Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

-(으)ㄹ게요

Used to express a promise, willingness, or an intention to do something in consideration of the listener. It often implies a reaction to what the listener said.

Summary

Equivalent

I will / I promise to

Also: -(으)ㄹ 거예요 (I will - simple future)

Example

I will close the door. (Showing willingness)

제가 문을 닫을게요.

Grammar rules

  • Use '을게요' for consonant stems and 'ㄹ게요' for vowel stems.
  • The subject is ALWAYS first person ('I' or 'We').
  • It cannot be used in questions.
  • It is not used to state objective future facts. Use '-(으)ㄹ 거예요' for objective plans that are unaffected by the listener.

    내일 비가 올게요 (X) -> 내일 비가 올 거예요 (O).

Patterns

1

Verbs (Consonant)

Future/Promise · Verb Stem + 을게요

2

Verbs (Vowel/ㄹ)

Future/Promise · Verb Stem (drop ㄹ) + ㄹ게요

Example sentences

Verbs (Consonant) · Future/Promise · Verb Stem + 을게요

I will close the door. (Showing willingness)

제가 문을 닫을게요.

Verbs (Vowel/ㄹ) · Future/Promise · Verb Stem (drop ㄹ) + ㄹ게요

I will definitely come early tomorrow. (Making a promise)

내일은 꼭 일찍 올게요.

Verbs (Consonant) · Future/Promise · Verb Stem + 을게요

I will return this book after I finish reading it.

이 책을 다 읽고 돌려줄게요.

Conversation

A: The room is too hot.

방이 너무 덥네요.

B: I'll turn on the air conditioner.

제가 에어컨을 켤게요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct form indicating a promise/willingness.

Cleaning.

Listening.