갈 거야
gal geoya
In Korean, the phrase "I am going to" can be expressed as 갈 거야 (gal geoya).
The phrase is used to express a future plan or intention to do something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 가다 (to go) combined with the future tense marker -ㄹ 거야.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
By adding 요 to the end to create 갈 거예요, the phrase becomes polite and suitable for speaking to strangers or superiors. In formal settings, the structure [Verb Stem] (으)ㄹ 것입니다 can be used to mean "I will [verb]". For an informal context specifically expressing "I am going to [verb]", you can use [Verb Stem] (으)ㄹ래요.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, the subject "I" is often omitted from this phrase when the context makes it clear who is performing the action.
How do you pronounce it?
gal geoya
Did you know?
- The component 거야 in the phrase originates from Sino-Korean characters meaning 'last' and 'night'.
- If you use the informal 갈 거야 to state a future plan to a boss, you are not just making a grammatical mistake, you are effectively treating them as a close friend or younger peer.
- When you say you are 'going to' do something in Korean, you are often not actually talking about movement, but rather expressing a mental intention.
Examples in context
- 저는 내일 한국에 가겠습니다.I am going to Korea tomorrow.
- 저는 부산으로 갈 것입니다.I am going to Busan.
- 저는 내일 영화를 볼 것입니다.I will watch a movie tomorrow.
- 내일 영화 보러 갈게요.I am going to watch a movie tomorrow.
- 집에 갈 거야.jibe gal geoya.I am going to go home.
- 영화 보러 갈 거야.yeonghwa boreo gal geoya.I am going to go see a movie.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are talking about their plans for the afternoon.
- 민준 Min-jun서연아, 지금 어디 가?Seoyeon-a, jigeum eodi ga?Seoyeon, where are you going now?
- 서연 Seo-yeon나는 도서관에 갈 거야.naneun doseogwane gal geoya.I am going to go to the library.
- 민준 Min-jun나도 같이 가도 돼?nado gatchi gado dwae?Can I go with you?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 같이 가자.eung, gatchi gaja.Yes, let's go together.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 갈, 거야, CC BY-SA 4.0.
