The Korean grammar pattern ‘-(으)ㄹ까 하다’ is used to express tentative intentions or uncertain plans. If you want to say things like “I’m thinking about doing something” or “Maybe I’ll…”, this is the pattern to use. In this post, you’ll learn how to use ‘-(으)ㄹ까 하다’ in Korean, understand its basic structure, and see practical examples you can use in real-life conversations.
Contents
1. Definition
The Korean grammar pattern ‘-(으)ㄹ까 하다’ is used to express a tentative intention, idea, or plan that has not been firmly decided. It can be translated into English as:
- “I’m thinking about…”
- “I’m considering…”
- “Maybe I’ll…”
This expression reflects uncertainty or hesitation about performing a certain action.
2. Form (Structure)
- If the verb stem ends in a vowel: add ‘-ㄹ까 하다’
예: 가다 → 갈까 하다 (I’m thinking of going) - If the verb stem ends in a consonant (except ‘ㄹ’): add ‘-을까 하다’
예: 먹다 → 먹을까 하다 (I’m thinking of eating) - If the verb stem ends in ‘ㄹ’: the ‘ㄹ’ is dropped and ‘-까 하다’ is attached
예: 만들다 → 만들까 하다 (I’m thinking of making), 놀다 → 놀까 하다 (I’m thinking of playing)
Form Table
| Verb Stem Ending | Attach | Example |
| Vowel | -ㄹ까 하다 | 가다 → 갈까 하다 |
| Consonant (not ㄹ) | -을까 하다 | 먹다 → 먹을까 하다 |
| ㄹ | (drop ㄹ) + -까 하다 | 만들다 → 만들까 하다 |
3. Meaning & Usage
1. To express a tentative plan or intention
When the speaker has a possible plan in mind but hasn’t made a firm decision.
- 오늘은 집에서 쉴까 해요.
(I’m thinking about resting at home today.) - 다음 주에 제주도에 갈까 해요.
(I’m considering going to Jeju Island next week.) - 저녁으로 김치찌개를 만들까 해요.
(I’m thinking about making kimchi stew for dinner.) - 이번 학기에 수업을 하나 줄일까 해요.
(I’m thinking of reducing one class this semester.) - 주말에 친구를 만날까 해요.
(I might meet a friend this weekend.)
2. To show hesitation or uncertainty about doing something
Used when the speaker feels unsure or hesitant.
- 말할까 말까 했어요.
(I was debating whether to say it or not.) - 그 일을 받아들일까 말까 해요.
(I’m not sure whether to accept the job or not.) - 퇴사할까 해요.
(I’m thinking about quitting my job.) - 전화를 걸까 말까 계속 망설였어요.
(I kept hesitating whether to call or not.) - 이 책을 살까 말까 해요.
(I’m not sure if I should buy this book.)
3. To express politeness or indirectness when sharing one’s intention
Used in situations where the speaker wants to softly share their intention.
- 같이 점심 먹을까 해요.
(I was thinking maybe we could have lunch together.) - 다음 주에 회의할까 해요.
(I was thinking of having a meeting next week.) - 이번 주말에 모임을 열까 해요.
(I was thinking about organizing a meeting this weekend.) - 새로운 프로젝트를 시작할까 해요.
(I’m thinking about starting a new project.) - 이 문제는 나중에 다시 논의할까 해요.
(I think we should discuss this issue again later.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- ‘-(으)ㄹ까 하다’ expresses tentative thoughts or uncertain plans.
- Common in spoken Korean to soften intentions or suggestions.
- Only used with verbs (not with adjectives).
- ‘하다’ can be changed into different tenses (e.g., 했어요, 하고 있어요).
- Often used with action verbs to share what you are considering doing.
5. Practice Exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb in ‘-(으)ㄹ까 하다’.
- 이번 주말에 영화를 (보다) __________.
(I’m thinking about watching a movie this weekend.) - 오늘은 일찍 (자다) __________.
(I’m considering going to bed early today.) - 아침에 운동을 (하다) __________.
(I’m thinking about working out in the morning.) - 친구에게 연락을 (하다) __________.
(I’m thinking about contacting my friend.) - 방을 새로 (꾸미다) __________.
(I’m thinking about redecorating my room.) - 회사를 (그만두다) __________.
(I’m thinking about quitting the company.) - 내년에 유학을 (가다) __________.
(I’m considering studying abroad next year.) - 새로운 취미를 (시작하다) __________.
(I’m thinking of starting a new hobby.) - 이 기회를 (잡다) __________.
(I’m thinking about taking this opportunity.) - 여행을 혼자 (가다) __________.
(I’m considering going on a trip alone.)
6. Answers
- 볼까 해요
- 잘까 해요
- 할까 해요
- 할까 해요
- 꾸밀까 해요
- 그만둘까 해요
- 갈까 해요
- 시작할까 해요
- 잡을까 해요
- 갈까 해요
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Using ‘-(으)ㄹ까 하다’ with adjectives
Incorrect: 예쁠까 해요. ❌ (I’m thinking it might be pretty.)
Correct: 예쁠 것 같아요. ✅ (I think it might be pretty.)
💡 Tip: This grammar is only used with verbs, not adjectives.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Using ‘-(으)ㄹ까 하다’ for definite plans
Incorrect: 내일 부산에 갈까 해요. ❌ (when you have already booked tickets)
Correct: 내일 부산에 가요. ✅ (I’m going to Busan tomorrow.)
💡 Tip: Use it only when the plan is still tentative or being considered.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Forgetting tense change of ‘하다’
Incorrect: 운동을 할까 하다. ❌
Correct: 운동을 할까 했어요. ✅ (I was thinking about exercising.)
💡 Tip: Don’t forget that ‘하다’ can be conjugated to express time or mood.
The Korean grammar pattern ‘-(으)ㄹ까 하다’ is an essential structure for expressing tentative intentions, plans, or thoughts. It helps add nuance to what the speaker is thinking or considering, especially in polite or uncertain contexts. Mastering this pattern allows Korean learners to communicate more naturally and thoughtfully in everyday situations.