그런 것 같아요
geureon geot gatayo
The English phrase "I guess" is translated into Korean as 그런 것 같아요 (geureon geot gatayo).
This phrase is used to express a tentative agreement or a cautious opinion. In Korean conversation, it is frequently used to soften a statement, allowing the speaker to avoid sounding too assertive or blunt.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 그런 (such/that kind of), 것 (thing/fact) and 같아요 (seems/is like). Literally, it translates to "It seems like that kind of thing."
How do you pronounce it?
geureon geot gatayo
Did you know?
- Even if you are 100% certain of a fact, Koreans often use 그런 것 같아요 to sound more polite and less aggressive.
- The phrase uses the word 같아요, which is the same word used to say things are 'equal' or 'the same' in math or comparisons.
- Using this phrase to answer a question can be a polite way of disagreeing without actually saying 'no'.
Examples in context
- 저는 아마 늦을 것 같아요.I guess I will be late.
- 내일 비 오지 않을 거 같은데, 아냐?I don't think it will rain tomorrow, do you?
- 아마도 그렇겠지만 너한테 문의해봐야겠어.Although I guess so, I should ask you for confirmation.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a possible reason for a delay.
- 지은 Ji-eun기계가 고장 난 것 같아요.gigye-ga gojang nan geot gatayo.I guess the machine is broken.
- 민준 Min-jun아, 정말 그런 것 같아요.a, jeongmal geureon geot gatayo.Ah, I guess so too.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨가 한번 확인해 볼래요?minjun ssiga hanbeon hwaginhae bollaeyo?Minjun, would you check it once?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 제가 확인해 볼게요.ne, jega hwaginhae bolgeyo.Yes, I will check it.
