 예뻤던 것 같아요).
20
| Tense | Stem Ending | Modifier | Full Pattern | Meaning | Example (해요체) | Example (합니다체) |
21
| :---------- | :---------- | :------- | :--------------------------- | :---------------------------- | :---------------------------- | :------------------------------- |
22
| Present | Vowel | -ㄴ | Adj Stem + -ㄴ 것 같다 | Seems to be (state) | 예쁜 것 같아요 (Ye-ppeun geot gat-a-yo) | 예쁜 것 같습니다 (Ye-ppeun geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
23
| | Consonant | -은 | Adj Stem + -은 것 같다 | Seems to be (state) | 작은 것 같아요 (Jak-eun geot gat-a-yo) | 작은 것 같습니다 (Jak-eun geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
24
| | 크다 (to be big) | -ㄴ | 큰 것 같다 (Keun geot gatda) | Seems big | 큰 것 같아요 | 큰 것 같습니다 |
25
| Future | Vowel | -ㄹ | Adj Stem + -ㄹ 것 같다 | Seems likely to be / will be | 예쁠 것 같아요 (Ye-ppeul geot gat-a-yo) | 예쁠 것 같습니다 (Ye-ppeul geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
26
| | Consonant | -을 | Adj Stem + -을 것 같다 | Seems likely to be / will be | 좋을 것 같아요 (Jot-eul geot gat-a-yo) | 좋을 것 같습니다 (Jot-eul geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
27
Note on ㅂ irregular adjectives: For adjectives ending in ㅂ (e.g., 춥다 - chupda, “to be cold”), the ㅂ changes to 우 before -(으)ㄴ or -(으)ㄹ.
28
Present: 춥다 → 추운 것 같다
29
Future: 춥다 → 추울 것 같다
30
3. Nouns (명사: Myeongsa)
31
When 것 같다 is used with nouns, the equative particle 이다 (i-da, “to be”) is implicitly or explicitly involved.
32
| Tense | Noun Ending | Modifier | Full Pattern | Meaning | Example (해요체) | Example (합니다체) |
33
| :---------- | :---------- | :------------ | :-------------------------------- | :------------------------------ | :-------------------------------- | :----------------------------------- |
34
| Present | Vowel | 인 | Noun + -인 것 같다 | Seems to be a (noun) | 의사인 것 같아요 (Ui-sa-in geot gat-a-yo) | 의사인 것 같습니다 (Ui-sa-in geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
35
| | Consonant | 인 | Noun + -인 것 같다 | Seems to be a (noun) | 학생인 것 같아요 (Hak-saeng-in geot gat-a-yo) | 학생인 것 같습니다 (Hak-saeng-in geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
36
| Past | Vowel | 였던 | Noun + -였던 것 같다 | Seems to have been a (noun) | 의사였던 것 같아요 (Ui-sa-yeot-deon geot gat-a-yo) | 의사였던 것 같습니다 (Ui-sa-yeot-deon geot gat-seup-ni-da) |
37
| | Consonant | 이었던 | Noun + -이었던 것 같다 | Seems to have been a (noun) | 학생이었던 것 같아요 (Hak-saeng-i-eot-deon geot gat-a-yo) | 학생이었던 것 같습니다 (Hak-saeng-i-eot-deon geot gat-seup-ni-da) |

