If you already know Korean formal endings such as “입니다” and “-았습니다/-었습니다/-했습니다,” “-겠습니다” is the next form to learn.
Korean speakers use “-겠습니다” when they want to express a future action, intention, promise, or commitment in a formal way.
You will often hear it in presentations, customer service, workplace conversations, and official announcements.
Contents
- 1. What Does “겠습니다” Mean in Korean?
- 2. How to Form “겠습니다” with Verbs and Adjectives
- 3. Using “겠습니다” to Express Formal Intentions
- 4. Using “겠습니다” to Make Promises and Commitments
- 5. Using “겠습니다” in Presentations and Speeches
- 6. Using “겠습니다” in Customer Service and Business Korean
- 7. “겠어요” vs “겠습니다”: What’s the Difference?
- 8. Situations Where “겠습니다” Sounds Unnatural
- 9. Common Learner Misunderstandings About “겠습니다”
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions About “겠습니다”
- 11. Conclusion: Using “겠습니다” More Naturally
- 12. Related Korean Grammar Guides
1. What Does “겠습니다” Mean in Korean?
“Korean -겠습니다” meaning, formal future tense, intention, and commitment explained.
Formal Future Actions
Use “-겠습니다” when the speaker is stating a future action in a formal way.
Example Sentences
• 제가 먼저 가겠습니다.
(I will go first.)
• 내일 다시 오겠습니다.
(I will come again tomorrow.)
• 곧 시작하겠습니다.
(I will begin shortly.)
Formal Intentions
“-겠습니다” also shows that the speaker has decided to do something.
Example Sentences
• 열심히 하겠습니다.
(I will do my best.)
• 더 주의하겠습니다.
(I will be more careful.)
• 끝까지 해 보겠습니다.
(I will try until the end.)
Formal Promises
“-겠습니다” is also commonly used when making promises or taking responsibility for future actions.
Example Sentences
• 다시는 늦지 않겠습니다.
(I will not be late again.)
• 꼭 확인하겠습니다.
(I will definitely check.)
• 약속을 지키겠습니다.
(I will keep my promise.)
2. How to Form “겠습니다” with Verbs and Adjectives
Learn the basic structure of “-겠습니다” and how it attaches to different word types.
Verb + 겠습니다
To form the Korean formal future tense, attach “-겠습니다” to the verb stem.
Table: Forming “겠습니다” with Verbs
| Dictionary Form | Meaning | Formal Future Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 | to go | 가겠습니다 | I will go |
| 먹다 | to eat | 먹겠습니다 | I will eat |
| 배우다 | to learn | 배우겠습니다 | I will learn |
Adjective + 겠습니다
“-겠습니다” can also attach to adjectives in formal speech.
Table: Forming “겠습니다” with Adjectives
| Dictionary Form | Meaning | Formal Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 좋다 | to be good | 좋겠습니다 | It will be good |
| 어렵다 | to be difficult | 어렵겠습니다 | It will be difficult |
| 바쁘다 | to be busy | 바쁘겠습니다 | You must be busy |
📌 Note: Noun forms such as “학생이겠습니다” are possible, but they are much less common than verb forms.
3. Using “겠습니다” to Express Formal Intentions
“-겠습니다” is commonly used when the speaker wants to express a formal decision or intention.
Expressing Personal Decisions
Use “-겠습니다” when the speaker has already decided what they will do.
It sounds firm and responsible.
Example Sentences
• 제가 청소하겠습니다.
(I will clean.)
• 제가 문을 열겠습니다.
(I will open the door.)
• 제가 노래를 부르겠습니다.
(I will sing.)
Expressing Future Plans
Korean speakers also use “-겠습니다” when talking about future plans in formal situations.
This form sounds natural when the speaker wants to sound polite and clear.
Example Sentences
• 내일 일찍 출발하겠습니다.
(I will leave early tomorrow.)
• 주말에 할머니를 만나겠습니다.
(I will meet my grandmother this weekend.)
• 다음 달에 수영을 하겠습니다.
(I will swim next month.)
Common Situations
“-겠습니다” is often used when the speaker wants to sound professional while clearly stating what they plan to do.
Example Sentences
• 먼저 인사하겠습니다.
