V/A + -(으)ㄹ 리가 없다, N + -일 리가 없다 (There is no way that..., cannot possibly be)
Meaning: There is no reason/way that..., it is impossible that... (categorically denies a possibility as contrary to reason or known facts).
Conjugation & Pattern
- Present: V/A with batchim + -을 리(가) 없다 | No batchim/ㄹ + -ㄹ 리(가) 없다
- Noun (N) + -일 리(가) 없다
- Past: V/A + -았/었을 리(가) 없다
- Rhetorical question: -(으)ㄹ 리가 있겠어요?
Detailed Usage
Based on the bound noun '리(理)' (reason/logic). Expresses the speaker's strong conviction that something could not possibly be true. Often phrased as a rhetorical question '-(으)ㄹ 리가 있겠어요?'.
Example Sentences
- 1
한국어를 한 달 동안 배우고 한국 사람처럼 말할 수 있을 리가 없습니다.
Hangugeoreul han dal dongan baeugo hanguk saramcheoreom malhal su isseul riga eopseumnida.
There is no way someone can speak like a native Korean after learning Korean for just one month.
- 2
성실한 그 사람이 약속 시각에 늦었을 리가 없어요.
Seongsilhan geu sarami yaksok sigage neujeosseul riga eopseoyo.
There is no way such a diligent person could have been late for the appointment.
- 3
선생님께서 오늘처럼 중요한 날에 안 오실 리가 있겠어요?
Seonsaengnimkkeseo oneulcheoreom jungyohan nare an osil riga itgesseoyo?
How could there be any way the teacher wouldn't come on an important day like today?
Important Notes
The subject particle 가 can be omitted as '-(으)ㄹ 리 없다'.
