~인 것 같다
~in geot gatda
The English phrase "it looks like" is expressed in Korean as ~인 것 같다 (~in geot gatda).
This phrase is used to express that something seems likely based on the available evidence. In addition to its literal meaning, Korean speakers frequently use this phrase to soften their opinions or to avoid sounding too blunt or assertive.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form you use depends on what kind of word you are attaching it to. When used with a noun, you must use the form ~인 것 같다. When expressing that an action seems to be happening, the verb takes the modifier ~는 instead of the noun-forming ~인, resulting in ~는 것 같다. When describing a state or quality with an adjective, you use the ~은/ㄴ form before 것 같다, resulting in ~은/ㄴ 것 같다.
How do you pronounce it?
~in geot gatda
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'it looks like' for visual evidence, Koreans use ~인 것 같다 for any kind of intuition or feeling, even when they cannot actually see the subject.
- Korean speakers often use ~인 것 같다 to state an objective fact, such as 'it looks like today is Monday', simply to avoid sounding overly confident or aggressive.
- The word 같다 meaning 'to be like' is a cognate with the Japanese word gotoshi, which also means 'like' or 'as if'.
Examples in context
- 그 값은 비싸지 않아요. 저렴한 가격처럼 보여요.The price is not expensive. It looks like a reasonable price.
- 그 상자는 정사각형 모양으로 보여요.The box looks like a square shape.
- 너 어제 너무 피곤해 보였어. 좀 힘들었을 것 같아.You looked so tired yesterday. It seemed like you had a tough time.
- 우리 두 사람은 키도 비슷해 보여.Both of us look similar in height.
- 그게 바다처럼 보여요.It looks like the sea.
- 오늘은 날씨가 추워 보여.It looks cold today.
- 그건 예쁜 꽃처럼 보여요.It looks like a beautiful flower.
- 네가 저녁에 바빠 보여서 함께 식사하지 못했어.You looked busy in the evening, so we couldn't have a meal together.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 같다, 것, CC BY-SA 4.0.