(I will greet everyone first.)
• 오늘은 여기까지 읽겠습니다.
(I will read up to here today.)
• 이제 질문에 답하겠습니다.
(I will answer the questions now.)
4. Using “겠습니다” to Make Promises and Commitments
“-겠습니다” is commonly used when making promises and showing responsibility.
Making Promises
• 다시는 거짓말하지 않겠습니다.
(I will not lie again.)
• 앞으로 숙제를 미루지 않겠습니다.
(I will not put off my homework from now on.)
• 매일 일기를 쓰겠습니다.
(I will write a diary every day.)
Showing Commitment
• 끝까지 포기하지 않겠습니다.
(I will not give up until the end.)
• 매일 아침 일찍 일어나겠습니다.
(I will wake up early every morning.)
• 매주 책을 읽겠습니다.
(I will read a book every week.)
Common Situations
• 다음에는 실수하지 않겠습니다.
(I will not make a mistake next time.)
• 늦지 않겠습니다.
(I will not be late.)
• 친구를 도와주겠습니다.
(I will help my friend.)
5. Using “겠습니다” in Presentations and Speeches
Presentations and speeches often use “-겠습니다” when introducing, explaining, or concluding a topic.
Starting a Presentation
One of the most common uses of “-겠습니다” is starting a Presentation or speech.
Example Sentences
• 지금부터 발표를 시작하겠습니다.
(I will begin the presentation now.)
• 오늘은 한국 음식에 대해 이야기하겠습니다.
(Today, I will talk about Korean food.)
• 먼저 간단히 소개하겠습니다.
(First, I will briefly introduce the topic.)
Moving Between Topics
Speakers often use “-겠습니다” when moving from one point to another.
Example Sentences
• 다음 예를 보겠습니다.
(Let’s look at the next example.)
• 이제 중요한 부분을 설명하겠습니다.
(Now, I will explain the important part.)
• 마지막으로 표를 확인하겠습니다.
(Finally, I will check the chart.)
Ending a Presentation
“-겠습니다” is also commonly used when ending a presentation or speech.
Example Sentences
• 이상으로 발표를 마치겠습니다.
(That concludes my presentation.)
• 들어 주셔서 감사합니다.
(Thank you for listening.)
• 질문을 받겠습니다.
(I will take questions.)
6. Using “겠습니다” in Customer Service and Business Korean
You will hear “-겠습니다” frequently in customer service interactions and workplace communication.
Customer Service Expressions
• 확인하겠습니다.
(I will check.)
• 다시 전화하겠습니다.
(I will call again.)
• 바로 도와드리겠습니다.
(I will help you right away.)
Workplace Communication
• 이메일을 보내겠습니다.
(I will send an email.)
• 문서를 만들겠습니다.
(I will create a document.)
• 오늘 끝내겠습니다.
(I will finish it today.)
Business Situations
• 회의를 진행하겠습니다.
(I will conduct the meeting.)
• 시간을 정하겠습니다.
(I will set the time.)
• 내일 다시 말씀드리겠습니다.
(I will tell you again tomorrow.)
7. “겠어요” vs “겠습니다”: What’s the Difference?
“겠어요” and “겠습니다” can both refer to future actions, but they sound different in real Korean.
Everyday Korean vs Formal Korean
Both “겠어요” and “겠습니다” can express future actions and intentions, but they differ in formality.
In everyday conversations, Korean speakers usually choose “겠어요.”
In formal situations, presentations, customer service interactions, and workplace communication, “겠습니다” sounds more natural.
Table: “겠어요” vs “겠습니다”
| Situation | 겠어요 | 겠습니다 |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday conversation | ✓ Common | △ Formal |
| Talking with friends | ✓ Natural | ✗ Unusual |
| Workplace communication | △ Possible | ✓ Common |
| Customer service | △ Possible | ✓ Common |
| Presentations | △ Possible | ✓ Common |
Related Korean Future Tense Guide
New to Korean future expressions? Start with our guide to “겠어요” and then explore the difference between “겠어요” and “겠습니다.”
- Difference Between “겠어요” and “겠습니다” in Korean: Everyday vs Formal Speech
- How Koreans Use ‘겠어요’: Future Plans, Predictions, and Everyday Conversations
8. Situations Where “겠습니다” Sounds Unnatural
Not every future situation requires “-겠습니다.”
