V/A + -(으)ㄹ 법하다 (Be likely to, stand to reason that, ought to)

Conjugation & Pattern

• V/A with batchim + -을 법하다 | No batchim/ㄹ + -ㄹ 법하다
• Often used with 도: -(으)ㄹ 법도 하다 / -(으)ㄹ 법도 한데
• Past: V/A + -았/었을 법하다

Detailed Usage

Indicates that an event or state is reasonable and expected given the circumstances. Very frequently used as '-(으)ㄹ 법도 한데' ('one would expect ..., yet...').

Example Sentences

1. 1

   듣고 보니 네 말도 그럴 법하다는 생각이 든다.

   Deutgo boni ne maldo geureol beophadaneun saenggagi deunda.

   Now that I hear it, I think what you say makes good sense.

2. 2

   5년이나 한국에서 살았으면 이제 한국 생활에 익숙해졌을 법도 한데 여전히 낯설다.

   5nyeonina hangugeseo sarasseumyeon ije hanguk saenghware iksukhaejyeosseul beopdo hande yeojeonhi natseolda.

   Having lived in Korea for five years, one would expect to be used to life here by now, yet it still feels unfamiliar.

3. 3

   그 정도 거리면 걸어서 갈 법도 한데 매번 택시를 탄다.

   Geu jeongdo georimyeon georeoseo gal beopdo hande maebeon taeksireul tanda.

   For a distance like that, it's reasonable to walk, yet he takes a taxi every time.