그럴까요?
geureolkkayo?
The English phrase "shall we" is expressed in Korean as 그럴까요? (geureolkkayo?)
This phrase is used to make a suggestion or to agree to a plan. While it often translates to "Shall we?", it can also be used to mean "Should I?" when the speaker is asking for permission or seeking advice regarding their own upcoming action.
Which one should you use?
The term 그럴까요? can mean both "Shall we?" and "Should I?" Other ways to express "shall we" include the grammar pattern ~(으)ㄹ까요 for formal proposals, ~자 for common informal suggestions and ~(으)ㄹ래? for an informal way to express the sentiment.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite version is 그럴까요?, which includes the particle 'yo' at the end and is suitable for use with strangers, colleagues or elders. The informal version, 그럴까?, drops the polite particle 'yo' and is used with close friends or people younger than you. The form ~자 is also used for common informal suggestions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending -ㄹ까요? Is used to make a suggestion or to ask for the listener's opinion on a proposed action.
How do you pronounce it?
geureolkkayo?
Did you know?
- While 그럴까요? is a question, it frequently serves a non-interrogative function. It is often used as a polite, indirect way to signal agreement with a suggestion rather than asking for a new decision.
- The difference between ~(으)ㄹ까요? and ~(으)ㄹ래? is based on 'shared opinion' versus 'individual will', a distinction that does not exist in the English 'shall we'.
- Using the suggestion form ~(으)ㄹ까요? is a strategic social tool. By framing a plan as a question about the listener's opinion, the speaker avoids the appearance of being bossy and preserves the listener's 'face'.
Examples in context
- 박물관에 가자!Shall we go to the museum?
- 카페에서 커피 마실래?Shall we have coffee at a cafe?
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are deciding when to eat lunch.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 우리 12시에 점심 먹을까요?Minji ssi, uri yeoldusi-e jeomsim meogeulkkayo?Minji, shall we have lunch at 12?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 좋아요. 그럴까요?ne, joayo. geureolkkayo?Yes, that's good. Shall we do that?
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 그때 식당 앞에서 만나요.geureom geuttae sikdang ap-eseo mannayo.Then let's meet in front of the restaurant then.
- 민지 Min-ji알겠습니다. 그때 봐요.algetseumnida. geuttae bwayo.I understand. See you then.