Casual Conversations
Although “-겠습니다” is common in formal speech, it can sound overly formal in everyday conversations with friends and family.
Less Natural
• 오늘 저녁에 치킨을 먹겠습니다.
(I will eat chicken for dinner tonight.)
More Natural
• 오늘 저녁에 치킨을 먹겠어요.
(I will eat chicken for dinner tonight.)
Talking with Close Friends
With close friends, “-겠습니다” usually sounds too formal.
Less Natural
• 주말에 농구를 하겠습니다.
(I will play basketball this weekend.)
More Natural
• 주말에 농구를 하겠어요.
(I will play basketball this weekend.)
Everyday Reactions
“-겠습니다” is also uncommon when making casual comments or reactions.
Less Natural
• 이 영화는 재미있겠습니다.
(This movie looks interesting.)
More Natural
• 이 영화는 재미있겠어요.
(This movie looks interesting.)
9. Common Learner Misunderstandings About “겠습니다”
Misunderstanding 1: “겠습니다” Is Used Only in Workplace or Business Settings
Some learners first see “-겠습니다” in customer service, office Korean, or formal announcements.
Because of that, it may seem like a business-only expression.
However, Korean speakers also use “-겠습니다” in presentations, speeches, ceremonies, interviews, and other formal situations.
Misunderstanding 2: “겠습니다” Simply Means “Will”
Many learners translate “-겠습니다” directly as “will.”
While it can refer to future actions, native Korean speakers often use it to express intention, commitment, responsibility, and formal politeness.
Because of this, it often sounds stronger and more purposeful than a simple future statement.
For example, “제가 하겠습니다” often sounds more like “I will take care of it” than a simple statement about the future.
Misunderstanding 3: “겠어요” and “겠습니다” Mean Exactly the Same Thing
Both endings can refer to future actions and intentions, so learners sometimes assume they are fully interchangeable.
In reality, Korean speakers usually choose “겠어요” in everyday polite conversations and “겠습니다” in more formal situations.
The difference is mainly about formality, tone, and context rather than core meaning.
10. Frequently Asked Questions About “겠습니다”
These frequently asked questions explain how native Korean speakers use “-겠습니다” in formal speech and future tense expressions.
Q1. Is “-겠습니다” used in everyday Korean conversations?
Yes, but mostly in formal situations. Korean speakers usually prefer “겠어요” in everyday conversations.
Q2. Can I use “-겠습니다” with adjectives?
Yes. Adjectives can combine with “-겠습니다” in formal speech, especially when expressing a formal judgment, expectation, or assumption.
Q3. Is “-겠습니다” more formal than “-(으)ㄹ 거예요” in Korean?
Yes. “-겠습니다” sounds more formal and professional in tone, while “-(으)ㄹ 거예요” is more common in everyday conversation.
Q4. Can “-겠습니다” be used in interviews?
Yes. It is commonly used in interviews because it sounds respectful, professional, and confident.
Q5. Do Korean speakers still use “-겠습니다” today?
Yes. “-겠습니다” is still widely used in presentations, workplaces, customer service interactions, and formal announcements.
Q6. What is the difference between “-겠습니다” and “-(으)ㄹ 거예요”?
“-(으)ㄹ 거예요” is commonly used in everyday conversations, while “-겠습니다” sounds more formal and professional. Native Korean speakers often choose “-겠습니다” in presentations, customer service interactions, and business situations.
11. Conclusion: Using “겠습니다” More Naturally
Understanding “-겠습니다” is about more than learning a Korean formal future tense ending.
Native Korean speakers use “-겠습니다” to express intentions, promises, commitment, and professional formality.
By paying attention to the situation and level of formality, you will be able to use “-겠습니다” more naturally in presentations, business Korean, customer service interactions, and other formal settings.
12. Related Korean Grammar Guides
Essential Korean Formal Speech
- Korean Formal Endings: The Complete Guide to Present, Past, Future, and Questions
- Korean “입니다” vs “-ㅂ니다/-습니다”: What’s the Difference?
- How to Choose Between 았습니다, 었습니다, and 했습니다 in Korean