-(으)ㄴ/는 모양이다
Used to make an educated guess based on observing external facts. Cannot be used to guess about one's own subjective feelings.
Summary
Equivalent
It seems that... / It looks like...
Also: -(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ 것 같다 (To seem like - broader usage but '모양이다' is for objective observation)
Example
Seeing people using umbrellas, it seems that it's raining outside.
사람들이 우산을 쓴 걸 보니까 밖에 비가 오는 모양이에요.
Grammar rules
- Often paired with '-(으)ㄴ/는 걸 보니까' (Seeing that...) for a natural flow.
- Cannot be used based on one's direct, internal experience. Only used for observing others or external situations.
내가 합격한 모양이다 (X) -> 친구가 합격한 모양이다 (O - It seems my friend passed).
Patterns
Verbs (Past Observation)
Past · Verb Stem + (으)ㄴ 모양이다
Verbs (Present Observation)
Present · Verb Stem + 는 모양이다
Adjectives (Present Observation)
Present · Adjective Stem + (으)ㄴ 모양이다
Nouns
Present · Noun + 인 모양이다
Example sentences
Seeing people using umbrellas, it seems that it's raining outside.
사람들이 우산을 쓴 걸 보니까 밖에 비가 오는 모양이에요.
Seeing that no one is in the office, it looks like everyone has left for the day.
사무실에 아무도 없는 걸 보니까 모두 퇴근한 모양이에요.
Seeing the long line in front of the store, it seems the food is very delicious.
가게 앞에 줄이 긴 걸 보니까 음식이 아주 맛있는 모양입니다.
Conversation
A: I called Mark, but he keeps not answering.
마크 씨한테 전화를 했는데 계속 안 받네요.
B: It seems he is in a meeting right now. Try again later.
지금 회의 중인 모양이에요. 이따가 다시 해 보세요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct inference form based on observation.
Not eating.
Difficult.