📝 Grammar B1

-는 것 같다

-neun geot gatda

Seems like / Appears to be

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What it means

-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 is how Koreans express guesses, deductions, or polite opinions. Instead of stating something directly (which can sound harsh), Koreans soften statements with "it seems like."

Nuance & when to use

가는 것 같아요 = It seems like (they) are going. 맞는 것 같아요 = It seems right. Korean culture values indirectness and face-saving — saying "it seems like" rather than stating something flatly is more polite and common. Essential for soft/diplomatic speech.

⚠ Common mistake

Tense changes the meaning: 가는 것 같아요 (seems to be going now). 간 것 같아요 (seems to have gone — past). 갈 것 같아요 (seems like will go — future).

Example sentences

비가 올 것 같아요. Biga ol geot gatayo. It seems like it will rain.
이게 맞는 것 같아요. Ige manneun geot gatayo. This seems correct.
피곤한 것 같아요. Pigonhan geot gatayo. It seems like you're tired.

See also

-겠어요 -아/어 보이다 아마도
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More B1 lessons

존댓말 jondaemal formal/polite speech level in Korean 회식 hoesik company dinner / team meal out -는데 -neunde Background / contrast connector
← -겠어요 -는데 →

FAQ

When is this used?

가는 것 같아요 = It seems like (they) are going. 맞는 것 같아요 = It seems right. Korean culture values indirectness and face-saving — saying "it seems like" rather than stating something flatly is more polite and common. Essential for soft/diplomatic speech.

What's a common mistake?

Tense changes the meaning: 가는 것 같아요 (seems to be going now). 간 것 같아요 (seems to have gone — past). 갈 것 같아요 (seems like will go — future).

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