A-(으)ㄴ 것 같다, V-는 것 같다 grammar = look like, seem, I think ~express a supposition/opinion based on a basis

L1.59 A/V-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 grammar = look like, appear that, seem, I think ~express a supposition/opinion based on a basis

Usage:

- It is used to suppose that something happened in the past or suppose an occurrence of an action or situation that has yet to occur = look like, sound like, appear that…

- It is also used to express the speaker's opinion or thought about something in a polite and gentle manner = I think…

- (으)ㄴ 것 같다 is used when speaker has a clear basis for the supposition, while -(으)ㄹ 것 같다 is used when making a vague supposition.

Tense

[Past tense] Verb + -ㄴ/은 것 같다

가다 --> 간 것 같다 (look like he went...)

먹다 --> 먹은 것 같다 (seem that she ate...)

*만들다 --> 만든 것 같다 (look like she made...)

*듣다 --> 들은 것 같다 (seem that we heard...)

[Present tense] Verb + -는 것 같다 ; Adjective + ㄴ/은 것 같다 ; Noun + 인 것 같다

바쁘다 --> 바쁜 것 같다

많다 --> 많은 것 같다

*춥다 --> 추운 것 같다

핵복하다 --> 행복한 것 같다

학생 --> 학생인 것 같다

가다 --> 가는 것 같다

먹다 --> 먹는 것 같다

*만들다 --> 만드는 것 같다

*듣다 --> 듣는 것 같다

[Future tense] Verb + -ㄹ/을 것 같다 ; Adjective + ㄹ/을 것 같다 ; Noun + 일 것 같다

작다 --> 작을 것 같다

친절하다 --> 친절할 것 같다

춥다 --> 추울 것 같다

학생 --> 학생일 것 같다

가다 --> 갈 것 같다

먹다 --> 먹을 것 같다

*만들다 --> 만들 것 같다

*듣다 --> 들을 것 같다

Examples

1. 어젯밤에 비가 온 것 같아요.

It looks like it rained last night. (See water on the road)

2. 지금 비가 오는 것 같아요.

It looks like it is raining now. (See someone bringing an umbrella)

3. 비가 올 것 같아요.

It looks like it’s going to rain. (See the cloudy sky)

4. 이 영화는 좀 심심한 것 같아요. (See the movie poster)

This movie seems a bit boring.

5. 오늘 날씨가 추운 것 같아요. (See someone wearing warm clothes)

It looks like the weather today is cold.

6. 집에 아무도 없는 것 같아요.
I guess there is no one in this house. (See the quiet house)

7. 음식 맛이 어때요?

- 좀 짠 것 같아요.

How does the food taste?

- It seems a little salty.

8. 시간이 빨리 가는 것 같아요.

- 그래요. 벌써 퇴근 시간이에요.

It seems like the time is flying by.

- Right. It’s already the quitting time.

9. 다음 주 동아리 모임 올 수있어요?
- 가고 싶지만 다음 주에 출장이 있어서 못 갈 것 같아요.
Can you come to the club meeting next week?
- I want to go but I don't think I can make it because I have a business trip next week.

10. 아이는 자요?
- 아직 안 자는 것 같아요.
Is the baby sleeping?
- I don't think he's sleeping yet.

Difference between -겠어요 grammar, -(으)ㄹ 거예요 grammar and -(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 grammar:

1. A/V-겠어요 grammar = expresses a subjective supposition with no reason or basis = 'look like, sounds, appears'

2. A/V-(으)ㄹ 거예요 grammar = expresses an objective supposition based on a basis like something directly heard or seen or experienced. = 'I think'

3. A/V-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다 grammar = expresses an objective or subjective supposition regardless of direct or indirect basis = 'look like, sound, I think'

이 식당의 음식이 맛있을까요?

- (1) (잘 모르겠지만 제 생각에는) 맛있을 것 같아요.

- (2) 사람이 많은 것을 보니까 맛있을 것 같아요.

- (3) 손님이 많으니까 음식이 맛있을 거예요.

Do you think this restaurant food is tasty?

- (1) (I’m not sure but I think) it seems good. -> subjective supposition

- (2) Seeing there are many customers, it seems good. -> objective supposition

- (3) Because there are many customers, I think it’s good. -> objective supposition with a basis