V + ㄹ/을걸

1. Title

V + ㄹ/을걸요 — Expressing Speculation or Guessing

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2. Grammar Explanation

The Korean expression V + ㄹ/을걸요 is commonly used to express a guess or a mild assumption about a situation, especially when the speaker is not completely certain. It’s like saying “maybe” or “I suppose” in English.

This form is often used when:

• The event has not happened yet, or

• The speaker does not have full knowledge about it.

• It adds a nuance of speculation or assumption based on indirect knowledge or the speaker’s gut feeling.

Structure:

• Action verb + ㄹ걸요 (when the verb stem ends in a vowel)

• Action verb + 을걸요 (when the verb stem ends in a consonant)

Examples of verb stem changes:

• 가다 → 갈걸요

• 먹다 → 먹을걸요

• 하다 → 할걸요

• 있다 → 있을걸요

Important Note:
This form is usually used in informal or semi-formal settings.

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3. Example Sentences (Newly Created)

1. 오늘은 비가 올걸요.
   (It might rain today.)

2. 민수는 아직 집에 있을걸요.
   (Minsoo is probably still at home.)

3. 저 식당은 이미 문을 닫았을걸요.
   (That restaurant is probably already closed.)

4. 제 친구는 시험을 잘 봤을걸요.
   (My friend probably did well on the test.)

5. 지금쯤 도착했을걸요.
   (They probably arrived by now.)

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4. Sample Dialogues

Dialogue 1
A: 지민 씨 오늘 출근했어요? (Did Jimin come to work today?)
B: 잘 모르겠어요. 아직 안 왔으니까 안 왔을걸요. (I'm not sure. They haven't arrived yet, so maybe not.)

Dialogue 2
A: 저 사람 누구예요? (Who is that person?)
B: 잘 모르겠지만 새로 온 직원일걸요. (I'm not sure, but maybe it's the new employee.)

Dialogue 3
A: 오늘 회의 몇 시에 시작해요? (What time does the meeting start today?)
B: 아마 두 시에 시작할걸요. (Maybe around 2 o’clock.)

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5. Make Korean Sentences from English!

1. I think I left my wallet at home.

2. My friend might be sleeping now.

3. I think my mom is cooking dinner.

4. My brother probably went to the gym.

5. I guess my sister will like this gift.

6. I think the bus already left.

7. My friend is probably still studying.

8. I think Jisoo went to the library.

9. My teacher might not come today.

10. I suppose the bakery is closed now.