Giving Sincere Advice: -는 게 어때요? (Intermediate)

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Giving Sincere Advice: -는 게 어때요?

The difference between advice that lands and advice that falls flat is almost always in how you frame it — not what you say.

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Iru Helper Note

You've already learned -아/어 보세요 for suggesting someone try something. At the intermediate level, -는 게 어때요? takes that further — it's softer, more conversational, and invites the other person rather than directing them. It's the difference between "try this" and "what do you think about trying this?"

좀 쉬는 게 어때요?

(What about getting some rest? / Why don't you take a break?)

💬 What You'll Learn Today

Giving advice sincerely in Korean means balancing warmth with respect for the other person's autonomy. Today you'll learn five natural ways to offer genuine advice — from the versatile -는 게 어때요? to more direct heartfelt expressions. You'll also see how the setting and relationship affect which expression feels most natural.

📌 Five Ways to Give Sincere Advice

Expression	Literal Meaning	When to Use
-는 게 어때요?	What about doing ~?	The most versatile; casual or polite
-해 보는 건 어때요?	What about trying ~?	When suggesting something new to try
제 생각엔 -는 게 좋을 것 같아요	I think it would be good to ~	When sharing a personal recommendation
솔직히 말씀드리면, -는 게 나을 것 같아요	Honestly, I think it'd be better to ~	When giving candid, sincere advice
-는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요	I think ~ would help	When framing advice as practical support

💡 Pattern breakdown:

-는 게 = [verb + 는] + 게 (short for 것이) → the act of doing [verb]

어때요? = how is it? / what do you think?

Combined: "What do you think about [doing]?"

Key difference from -아/어 보세요:

-아/어 보세요 = "Try doing this" (gentle but slightly directive)

-는 게 어때요? = "What about doing this?" (inviting, more collaborative)

💬 Conversations in Action

Mini-Dialogue 1 — A friend who is stressed about work

A: 요즘 일이 너무 많아서 지쳐요.

B: 그렇군요. 잠깐이라도 쉬는 게 어때요? 번아웃이 오기 전에요.

A: 맞아요... 주말에 좀 쉬어야겠어요.

(A: I'm exhausted because there's so much work lately.

B: I see. What about resting, even for a little while? Before burnout hits.

A: You're right... I should get some rest this weekend.)

Mini-Dialogue 2 — A friend struggling with Korean

A: 한국어 공부가 잘 안 되는 것 같아요.

B: 솔직히 말씀드리면, 혼자 공부하는 것보다 언어 교환 파트너를 찾아보는 게 나을 것 같아요.

A: 아, 그 방법이 더 효과적일 것 같네요.

(A: I don't think my Korean study is going well.

B: Honestly, I think finding a language exchange partner would be better than studying alone.

A: Oh, that method does seem more effective.)

🌏 Cultural Note — Giving Advice Without Overstepping

In Korean culture, unsolicited advice can sometimes feel intrusive — especially from a younger person to an older one. A few things to keep in mind:

Always read the situation: if someone is venting, they may want empathy first, not solutions

Soften the approach with 제 생각엔... or 솔직히 말씀드리면... before your advice

-는 게 어때요? invites rather than prescribes — it leaves the decision with the other person

With elders or seniors (선배), framing advice as a question is almost always preferred over a direct suggestion

<summary>Try This Speaking Exercise

For each situation, give sincere advice using an expression from this lesson.

A. Your friend says they've been feeling very stressed. You think they need some fresh air.

<summary>Answer

잠깐 바깥 공기 마시러 나가는 게 어때요?

(What about going outside for some fresh air for a bit?)

</summary>

B. A colleague says they can't focus on their work. You think they should take a short break.

<summary>Answer

잠깐 휴식을 취해 보는 건 어때요?

(What about taking a short break?)

</summary>

C. A friend is having trouble sleeping. You think they should put their phone away an hour before bed.

<summary>Answer

제 생각엔 자기 한 시간 전에 핸드폰을 내려놓는 게 좋을 것 같아요.

(I think it would be good to put your phone down an hour before sleeping.)

</summary>

D. A friend keeps procrastinating on a big task. You think they should break it into smaller pieces.

<summary>Answer

솔직히 말씀드리면, 큰 일을 작은 단위로 나눠서 하는 게 나을 것 같아요.

(Honestly, I think breaking the big task into smaller pieces would be better.)

</summary>

E. Your friend is feeling unmotivated to exercise. You suggest they try a different workout style.

<summary>Answer

다른 운동 방법을 시도해 보는 건 어때요?

(What about trying a different style of exercise?)

