Korean is a language that uses a variety of verb tenses to express different time frames and actions. One important tense is the future tense, known as “미래시제” (Miraesije) in Korean. This tense is used to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future. In this guide, we will explore the Korean future tense in detail, providing examples and explanations to help beginners understand and use it correctly.
Basic Structure of Future Tense
To form the future tense in Korean, we generally add the verb ending “-겠-” (-get-) to the verb stem. This ending is attached to the stem of the verb, which is obtained by removing the verb ending “-다” (-da) from the dictionary form of the verb. The dictionary form of verbs in Korean usually ends in “-다” (-da) or “-하다” (-hada).
Let’s take a look at an example to illustrate this structure:
Verb stem: 먹다 (meokda, to eat)
Future tense: 먹겠다 (meokgetda, will eat)
In this example, the verb stem is “먹” (meok), obtained by removing the “-다” (-da) ending from the verb “먹다” (meokda). Then, we add the future tense ending “-겠다” (-getda) to the verb stem to indicate that the action will happen in the future.
Usage of Future Tense
Expressing intentions or plans:
The future tense is commonly used to express intentions or plans for future actions. It is often used when making promises, stating one’s own goals, or discussing future events.
Example sentence:
저는 내일 한국어를 공부하겠어요.
(Jeoneun naeil hangugeo-reul gongbuhagesseoyo.)
I will study Korean tomorrow.
In this sentence, the speaker is expressing their intention to study Korean the next day.
Predicting future events:
The future tense is also used to make predictions about future events or express assumptions based on the speaker’s judgment or knowledge.
Example sentence:
내일 비가 올 겁니다.
(Naeil biga ol geopnida.)
It will rain tomorrow.
In this example, the speaker is predicting that it will rain tomorrow based on their judgment or knowledge of the weather forecast.
Offering or suggesting future actions:
The future tense can be used to offer or suggest future actions to someone, similar to the English phrase “shall we” or “let’s.”
Example sentence:
저녁에 영화를 보겠어요?
(Jeonyeok-e yeonghwa-reul bogesseoyo?)
Shall we watch a movie tonight?
In this sentence, the speaker is suggesting or offering to watch a movie in the evening.
Expressing assumptions or probability:
The future tense can be used to express assumptions or probability about future events, often with the help of adverbs such as 아마 (ama, maybe) or 분명히 (bunmyeonghi, surely).
Example sentence:
아마 그는 일찍 돌아올 겠지요.
(Ama geuneun iljjik dorao-ol getjiyo.)
Maybe he will come back early.
In this sentence, the speaker expresses an assumption or probability that the person will come back early.
Irregular Verbs in Future Tense
While most Korean verbs follow the basic structure mentioned earlier to form the future tense, there are a few irregular verbs that have different conjugation rules.
One common irregular verb is 가다 (gada, to go). Instead of adding “-겠다” (-getda) to the verb stem, we use the irregular future tense ending “-갈 거예요” (-gal geoyeyo).
Example sentence:
저는 내일 도서관에 갈 거예요.
(Jeoneun naeil doseogwan-e gal geoyeyo.)
I will go to the library tomorrow.
In this sentence, the irregular future tense ending “-갈 거예요” (-gal geoyeyo) is used with the verb “가다” (gada).
Another irregular verb is 오다 (oda, to come). The future tense of this verb is formed by attaching the ending “-올 거예요” (-ol geoyeyo) to the verb stem.
Example sentence:
친구가 내일 학교에 올 거예요.
(Chingu-ga naeil hakkyo-e ol geoyeyo.)
My friend will come to school tomorrow.
In this example, the future tense ending “-올 거예요” (-ol geoyeyo) is added to the verb “오다” (oda) to indicate that the friend will come to school.
Conclusion
In Korean, the future tense (미래시제) is used to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future. By adding the ending “-겠다” (-getda) to the verb stem, we can form the future tense. This tense is used to express intentions, make predictions, offer suggestions, and express assumptions or probability about future events. While most verbs follow the basic structure, there are a few irregular verbs with different conjugation rules. Learning and mastering the future tense is essential for communicating about future actions in Korean. Practice using the future tense with various examples to become more comfortable and proficient in expressing yourself in Korean.
Originally posted 2023-07-16 16:24:37.