-(으)ㄹ지도 모르다
Used to state a possibility that the speaker is not at all certain about. Often used when advising someone to prepare for a low-probability but possible outcome.
Summary
Equivalent
It might... / There's a chance that...
Also: -(으)ㄹ 수도 있다 (It might be... - '-지도 모르다' adds uncertainty/not knowing)
Example
If we don't make a reservation, that restaurant might not have any seats.
그 식당은 예약하지 않으면 자리가 없을지도 몰라요.
Grammar rules
- Attach directly to verb or adjective stems.
- Translates roughly to 'Who knows, it might...' so take precaution.
- Often paired with '-(으)니까' or '-아/어서' in the following clause advice.
오후에 비가 올지도 모르니까 우산을 챙기세요. (It might rain this afternoon, so pack an umbrella.)
Patterns
Present/Future Possibility
Present/Future · Stem + (으)ㄹ지도 모르다
Past Possibility
Past · Stem + 았/었/했을지도 모르다
Nouns
Present · Noun + 일지도 모르다
Example sentences
If we don't make a reservation, that restaurant might not have any seats.
그 식당은 예약하지 않으면 자리가 없을지도 몰라요.
These clothes might be more expensive at the department store.
이 옷이 백화점에서는 더 비쌀지도 몰라요.
They might have drunk a lot at the company dinner yesterday. That's probably why they haven't been in touch.
어제 회식에서 술을 많이 마셨을지도 몰라요. 그래서 연락이 없는 거겠죠.
Conversation
A: I'm going on a trip to Jeju Island tomorrow, do you think the weather will be good?
내일 제주도로 여행을 가는데 날씨가 좋을까요?
B: It's the rainy season these days, so it might rain.
요즘 장마철이니까 비가 올지도 몰라요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct expression for slight possibility.
Traffic (Future Possibility).
Already knew (Past Possibility).