Meaning
Expressing an intention to consider something before deciding.
Cultural Background
Indirectness is a virtue. Saying 'no' directly is often seen as 'Ssa-ga-ji-eop-da' (having no manners). '생각해 볼게요' is the primary tool for maintaining harmony. In meetings, '생각해 볼게요' or '검토해 볼게요' is often used by superiors to end a discussion without committing to a subordinate's idea immediately. When shopping in traditional markets like Namdaemun, this phrase is your 'get out of jail free' card. It signals the end of the negotiation. If someone says this after a first date when asked about a second, it's often a 'polite rejection.' If they don't follow up within 24 hours, the answer is 'no.'
Add '좀'
Always add '좀' (jom) before '생각해' to sound 10x more natural. '좀 생각해 볼게요.'
The 'Soft No'
If a Korean person says this to you and never brings it up again, don't push them. They likely meant 'no.'
Meaning
Expressing an intention to consider something before deciding.
Add '좀'
Always add '좀' (jom) before '생각해' to sound 10x more natural. '좀 생각해 볼게요.'
The 'Soft No'
If a Korean person says this to you and never brings it up again, don't push them. They likely meant 'no.'
Business Context
In emails, use '검토 후 연락드리겠습니다' (I will contact you after review) for maximum professionalism.
Nunchi Power
Watch the speaker's eyes. If they look away while saying this, it's a 90% chance of a 'no.'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to politely tell a shopkeeper you'll think about it.
음, 조금 비싸네요. 나중에 (______) 볼게요.
The grammar pattern is [Verb Stem] + -아/어/여 보다. '생각하다' becomes '생각해'.
Which ending makes this phrase a polite promise to the listener?
생각해 (______).
'-ㄹ게요' is the first-person promise ending, perfect for this social context.
Choose the most natural response for Min-su.
가: 우리 이번 주말에 등산 갈까요? 나: (______)
Min-su needs to buy time to decide, making '생각해 볼게요' the most natural choice.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are in a job interview and need time to consider the salary.
In a job interview, the most formal ending '-습니다' is required.
Add the word that makes the phrase sound more natural and hesitant.
그건 (______) 생각해 볼게요.
'좀' (a little) is frequently used to soften requests and statements in Korean.
Which word would you use instead of '생각' to sound more professional in a business meeting?
(______)해 보겠습니다.
'검토' ({檢討|검토}) means 'review' or 'examine' and is the standard business term.
🎉 Score: /6
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Common Contexts
Shopping
- • Leaving a store
- • Price negotiation
Social
- • Invitations
- • Favors
Work
- • New projects
- • Job offers
Practice Bank
6 exercises음, 조금 비싸네요. 나중에 (______) 볼게요.
The grammar pattern is [Verb Stem] + -아/어/여 보다. '생각하다' becomes '생각해'.
생각해 (______).
'-ㄹ게요' is the first-person promise ending, perfect for this social context.
가: 우리 이번 주말에 등산 갈까요? 나: (______)
Min-su needs to buy time to decide, making '생각해 볼게요' the most natural choice.
Situation: You are in a job interview and need time to consider the salary.
In a job interview, the most formal ending '-습니다' is required.
그건 (______) 생각해 볼게요.
'좀' (a little) is frequently used to soften requests and statements in Korean.
(______)해 보겠습니다.
'검토' ({檢討|검토}) means 'review' or 'examine' and is the standard business term.
🎉 Score: /6
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is actually the opposite. It is a very polite way to avoid being blunt.
Yes, but use '생각해 보겠습니다' to be extra respectful.
'생각' is general thinking. '고민' implies you are struggling with a choice or feeling stressed about it.
Use '생각해 볼게' (Saeng-gak-hae bol-ge).
Not always! Sometimes people really do need to check their bank account or schedule.
In Korean, '보다' is an auxiliary verb that means 'to try' or 'to experience' an action.
It's grammatically okay but sounds very stiff and unnatural compared to '생각해 볼게요'.
You can say '생각해 봤는데, 할게요' (I thought about it, and I'll do it).
Yes, though they may have different preferred formal endings, the root '생각해 보다' is universal.
That's different! Use '네 생각 하고 있어' (I am doing your thought).
Related Phrases
고민해 볼게요
similarI will agonize/worry over it.
검토해 볼게요
specialized formI will review/examine it.
알아볼게요
similarI will look into it / find out.
나중에 말씀드릴게요
builds onI'll tell you later.
결정하면 알려줄게요
builds onI'll let you know when I decide.
안 할래요
contrastI don't want to do it.