</summary>

F. A colleague says they always feel exhausted by Wednesday. You think they need better sleep habits.

<summary>Answer

수면 습관을 좀 바꿔 보는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

(I think changing your sleep habits a little would help.)

</summary>

G. Your friend wants to improve their Korean faster. You suggest watching more Korean content.

<summary>Answer

제 생각엔 한국 콘텐츠를 더 많이 보는 게 좋을 것 같아요.

(I think watching more Korean content would be good.)

</summary>

H. A friend is unhappy at their job but afraid to try new things. You gently encourage them to explore options.

<summary>Answer

솔직히 말씀드리면, 다른 기회를 한번 찾아보는 게 나을 것 같아요.

(Honestly, I think it'd be better to explore other opportunities.)

</summary>

I. Your friend says they've been feeling isolated lately. You think joining a community group would help.

<summary>Answer

관심 있는 모임에 참여해 보는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

(I think joining a group you're interested in would help.)

</summary>

J. A classmate is struggling with writing Korean. You suggest they try keeping a short daily journal.

<summary>Answer

매일 짧게 일기를 써 보는 건 어때요?

(What about writing a short journal entry every day?)

</summary>

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Expression Reference

Expression	Feel
-는 게 어때요?	Inviting, gentle
-해 보는 건 어때요?	Suggesting something to try
제 생각엔 -는 게 좋을 것 같아요	Personal recommendation
솔직히 말씀드리면, ~	Candid, sincere
-는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요	Practical, supportive

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Empathy First Tip

Before giving advice, acknowledge what the person shared. A quick 그렇군요 (I see) or 많이 힘드시겠어요 (that must be really hard) before -는 게 어때요? makes your advice feel supportive rather than prescriptive. Empathy first, advice second.

</summary>

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Want more reps?

Giving advice naturally takes practice. The Practice Hub below drills all five expressions across realistic everyday situations.

📦 Practice Hub — -는 게 어때요?

Exercise 1 — Choose the Right Expression

Choose the most natural advice expression for each situation.

A. Your friend is exhausted. You want to gently suggest they rest. Best choice?

a) 쉬는 게 어때요?

b) 쉬어야 해요!

c) 쉬면 안 돼요.

<summary>Answer

a) 쉬는 게 어때요?

(What about resting?)

Option b) is too direct; -는 게 어때요? invites rather than directs.

B. A colleague can't find motivation. You want to suggest trying a new approach.

a) 새로운 방법을 써야 해요.

b) 새로운 방법을 시도해 보는 건 어때요?

c) 방법이 없어요.

<summary>Answer

b) 새로운 방법을 시도해 보는 건 어때요?

(What about trying a new approach?)

해 보는 건 어때요 is ideal when suggesting something new to try.

C. A friend asks what you think is best for their health. You recommend consistent exercise.

a) 제 생각엔 꾸준히 운동하는 게 좋을 것 같아요.

b) 운동하면 돼요.

c) 운동은 필요 없어요.

<summary>Answer

a) 제 생각엔 꾸준히 운동하는 게 좋을 것 같아요.

(I think consistent exercise would be good.)

제 생각엔... is perfect for sharing a personal recommendation.

D. A friend is working in the wrong field and unhappy. You want to be honest and suggest a change.

a) 그냥 참으세요.

b) 솔직히 말씀드리면, 다른 분야를 찾아보는 게 나을 것 같아요.

c) 아무것도 하지 마세요.

<summary>Answer

b) 솔직히 말씀드리면, 다른 분야를 찾아보는 게 나을 것 같아요.

(Honestly, I think looking into another field would be better.)

솔직히 말씀드리면 signals that what follows is sincere and candid.

E. A classmate says they can't remember vocabulary. You think making flashcards would help.

a) 단어장을 쓰면 됩니다.

b) 단어 카드를 만들어 보는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

c) 그냥 포기하세요.

<summary>Answer

b) 단어 카드를 만들어 보는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

(I think making vocabulary cards would help.)

F. Your friend is stressed about an upcoming presentation. You suggest practicing out loud.

a) 연습하면 돼요.

b) 소리 내서 연습해 보는 건 어때요?

c) 걱정하지 마세요.

<summary>Answer

b) 소리 내서 연습해 보는 건 어때요?

(What about practicing out loud?)

G. A friend isn't sleeping well. You personally think a consistent bedtime helps.

a) 매일 같은 시간에 자는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

b) 그냥 자면 돼요.

c) 늦게 자는 게 좋아요.

<summary>Answer

a) 매일 같은 시간에 자는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

(I think going to sleep at the same time every day would help.)