When To Use It

-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 is deployed in various contexts to soften statements, express personal opinions, or make conjectures based on observation or internal thought. Its usage is deeply rooted in Korean socio-linguistic norms, emphasizing politeness and indirectness.
  • Expressing Personal Opinions or Judgments with Reservation: This is perhaps its most common application. Instead of stating a fact directly, which can sound assertive or impolite, you frame it as your personal perception. This is particularly useful in situations where your opinion might differ from others or when you want to avoid sounding overly dogmatic.
  • 이 음식은 좀 매운 것 같아요. (I-eum-sik-eun jom mae-un geot gat-a-yo. - I think this food is a bit spicy. [Softer than “This food is spicy.”])
  • 그 영화는 정말 재미있는 것 같아요. (Geu yeong-hwa-neun jeong-mal jae-mi-it-neun geot gat-a-yo. - That movie seems really interesting. [Expressing a personal, not necessarily universal, judgment].)
  • Making Conjectures or Predictions Based on Evidence: When you observe something and infer a conclusion, but lack absolute certainty, -(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 is the appropriate pattern. The evidence can be direct (e.g., seeing dark clouds) or indirect (e.g., hearing a rumor).
  • 하늘이 어두운 것을 보니 비가 올 것 같아요. (Ha-neul-i eo-du-un geos-eul bo-ni bi-ga ol geot gat-a-yo. - Looking at the dark sky, it seems like it will rain.)
  • 회의가 벌써 끝난 것 같아요. 사람들이 나가고 있어요. (Hoe-ui-ga beol-sseo kkeut-nan geot gat-a-yo. Sa-ram-deul-i na-ga-go it-eo-yo. - It seems the meeting has already ended. People are leaving.)
  • Softening Direct Questions or Suggestions: While primarily for statements, this pattern can be embedded in questions or suggestions to make them less demanding or more open-ended. It adds a tentative quality.
  • 혹시 제가 틀린 것 같아요? (Hok-si je-ga teul-lin geot gat-a-yo? - Perhaps, do you think I'm wrong? [Softer than “Am I wrong?”])
  • 이 방법이 더 좋을 것 같아요. (I bang-beop-i deo jo-eul geot gat-a-yo. - This method seems like it would be better. [A polite suggestion rather than a command].)
  • Describing a Situation Based on Appearance: When something looks a certain way, and you are reporting that observation without absolute confirmation, this pattern is suitable.
  • 저 가게는 문을 닫은 것 같아요. (Jeo ga-ge-neun mun-eul dat-eun geot gat-a-yo. - That store seems to have closed.)
  • 그 학생은 매일 밤샘 공부를 하는 것 같아요. 항상 피곤해 보여요. (Geu hak-saeng-eun mae-il bam-saem gong-bu-reul ha-neun geot gat-a-yo. Hang-sang pi-gon-hae bo-yeo-yo. - That student seems to be studying all night every day. They always look tired.)
  • Self-Reflection or Personal Assessment: You can use this to express your own feelings or states with a degree of humility or uncertainty.
  • 저는 요즘 너무 바쁜 것 같아요. (Jeo-neun yo-jeum neo-mu ba-ppeun geot gat-a-yo. - I think I'm too busy these days.)
This pattern is versatile across various registers, from formal reports to casual chats, adapting its politeness level through the ending of 같다. It is a cornerstone of expressing nuanced thoughts and opinions in Korean without sounding overly definitive.

