돌아올게
doraolge
The English phrase "I will be back" is translated into Korean as 돌아올게 (doraolge).
This phrase is used to tell someone that you are leaving but intend to return soon. The specific ending used implies a personal promise or a decision made by the speaker to return, rather than just stating a simple future fact.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 돌아오다 (to come back) and the grammatical ending -ㄹ게, which expresses a promise or intention to the listener.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 돌아올게 is used in casual settings with friends, siblings or people younger than you. For a polite and formal way to say this, use 저는 돌아올게요. Another informal option is 난 돌아올 거야.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix -요 to the end makes the phrase polite and suitable for speaking to people you are not close with or who are older than you.
How do you pronounce it?
doraolge
Did you know?
- While 돌아올게 implies a return, Koreans often say 다녀올게 ('I will go and come back') when leaving the house. This reflects a cultural mindset that a departure is incomplete without the intention of returning to the origin.
- The ending -ㄹ게 used in 돌아올게 is unique because it can only be used in the first person. It is grammatically impossible to use this specific 'promise' ending when talking about someone else's return.
- In historical K-dramas, you might hear characters use the phrase 돌아오리라. This is an archaic, poetic form of 'I shall return' that sounds like a solemn vow in a period piece.
Examples in context
- 저는 한 시간 후에 돌아올게요I will be back in one hour.
- 네, 제가 조금 늦게 식사하러 갈게요. 저는 돌아올게요.Yes, I will go for a meal a little bit later. I will be back.
- 거리가 조금 멀어서, 난 조금 늦게 도착할 거야. 난 돌아올 거야.The distance is a bit far, so I will arrive a little late. I will be back.
- 금방 돌아올게.geumbang doraolge.I will be back soon.
- 잠시만, 금방 돌아올게!jamsiman, geumbang doraolge!Wait a second, I will be back soon!
- 준비하고 금방 돌아올게.junbihago geumbang doraolge.I will get ready and be back soon.
Example conversation
Ji-eun is leaving the house to go to a nearby store.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준아, 나 잠깐 편의점 다녀올게. 금방 돌아올게!Minjun-a, na jamkkan pyeonuijeom danyeolge. Geumbang doraolge!Minjun, I'm going to the convenience store for a bit. I will be back soon!
- 민준 Min-jun응, 조심히 다녀와, 지은아.Eung, josimhi danyeowa, Ji-eun-a.Okay, be safe, Ji-eun.
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 필요한 거 있어?Eung, piryohan geo isseo?Yeah, do you need anything?
- 민준 Min-jun아니, 괜찮아. 기다릴게.Ani, gwaenchana. Gidarilge.No, it's okay. I'll wait.