H. A colleague asks for your honest opinion on their career path. You think they should consider freelancing.

a) 솔직히 말씀드리면, 프리랜서도 고려해 보시는 게 나을 것 같아요.

b) 그냥 지금 일 계속 하세요.

c) 몰라요.

<summary>Answer

a) 솔직히 말씀드리면, 프리랜서도 고려해 보시는 게 나을 것 같아요.

(Honestly, I think considering freelancing might be worth it.)

I. A friend wants to lose weight. You think cutting out late-night snacking would make a big difference.

a) 그냥 다이어트 하세요.

b) 야식을 줄이는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

c) 먹으면 안 돼요.

<summary>Answer

b) 야식을 줄이는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

(I think cutting back on late-night snacks would help.)

J. A friend is learning Korean but only studying grammar. You suggest watching Korean content daily.

a) 한국 콘텐츠를 매일 보는 게 어때요?

b) 문법만 공부하면 돼요.

c) 포기하세요.

<summary>Answer

a) 한국 콘텐츠를 매일 보는 게 어때요?

(What about watching Korean content every day?)

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Quick Reference

Expression	Tone
-는 게 어때요?	Gentle invite
-해 보는 건 어때요?	Suggest trying
제 생각엔 ~ 좋을 것 같아요	Personal rec.
솔직히 말씀드리면 ~ 나을 것 같아요	Candid advice
~ 도움이 될 것 같아요	Practical support

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Common Pitfall

Jumping straight to advice — especially in Korean — can feel like you're not listening. Before using any expression in this lesson, make sure you've acknowledged what the person said first. Even just 그렇군요 (I see) or 힘드시겠어요 (that sounds hard) before your advice makes a real difference.

Exercise 2 — Korean → English Translation

Translate each advice sentence into natural English.

A. 잠깐 바깥에 나가는 게 어때요?

<summary>Answer

What about going outside for a bit?

B. 새로운 루틴을 만들어 보는 건 어때요?

<summary>Answer

What about trying to build a new routine?

C. 제 생각엔 규칙적으로 운동하는 게 좋을 것 같아요.

<summary>Answer

I think it would be good to exercise regularly.

D. 솔직히 말씀드리면, 지금 직장을 바꾸는 게 나을 것 같아요.

<summary>Answer

Honestly, I think it would be better to change jobs now.

E. 매일 짧게 일기를 쓰는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

<summary>Answer

I think writing a short journal entry every day would help.

F. 잠들기 전에 핸드폰을 내려놓는 게 어때요?

<summary>Answer

What about putting your phone down before you sleep?

G. 제 생각엔 언어 교환 파트너를 찾아보는 게 좋을 것 같아요.

<summary>Answer

I think it would be good to look for a language exchange partner.

H. 솔직히 말씀드리면, 혼자 하는 것보다 도움을 요청하는 게 나을 것 같아요.

<summary>Answer

Honestly, I think asking for help would be better than doing it alone.

I. 수면 습관을 바꿔 보는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

<summary>Answer

I think trying to change your sleep habits would help.

J. 관심 있는 모임에 한번 나가 보는 건 어때요?

<summary>Answer

What about going to a group you're interested in once?

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Vocabulary Cheat Sheet

Korean	English
루틴	routine
규칙적으로	regularly
번아웃	burnout
야식	late-night snack
단어 카드	vocabulary flashcard
프리랜서	freelancer
모임	group, gathering
잠들다	to fall asleep

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Grammar Tip

-는 게 어때요? literally asks "how is the thing of doing ~?" The 게 is a contraction of 것이. In casual speech, Koreans sometimes shorten this further to -는 게 어때? (dropping 요). But at intermediate level, keeping 요 is the right call — it keeps you polite and natural.

Exercise 3 — Complete the Sentence

Fill in the blank to complete each piece of advice.

A. 잠깐 __ 게 어때요? (What about resting for a bit? / 쉬다)

<summary>Answer

쉬는

→ 잠깐 쉬는 게 어때요?

B. 새로운 방법을 시도해 __ 건 어때요? (What about trying a new method? / 보다)

<summary>Answer

보는

→ 새로운 방법을 시도해 보는 건 어때요?

C. 제 생각엔 규칙적으로 __ 게 좋을 것 같아요. (I think exercising regularly would be good. / 운동하다)

<summary>Answer

운동하는

→ 제 생각엔 규칙적으로 운동하는 게 좋을 것 같아요.

D. 솔직히 말씀드리면, 지금 바꾸는 게 __ 것 같아요. (Honestly, I think changing now would be better.)

<summary>Answer

나을

→ 솔직히 말씀드리면, 지금 바꾸는 게 나을 것 같아요.

