Advanced Estimated read: 3 mins

-(으)ㄹ 게 뻔하다

Used when a result is so obvious that the speaker can easily predict it. Almost always used for negative or undesirable situations.

Summary

Equivalent

To be obvious that..., Guaranteed to..., Bound to...

Also: -(으)ㄹ 것이 뻔하다

Example

Since you played games until late, it's obvious you'll doze off in class today.

늦게까지 게임을 했으니 오늘 수업 시간에 졸 게 뻔해요.

Grammar rules

  • It implies 'I don't even need to see it to know that [X] will happen/happened.' Often used when being critical or acknowledging a predictable failure/issue.

Patterns

1

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives)

현재 (Present) · -(으)ㄹ 게 뻔하다

2

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives)

과거 (Past) · -았/었을 게 뻔하다

Example sentences

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives) · 현재 (Present) · -(으)ㄹ 게 뻔하다

Since you played games until late, it's obvious you'll doze off in class today.

늦게까지 게임을 했으니 오늘 수업 시간에 졸 게 뻔해요.

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives) · 현재 (Present) · -(으)ㄹ 게 뻔하다

Since I didn't study at all, it's obvious I'll fail this exam.

공부를 하나도 안 했으니 이번 시험을 망칠 게 뻔하지요.

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives) · 현재 (Present) · -(으)ㄹ 게 뻔하다

It's obvious that he has already spent all the money.

그는 이미 돈을 다 썼을 게 뻔하다.

Conversation

A: Did you try contacting Minsu?

민수 씨한테 연락해 봤어요?

B: No, I don't even need to see it to know. It's clear he's sleeping at home right now.

아니요, 안 봐도 비디오예요. 지금쯤 집에서 자고 있을 게 뻔해요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct 'obvious result' phrase.

Will definitely be late.

Will definitely reject.