추측하다
chucheukhada[t͡ɕʰut͡ɕʰɯkʰa̠da̠]
To guess in Korean is 추측하다 (chucheukhada).
The verb 추측하다 means to reach an unconfirmed conclusion. You can also use the related noun 추측, which refers to a prediction about the outcome of something.
Meaning: to reach an unconfirmed conclusion (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 추측하다 is often used for logical or evidence-based conjectures, 짐작하다 is more commonly used for intuitive or subjective guesses based on one's feelings or intuition. Additionally, 예상하다 is a formal verb used specifically to express a formal expectation or guess.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of 추측하다 is 추측했다. Depending on the social context, you can use the polite/formal form 추측합니다 or the informal/casual form 추측해.
How do you pronounce it?
chucheukhada
Did you know?
- The verb 추측하다 can be broken down into its Hanja components, where the first character means 'to push' and the second means 'to measure'. It creates a mental image of pushing one's reasoning to measure a result.
- While English speakers might 'guess' a person's age, a Korean speaker might use a different verb entirely to avoid the implication of being rude or overly inquisitive.
- If you use the formal verb 예상하다 to guess where a friend went, you will sound like a news anchor or a scientist. It is the Korean equivalent of saying 'I hypothesize your current location'.
Examples in context
- 저는 그의 의견을 추측하고 있습니다.I am guessing his opinion.
- 아마 그는 이 퀴즈를 풀 수 있을 거야.I guess he can solve this quiz.
- 내가 맞췄다고 생각해.I think I got it right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guess” translations and entries 추측하다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 추측하다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
