V/A + -(으)ㄹ걸요 (Probably, I suppose)
Meaning: Probably / I bet / I suppose (expresses the speaker's conjecture based on personal grounds in spoken Korean).
Conjugation & Pattern
- Present: V/A + -(으)ㄹ걸요 | Noun (N) + -일걸요
- Past: V/A + -았/었을걸요 | Noun (N) + -이었을걸요/였을걸요
Detailed Usage
Used in conversation when the speaker makes a supposition based on their own information or gently counters the listener's assumption. Pronounced with rising intonation.
Example Sentences
- 1
아마 10시쯤 열걸요. 다른 마트들이 대부분 10시에 열거든요.
Ama 10sijjeum yeolgeoryo. dareun mateudeuri daebubun 10sie yeolgeodeunyo.
It probably opens around 10 o'clock. Most other supermarkets open at 10.
- 2
지금 출발하면 퇴근 시간이라 길이 많이 막힐걸요.
Jigeum chulbalhamyeon toegeun siganira giri mani makhilgeoryo.
If you leave now, the roads will probably be very congested since it's rush hour.
- 3
그 친구는 벌써 집에 도착했을걸요.
Geu chinguneun beolsseo jibe dochakhaesseulgeoryo.
That friend has probably arrived home already.
Important Notes
Do not use when both speaker and listener share the exact same newly observed cue (use -나 봐요 instead). With falling intonation, -(으)ㄹ걸 expresses regret ('I should have...').
