-는 것 같다Korean expression · TOPIK 2

-neun geot gatda

TOPIK 2 2급 Expressions 표현

An expression used to indicate that the statement is a guess.

형태Forms

-는 것 같다-ㄴ 것 같다-은 것 같다-ㄹ 것 같다-을 것 같다

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 indicate that the statement is a guess.

추측을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after 있다, 없다, 계시다, adjectives and verbs ending in 있다 or 없다, the honorific -으시- or -곘-.

‘있다’, ‘없다’, ‘계시다’나 ‘있다’, ‘없다’로 끝나는 형용사, 동사 또는 ‘-으시-’, ‘-곘-’ 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

집에 누군가 있는 것 같아요.

I think there's someone at home.

밖이 시끄러운 걸 보니 주차 문제로 또 싸우는 것 같아요.

With all the noise outside, it seems like they're fighting about parking again.

유민이가 공부하는 것 같으니까 텔레비전 소리를 좀 줄입시다.

Since Yumin seems to be studying, let's turn down the TV volume.

대화In conversation

밖에 비는 그쳤니?

Has the rain stopped outside?

아니요. 아직 오는 것 같아요.

No, it seems like it's still raining.

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 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 -어 보다 -eo boda -아 보다 · -여 보다 An expression used to indicate that one does the act mentioned in the preceding statement, as a test. TOPIK 2

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -는 것 같다 mean in Korean?

-는 것 같다 is a expression introduced at 2급 (TOPIK 2). An expression used to indicate that the statement is a guess.

When do you use -는 것 같다?

Attaches after 있다, 없다, 계시다, adjectives and verbs ending in 있다 or 없다, the honorific -으시- or -곘-. The other shape is -ㄴ 것 같다, -은 것 같다, -ㄹ 것 같다, -을 것 같다 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -는 것 같다 and -ㄴ 것 같다?

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 -는 것 같다?

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.