Common Mistakes

Korean learners often make specific errors when using -(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다, primarily revolving around the correct application of noun-modifying endings and understanding the nuance of 같다.
  • Confusing Verb and Adjective Present Tense Modifiers: This is perhaps the most frequent mistake for A2 learners. Remember:
  • Verbs use -는 for the present tense (-는 것 같다). This reflects an action currently in progress or a general action. Incorrect: 가다는 것 같다 (X).
  • Adjectives use -(으)ㄴ for the present tense (-(으)ㄴ 것 같다). This describes a current state or quality. Incorrect: 예쁘는 것 같다 (X).
  • Correct Usage: 공부하는 것 같아요 (Gong-bu-ha-neun geot gat-a-yo. - Seems to be studying.) vs. 바쁜 것 같아요 (Ba-ppeun geot gat-a-yo. - Seems busy.) The difference is crucial for grammatical correctness.
  • Over-reliance or Misuse with Certainty: While -(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 is for softening, it should not be used when you are 100% certain of a fact. Using it in such cases can make you sound hesitant, indecisive, or even evasive. For example, if you know your name is Maria, saying 제 이름은 마리아인 것 같아요 (Je i-reum-eun Ma-ri-a-in geot gat-a-yo. - My name seems to be Maria.) is unnatural and sounds strange. Reserve it for genuine uncertainty or polite hedging.
  • Incorrectly Handling Irregular Verbs and Adjectives: Korean irregulars (ㄷ, ㅂ, ㄹ, ㅎ, ㅅ) must be correctly conjugated before attaching the noun-modifying endings. Failure to do so results in grammatical errors.
  • ㄷ Irregular Verbs: 듣다 (deut-da, to listen) → 듣는 것 같다 (present), 들은 것 같다 (past) (not 들는 것 같다).
  • ㅂ Irregular Adjectives: 춥다 (chup-da, to be cold) → 추운 것 같다 (present), 추울 것 같다 (future) (not 춥은 것 같다).
  • ㄹ Irregular Verbs: 만들다 (man-deul-da, to make) → 만드는 것 같다 (present), 만든 것 같다 (past), 만들 것 같다 (future) (not 만들는 것 같다 or 만들은 것 같다). The ㄹ is dropped before -(으)ㄴ and -(으)ㄹ but remains before -는.
  • Confusing the Tense of 같다 with the Tense of the Embedded Clause: 같다 itself typically remains in the present tense (같아요, 같습니다) because you are expressing a present guess about an event that may be past, present, or future. The tense of the event being guessed is indicated by the modifier (-(으)ㄴ/는/을) attached to the preceding verb or adjective. While 같았다 (past tense of 같다) exists, it implies

Conjugation Table

Tense Adjective Verb
Present
예쁜 것 같아요
먹는 것 같아요
Past
예뻤던 것 같아요
먹은 것 같아요
Future
예쁠 것 같아요
먹을 것 같아요

Common Contractions

Full Form Spoken Contraction
것 같아요
거 같아요

Meanings

This pattern is used to express a guess, an opinion, or a conjecture based on observation or personal feeling. It effectively softens the tone of a statement.

1

Inference/Guess

Making a logical guess based on visual or situational evidence.

“비가 오는 것 같아요.”

“그 사람이 바쁜 것 같아요.”

2

Softening Opinions

Expressing an opinion without sounding too direct or aggressive.

“제 생각에는 이게 더 좋은 것 같아요.”

“그 영화는 재미없는 것 같아요.”

3

Recollection/Past Guess

Guessing about something that happened in the past.

“어제 그 사람이 간 것 같아요.”

“숙제를 다 한 것 같아요.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Expressing Guesses & Opinions: 'It seems like' (-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다)
Form Structure Example
Present Adj
Adj + (으)ㄴ 것 같다
좋은 것 같아요
Present Verb
Verb + 는 것 같다
가는 것 같아요
Past Verb
Verb + (으)ㄴ 것 같다
간 것 같아요
Future Verb
Verb + (으)ㄹ 것 같다
갈 것 같아요
Negative
안 + Verb/Adj + 것 같다
안 좋은 것 같아요
Question
Verb/Adj + 것 같아요?
좋은 것 같아요?
Past Adj
Adj + 았던/었던 것 같다
좋았던 것 같아요

Formality Spectrum

Formal
좋은 것 같습니다.

좋은 것 같습니다. (Giving an opinion)

Neutral
좋은 것 같아요.

좋은 것 같아요. (Giving an opinion)

Informal
좋은 것 같아.

좋은 것 같아. (Giving an opinion)

Slang
좋은 듯.

좋은 듯. (Giving an opinion)

Usage Map

-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다

Guessing

  • 비가 올 것 같아요 It seems like it will rain

Opinion

  • 맛있는 것 같아요 It seems delicious
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

맛있는 것 같아요.

It seems delicious.

2

비가 오는 것 같아요.

It seems like it is raining.

3

좋은 것 같아요.

