-(으)ㄹ걸요
Used to express an unconfirmed guess in conversation, often when gently disagreeing or offering a different perspective from the listener's.
Summary
Equivalent
I think that... / I bet...
Also: -(으)ㄹ 거예요 (Probably will - less of a soft conversational 'I bet' nuance)
Example
There are probably a lot of students in the library around this time.
지금쯤 도서관에 학생이 많을걸요.
Grammar rules
- Only used in spoken, colloquial conversation.
- Not suitable for formal writing or statements.
- Cannot be used as a question.
- Distinguish from '-(으)ㄹ걸 그랬다' which expresses regret about a past action.
지금 전화하면 자고 있을걸요. (If you call now, they are probably sleeping.)
Patterns
Present/Future Guess
Present/Future · Stem + (으)ㄹ걸요
Past Guess
Past · Stem + 았/었/했을걸요
Nouns
Present · Noun + 일걸요
Example sentences
There are probably a lot of students in the library around this time.
지금쯤 도서관에 학생이 많을걸요.
I bet Sumi can't eat spicy food well.
수미 씨는 매운 음식을 잘 못 먹을걸요.
That movie is probably already over.
그 영화는 벌써 끝났을걸요.
Conversation
A: Do you think James will come to the office this afternoon?
오늘 오후에 제임스 씨가 회사에 올까요?
B: He probably won't come. I heard he is on vacation today.
아마 안 올걸요. 오늘 휴가라고 들었어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct conversational guess.
Far.
Already knew (Past).