-(으)ㄴ/는 모양이다

1. Title The Conjecture Expression -(으)ㄴ/는 모양이다

2. Grammar Explanation

The expression -(으)ㄴ/는 모양이다 is used to make conjectures or suppositions based on visible evidence or what has been heard. The noun 모양 translates to "shape" or "appearance," and it implies the speaker's guess or inference about a situation.

• -(으)ㄴ 모양이다 is used with descriptive verbs in the past tense.

• -는 모양이다 is used with action verbs in the present tense.

• -(으)ㄹ 모양이다 is used with action verbs in the future tense.

This structure is often preceded by -(으)ㄴ/는 걸 보니까, which provides the basis for the inference. For instance, 아이폰이 있는 걸 보니까 ("seeing that there is an iPhone") supports the guess that someone likes Apple.

Important Notes:

1. This expression cannot be used for the speaker's own actions since one does not conjecture about their own actions.

2. It should be based on objective facts or evidence, not subjective beliefs or feelings.

3. Example Sentences

1. 집에 불이 켜 있는 걸 보니까 누가 있는 모양이에요.

   • Seeing that the lights are on, it looks like someone is home.

2. 교실이 조용한 걸 보니까 수업이 끝난 모양이에요.

   • Seeing that the classroom is quiet, it seems the class is over.

3. 창문이 열려 있는 걸 보니까 환기를 시키는 모양이에요.

   • Seeing that the window is open, it looks like they are ventilating.

4. 도서관에 사람이 많은 걸 보니까 시험 기간인 모양이에요.

   • Seeing that there are many people in the library, it seems it's exam period.

5. 그 가게에 사람들이 줄 서 있는 걸 보니까 유명한 모양이에요.

   • Seeing that people are lining up at that store, it appears to be famous.

4. Sample Dialogues

Dialogue 1

• A: 왜 이렇게 길이 막혀요? (Why is the road so crowded?)

  B: 사고가 난 모양이에요. 경찰차가 보이네요. (It looks like there was an accident. I can see police cars.)

Dialogue 2

• A: 경훈 씨가 요즘 바쁜가요? (Is Kyeong Hoon busy these days?)

• B: 네, 또 이 여자, 저 여자 꼬시고 다니는 모양이에요. (Yes, I think he is flirting with many girls as many as he can.)

5. Make Korean Sentences from English!

1. I think my friend is studying late at night.

2. It looks like my sister is preparing for an exam.

3. Judging by the noise, the kids are playing outside.

4. It seems like my mom went to the market.

5. Seeing that the shop is closed, it looks like they are on holiday.

6. It looks like my dad is fixing the car.

7. Judging from the clean house, my brother must have cleaned.

8. It seems like the teacher is busy with a meeting.

9. Seeing that she is smiling, she must have received good news.

10. It looks like my friend is reading a book.