-는 듯하다
Used when the speaker is speculating or guessing about a fact or situation. It is more formal or literary than '-는 것 같다'.
Summary
Equivalent
It seems..., It appears that..., I think...
Also: -는 듯싶다 · -는 듯 · -는 것 같다
Example
The streets seem more deserted than usual today.
오늘따라 거리가 평소보다 한산한 늘하네요.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'Based on what I see/know, it seems [X].' Adding '싶다' (as in '-는 듯싶다') adds a nuance of personal feeling or stronger speculation.
- In writing, it's often shortened to '-는 듯'.
Patterns
V (Verbs)
현재 (Present) · -는 듯하다
A (Adjectives)
현재 (Present) · -(으)ㄴ 듯하다
V (Verbs)
과거 (Past) · -(으)ㄴ 듯하다
V (Verbs)
미래 (Future) · -(으)ㄹ 듯하다
Example sentences
The streets seem more deserted than usual today.
오늘따라 거리가 평소보다 한산한 늘하네요.
Minsu seems to have something on his mind; his expression is dark.
민수 씨가 무슨 고민이 있는 듯해요. 표정이 어두워요.
It seemed like the typhoon would pass soon, but the wind and rain are getting stronger again.
태풍이 곧 지나갈 듯하더니 다시 비바람이 거세지네요.
Conversation
A: How will the weather be tomorrow?
내일 날씨가 어떨까요?
B: It seems like it will rain starting in the afternoon, so you'd better take an umbrella.
오후부터 비가 올 듯하니 우산을 챙기는 게 좋겠어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct 'it seems...' phrase.
Maybe someone is home.
The product seems to be selling well.