그런 것 같아요
geureon geot gat-ayo
The English phrase "I think so" can be translated into Korean as 그런 것 같아요 (geureon geot gat-ayo).
그런 것 같아요 is used to express a soft or polite opinion rather than a definitive "yes". It translates more closely to "it seems to be so".
Meaning: I think so (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally composed of 그런 (that kind of), 것 (thing/fact) and 같아요 (is like/seems).
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form 그런 것 같아요 uses the polite ending -아요, making it suitable for most social situations. To use this phrase with close friends or people younger than you, drop the -요 to say 그런 것 같아.
How do you pronounce it?
geureon geot gat-ayo
Did you know?
- Koreans often use 그런 것 같아요 even when they are certain about a fact to avoid sounding too blunt or aggressive.
- While English speakers might say 'I think so' to agree, using 그런 것 같아요 can sometimes signal a polite hesitation or a hidden 'no'.
- The phrase relies on 같아요, which literally means 'to be the same'. This frames an opinion as a comparison rather than a personal claim.
Examples in context
- 아마도 그렇게 생각합니다.I think perhaps so.
- 아마 그래요.Perhaps so.
- 나는 그렇게 생각해.I think so.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are discussing if a store is open.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 가게 오늘 문 열었을까요?i gage oneul mun yeoreosseulkkayo?Do you think this store is open today?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 그런 것 같아요.ne, geureon geot gat-ayo.Yes, I think so.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨도 그렇게 생각해요?Subin ssi-do geureoke saenggak-haeyo?Do you really think so, Subin?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 불이 켜져 있어요.ne, bul-i kyeojeo isseoyo.Yes, the lights are on.