It seems good.

4

바쁜 것 같아요.

It seems like they are busy.

1

어제 영화를 본 것 같아요.

It seems like I watched a movie yesterday.

2

내일 날씨가 좋을 것 같아요.

It seems like the weather will be good tomorrow.

3

그 사람이 안 먹는 것 같아요.

It seems like that person is not eating.

4

이게 더 비싼 것 같아요.

It seems like this is more expensive.

1

선생님께서 이미 가신 것 같아요.

It seems like the teacher has already left.

2

그 제안은 조금 위험한 것 같아요.

That proposal seems a bit risky.

3

그때는 정말 힘들었던 것 같아요.

It seems like it was really hard back then.

4

우리가 길을 잃은 것 같아요.

It seems like we are lost.

1

그 결정이 최선이었던 것 같아요.

It seems like that decision was the best one.

2

그분은 이 분야의 전문가인 것 같아요.

It seems like that person is an expert in this field.

3

상황이 점점 복잡해지는 것 같아요.

It seems like the situation is getting more complicated.

4

그렇게 말하는 것은 예의가 아닌 것 같아요.

It seems like saying that is not polite.

1

그의 태도는 다소 방어적인 것 같아요.

His attitude seems somewhat defensive.

2

이 정책은 장기적으로는 비효율적일 것 같아요.

It seems like this policy will be inefficient in the long run.

3

그녀는 자신의 선택을 후회하고 있는 것 같아요.

It seems like she is regretting her choice.

4

이러한 현상은 문화적 차이에서 비롯된 것 같아요.

It seems like this phenomenon stems from cultural differences.

1

그의 침묵은 동의보다는 거절의 의미가 강한 것 같아요.

His silence seems to carry more of a meaning of refusal than agreement.

2

이러한 변화는 시대적 흐름을 반영하는 것 같아요.

It seems like these changes reflect the trend of the times.

3

그의 논리는 다소 비약이 있는 것 같아요.

It seems like his logic has some leaps.

4

이 작품은 작가의 내면세계를 투영한 것 같아요.

It seems like this work projects the author's inner world.

Easily Confused

Expressing Guesses & Opinions: 'It seems like' (-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다) vs -아/어 보이다

Both mean 'seem', but one is for internal thought and one is for visual appearance.

Expressing Guesses & Opinions: 'It seems like' (-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다) vs -나 보다

Both are used for guessing, but -나 보다 is based on external evidence.

Expressing Guesses & Opinions: 'It seems like' (-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다) vs -는 것 같다 vs -(으)ㄴ 것 같다

Learners mix up verb/adjective endings.

Common Mistakes

✗

예쁘는 것 같아요

✓

예쁜 것 같아요

Adjectives use -(으)ㄴ, not -는.
✗

먹은 것 같아요 (present)

✓

먹는 것 같아요

Use -는 for present tense verbs.
✗

좋다 것 같아요

✓

좋은 것 같아요

Must conjugate the adjective.
✗

비가 오다 것 같아요

✓

비가 오는 것 같아요

Must conjugate the verb.
✗

갔는 것 같아요

✓

간 것 같아요

Past tense verbs use -(으)ㄴ.
✗

맛있었다 것 같아요

✓

맛있었던 것 같아요

Adjectives in the past use -었던.
✗

비가 올 것 같아요 (for past)

✓

비가 온 것 같아요

Future tense is for future, not past.
✗

가신 것 같아요 (for self)

✓

간 것 같아요

Don't use honorifics for yourself.
✗

먹을 것 같아요 (for past)

✓

먹은 것 같아요

Wrong tense usage.
✗

아픈 것 같아요 (for objective fact)

✓

아파요

Don't use 'guess' for obvious facts.
✗

그럴 것 같으시네요

✓

그럴 것 같네요

Don't honorify the 'seem' part.
✗

먹었을 것 같아요 (for present)

✓

먹는 것 같아요

Wrong aspect.
✗

비가 올 것 같아요 (when it is raining)

✓

비가 오네요

Don't guess what is happening now.

