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-을 것Korean expression · TOPIK 2

-eul geot

TOPIK 2 2급Expressions 표현command or instruction 명령/지시2 senses

One expression with 2 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.

형태Forms

-을 것-ㄹ 것

Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.

An expression used to close a sentence by giving an order or instruction.

명령이나 지시의 의미를 나타내면서 문장을 끝맺을 때 쓰는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs ending in a consonant other than ㄹ.

‘ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

건강을 위해 담배부터 끊을 것.

For your health, quit smoking first.

치아 건강을 위해 음식을 먹고 난 후 반드시 이를 닦을 것.

For dental health, be sure to brush your teeth after eating.

장례식에 참석할 때에는 흰색 옷이나 검은색 옷을 입을 것.

When attending a funeral, wear white or black clothes.

대화In conversation

눈병을 예방하는 방법에 뭐라고 쓰여 있어?

What does it say about how to prevent eye diseases?

“손을 자주 씻을 것”이라고 돼 있어.

It says, 'Wash your hands frequently.'

An expression used to enable a non-noun word to be used as a noun in the sentence or to be used in front of '이다' (be).

명사가 아닌 것을 문장에서 명사처럼 쓰이게 하거나 ‘이다’ 앞에 쓰일 수 있게 할 때 쓰는 표현.

쓰임Usage

‘ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사와 형용사 또는 ‘-었-’뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

점점 날씨가 따뜻해져 쌓인 눈이 녹을 것이다.

As the weather gradually warms up, the accumulated snow will melt.

항상 주말에 장을 봐서 금요일쯤 되면 먹을 것이 없다.

I always do grocery shopping on weekends, so by Friday there's nothing to eat.

옷을 자주 사는데도 입을 것이 없어 아침마다 고민한다.

Even though I buy clothes often, I have nothing to wear, so I agonize every morning.

대화In conversation

엄마, 출출한데 먹을 것 없어요?

Mom, I'm a bit hungry. Is there anything to eat?

주방에 빵이랑 우유가 있으니까 챙겨 먹으렴.

There's bread and milk in the kitchen, so go ahead and have some.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.

-게 되다 -ge doeda An expression used to indicate that something will become the state or situation mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 2 -기 때문에 -gi ttaemun -기 때문이다 An expression used to indicate that the preceding statement is the reason or cause for the following incident. TOPIK 2 -기로 하다 -giro hada An expression used to decide or promise the performance of the act mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 2 -는 것 -neun geot -은 것 · -ㄴ 것 · -을 것 An expression used to enable a non-noun word to be used as a noun in a sentence or to be used in front of '이다' (be). TOPIK 2 -는 것 같다 -neun geot gatda -ㄴ 것 같다 · -은 것 같다 · -ㄹ 것 같다 An expression used to indicate that the statement is a guess. TOPIK 2 -는 동안에 -neun dong-an -는 동안 An expression used to indicate the time, for which the act or state mentioned in the preceding statement lasts. TOPIK 2

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -을 것 mean in Korean?

-을 것 is a expression introduced at 2급 (TOPIK 2). An expression used to close a sentence by giving an order or instruction. It has 2 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use -을 것?

Attaches after verbs ending in a consonant other than ㄹ. The other shape is -ㄹ 것 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -을 것 and -ㄹ 것?

None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same expression, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.

What TOPIK level is -을 것?

2급 — TOPIK 2, elementary. It is one of 45 grammar points at that level.

Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.