What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb 열심히, which literally means "with heart" or "diligently" and the verb 공부할게요. The verb 공부할게요 is made from the verb stem 공부하 (to study) and the suffix -ㄹ게요, which expresses a future intention or promise.
Which one should you use?
열심히 공부할게요 is the standard polite way to make this promise. 열심히 공부하겠습니다 is a more formal and resolute version of the phrase. For casual settings, you can use the informal forms 열심히 공부할게 or 열심히 공부할 거야.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
열심히 공부할게요 is in the polite style, making it suitable for speaking to teachers, elders or people you are not intimate with. For a much higher level of formality, such as in interviews or formal speeches, use 열심히 공부하겠습니다. In casual settings with close friends or younger people, use the informal versions 열심히 공부할게 or 열심히 공부할 거야.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -ㄹ게요 is used specifically when the speaker is making a promise or expressing a firm intention to the listener.
How do you pronounce it?
yeolsimhi gongbuhalgeyo
Did you know?
- While 공부 means 'study', it is derived from a word meaning 'public duty'. Historically, studying was seen as a way to prepare for service to the state.
- The specific ending -ㄹ게요 can only be used when a listener is present. You cannot use this form to describe your intention to study in a private diary.
- In South Korea, students often express this determination by using the phrase 열공 (yeol-gong). This is a slang portmanteau combining 열심히 and 공부.
Examples in context
- 정말 열심히 공부하겠습니다.I will really study hard.
- 교수님, 열심히 공부할게요.Professor, I will study hard.
- 시험기간에는 열심히 공부하겠습니다.I will study hard during the exam period.
- 시험 공부 좀 많이 할 거야.I will study a lot for the exam.
- 이번 학기에는 정말 열심히 공부할게요.ibeon hakgieneun jeongmal yeolsimhi gongbu-halgeyo.I will really study hard this semester.
- 시험 합격을 위해서 열심히 공부할게요.siheom hapgyeogeul wihaeseo yeolsimhi gongbu-halgeyo.I will study hard to pass the exam.
- 부모님께 약속해요, 열심히 공부할게요.bumonimkke yaksokhaeyo, yeolsimhi gongbu-halgeyo.I promise my parents, I will study hard.
Example conversation
Min-jun is talking to his sister about his grades.
- 민준 Min-jun민준아, 이번 성적이 너무 낮아.Minjun-a, ibeon seongjeogi neomu naja.Min-jun, your grades are too low this time.
- 민지 Min-ji죄송해요. 다음에는 열심히 공부할게요.joesong-haeyo. da-eum-eneun yeolsimhi gongbu-halgeyo.I'm sorry. I will study hard next time.
- 민준 Min-jun정말로 노력할 수 있겠어?jeongmallo noryeok-hal su itgesseo?Can you really put in the effort?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 정말로 열심히 공부할게요.ne, jeongmallo yeolsimhi gongbu-halgeyo.Yes, I will truly study hard.