Sentence Patterns

저는 ___이/가 ___ 것 같아요.

그 사람은 ___는 것 같아요.

어제 ___은 것 같아요.

내일 ___을 것 같아요.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

오늘 좀 피곤한 것 같아.

Job Interview very common

이 직무에 적합한 것 같습니다.

Ordering Food common

이게 더 맛있는 것 같아요.

Travel common

우리가 길을 잃은 것 같아요.

Social Media common

이 사진 너무 예쁜 것 같아요!

Feedback very common

조금 더 수정이 필요한 것 같아요.

Sign up free to see all examples
💡

Verb vs Adjective

Always check if the word is an adjective or verb. Adjectives use -(으)ㄴ, verbs use -는.
⚠️

Don't over-use

If you use it in every sentence, you will sound indecisive.
🎯

Past Tense

For past tense, always use -(으)ㄴ, even for verbs.
💬

Politeness

Use this to soften your opinions in professional settings.

Smart Tips

Add '것 같아요' to your opinion.

이게 나빠요. → 이게 조금 나쁜 것 같아요.

Use '것 같아요' instead of '맞아요'.

그 사람이 학생이에요. → 그 사람이 학생인 것 같아요.

Use '-(으)ㄴ 것 같아요' for verbs.

그 사람이 갔어요. → 그 사람이 간 것 같아요.

Use '-(으)ㄹ 것 같아요'.

비가 올 거예요. → 비가 올 것 같아요.

Pronunciation

geot-gat-ta-yo

Linking

The 'ㄴ' in '것' often links to the '같' sound.

Rising

좋은 것 같아요? ↑

Asking for confirmation of an opinion.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '것 같다' as a 'soft cushion' you put under your words to make them land gently.

Visual Association

Imagine a person wearing a soft, fluffy hat (the grammar) that makes their sharp words (the opinion) round and friendly.

Rhyme

When you're not sure and want to be polite, add '것 같다' with all your might!

Story

Min-su wanted to tell his boss the report was bad. Instead of saying 'The report is bad', he said 'It seems like the report needs more work'. His boss smiled, and Min-su kept his job.

Word Web

생각하다의견추측보이다느낌조심스럽다

Challenge

For the next 5 minutes, describe everything you see using '...것 같아요' (e.g., 'The coffee is hot' -> '커피가 뜨거운 것 같아요').

Cultural Notes

Using this pattern is mandatory in meetings to avoid being seen as aggressive.

It is used to test the waters without being too direct.

Students use it to answer teachers when they are not 100% sure.

Derived from '것' (thing) and '같다' (to be like).

Conversation Starters

“

오늘 날씨 어때요?

“

이 식당 음식 어때요?

“

그 영화 재미있을까요?

“

요즘 한국어 공부 어때요?

Journal Prompts

Describe your day using '...것 같아요'.
What do you think about your future?
Reflect on a past event.
Give your opinion on a current social issue.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

그 영화가 ___ 것 같아요. (재미있다)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 재미있는
Adjective + -(으)ㄴ.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

그 사람이 지금 ___ 것 같아요. (먹다)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹는
Present verb + -는.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

예쁘는 것 같아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 예쁜 것 같아요
Adjective + -(으)ㄴ.
Change to 'seems like'. Sentence Transformation

비가 와요. ->

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 비가 오는 것 같아요
Present tense verb.
Is this correct? True False Rule

어제 간 것 같아요. (Correct?)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes
Past tense verb + -(으)ㄴ.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 이 옷 어때요? B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 예쁜 것 같아요
Adjective + -(으)ㄴ.
Order the words. Sentence Building

것 / 같아요 / 비가 / 오는

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 비가 오는 것 같아요
Subject + Verb + Suffix + 것 같다.
Match the tense. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹는 것 같아요
Present tense.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

그 영화가 ___ 것 같아요. (재미있다)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 재미있는
Adjective + -(으)ㄴ.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

그 사람이 지금 ___ 것 같아요. (먹다)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹는
Present verb + -는.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

예쁘는 것 같아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 예쁜 것 같아요
Adjective + -(으)ㄴ.
Change to 'seems like'. Sentence Transformation

비가 와요. ->

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 비가 오는 것 같아요
Present tense verb.
Is this correct? True False Rule

어제 간 것 같아요. (Correct?)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes
Past tense verb + -(으)ㄴ.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 이 옷 어때요? B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 예쁜 것 같아요
Adjective + -(으)ㄴ.
Order the words. Sentence Building

것 / 같아요 / 비가 / 오는

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 비가 오는 것 같아요
Subject + Verb + Suffix + 것 같다.
Match the tense. Match Pairs

Match: 먹다 ->

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹는 것 같아요
Present tense.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Reorder the words to mean 'I think it's delicious.' Sentence Reorder

것 / 같아요 / 맛있는

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 맛있는 것 같아요
Translate 'I think he went' into Korean. Translation

I think he went.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 간 것 같아요
Match the tense with the correct ending for the verb '먹다'. Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All matched
Guessing about a noun: 'I think it's a dream.' Fill in the Blank

이건 ___ 것 같아요. (I think this is a dream.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 꿈인
Which one is casual speech (반말)? Multiple Choice

Pick the casual form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 좋은 것 같아
Fix the adjective future guess: 'It will be cold.' Error Correction

내일은 추운 것 같아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 내일은 추울 것 같아요.
Translate 'I think it's a cat.' Translation

I think it's a cat.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 고양이인 것 같아요
Expressing a soft opinion: 'I think it's a bit small.' Fill in the Blank

사이즈가 좀 ___ 것 같아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 작은
Reorder: 'It seems like they have already left.' Sentence Reorder

떠난 / 같아요 / 것 / 이미

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 이미 떠난 것 같아요
Which is appropriate for a formal news report? Multiple Choice

Formal guess:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 상승할 것 같습니다

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, it's for opinions or guesses. Use it for things you aren't 100% sure about.

No, it's actually polite. It softens your statements.

That's the point! It's a guess, so it's okay to be wrong.

Yes, use '인 것 같다'. For example, '학생인 것 같아요'.

Yes, '예뻤던 것 같아요'.

Use '안' before the verb or '지 않다'.

It's a key part of Korean politeness and indirect communication.

Yes, use '것 같습니다'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Parece que...

Korean requires conjugation of the verb/adjective before the 'thing' marker.

French high

Il semble que...

French uses subjunctive mood, Korean uses specific suffixes.

German moderate

Es scheint, dass...

Korean is more integrated into the verb phrase.

Japanese high

～みたい / ～そうです

Korean '것 같다' is more versatile across registers.

Arabic moderate

يبدو أن...

Arabic structure is fixed at the start of the sentence.

Chinese high

好像...

Chinese '好像' is an adverbial, Korean is a suffix-based structure.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
To Become (Change of State)

Learn These First

A1 Requires

Present Tense: The Polite 'Yo' Style (아/어/여요)

Overview Korean verbal conjugation might initially seem complex due to its multiple politeness levels and shifting endin...

Related Grammar Rules

B2

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...
A2

Present Progressive: -ing (고 있다)

Overview Korean, like English, distinguishes between habitual or general actions and actions that are actively in progre...
B2

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...
B2

Just/Only: Emphatic Limitation (-ㄹ/을 뿐이다)

Overview At the B2 CEFR level in Korean, you're moving beyond basic sentence construction to express nuanced ideas, subt...
B2

Logically Likely: -ㄹ/을 법하다

Overview `-(으)ㄹ 법하다` is a Korean grammar pattern that expresses a logical likelihood, plausibility, or reasonable e...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!