E. 매일 짧게 일기를 쓰는 게 도움이 __ 것 같아요. (I think writing a short journal daily would help.)

<summary>Answer

될

→ 매일 짧게 일기를 쓰는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

F. 자기 전에 핸드폰을 __ 게 어때요? (What about putting your phone down before sleep? / 내려놓다)

<summary>Answer

내려놓는

→ 자기 전에 핸드폰을 내려놓는 게 어때요?

G. 제 __ 엔 언어 교환을 찾아보는 게 좋을 것 같아요. (I think finding a language exchange would be good.)

<summary>Answer

생각

→ 제 생각엔 언어 교환을 찾아보는 게 좋을 것 같아요.

H. 솔직히 __, 혼자 하는 것보다 도움을 요청하는 게 나을 것 같아요. (Honestly, asking for help would be better than doing it alone.)

<summary>Answer

말씀드리면

→ 솔직히 말씀드리면, 혼자 하는 것보다 도움을 요청하는 게 나을 것 같아요.

I. 수면 습관을 바꾸는 게 __ 될 것 같아요. (I think changing sleep habits would help.)

<summary>Answer

도움이

→ 수면 습관을 바꾸는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

J. 관심 있는 모임에 한번 __ 보는 건 어때요? (What about going to a group once? / 나가다)

<summary>Answer

나가

→ 관심 있는 모임에 한번 나가 보는 건 어때요?

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Sentence Starters

Starter	Pattern
~ 는 게 어때요?	V-는 게 어때요?
~ 해 보는 건 어때요?	V-해 보는 건 어때요?
제 생각엔 ~ 좋을 것 같아요	제 생각엔 V-는 게 좋을...
솔직히 말씀드리면, ~	솔직히 말씀드리면...
~ 도움이 될 것 같아요	V-는 게 도움이 될...

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Production Tip

If you want to make advice sound even warmer, add 한번 (once, just try) before the advice: 한번 해 보는 게 어때요? (What about giving it a try once?). This makes the advice feel less like a prescription and more like an invitation.

Exercise 4 — Dialogue Completion

Complete each dialogue with the most natural advice expression from this lesson.

Friend: 요즘 너무 스트레스받아요.

You: 그렇군요. 잠깐 __ 어때요? (what about resting / 쉬는 게)

<summary>Answer

쉬는 게

→ 잠깐 쉬는 게 어때요?

(I see. What about resting for a little while?)

Classmate: 한국어 말하기가 계속 안 늘어요.

You: 언어 교환 파트너를 찾아 __ 건 어때요? (what about trying to find / 보는)

<summary>Answer

보는

→ 언어 교환 파트너를 찾아 보는 건 어때요?

(What about trying to find a language exchange partner?)

Friend: 어떤 운동이 좋을까요?

You: 제 생각엔 꾸준히 걷는 게 __ 것 같아요. (would be good / 좋을)

<summary>Answer

좋을

→ 제 생각엔 꾸준히 걷는 게 좋을 것 같아요.

(I think walking consistently would be good.)

Colleague: 지금 회사가 너무 힘들어요. 어떻게 하면 좋을까요?

You: 솔직히 말씀드리면, 이직을 __ 게 나을 것 같아요. (considering / 고려하는)

<summary>Answer

고려하는

→ 솔직히 말씀드리면, 이직을 고려하는 게 나을 것 같아요.

(Honestly, I think considering a job change would be better.)

Friend: 자꾸 늦게까지 핸드폰 봐서 잠을 못 자요.

You: 자기 전에 핸드폰을 내려놓는 게 __ 될 것 같아요. (would help / 도움이)

<summary>Answer

도움이

→ 자기 전에 핸드폰을 내려놓는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

(I think putting your phone down before sleep would help.)

Friend: 발표 준비를 어떻게 해야 할지 모르겠어요.

You: 소리 내서 연습해 __ 건 어때요? (what about trying / 보는)

<summary>Answer

보는

→ 소리 내서 연습해 보는 건 어때요?

(What about practicing out loud?)

Colleague: 회의 때 항상 말을 못 해요.

You: 제 생각엔 미리 할 말을 __ 게 좋을 것 같아요. (preparing / 준비하는)

<summary>Answer

준비하는

→ 제 생각엔 미리 할 말을 준비하는 게 좋을 것 같아요.

(I think it would be good to prepare what you want to say in advance.)

Friend: 혼자 있는 시간이 너무 길어서 우울해요.

You: 관심 있는 모임에 __ 보는 건 어때요? (going out / 나가)

<summary>Answer

나가

→ 관심 있는 모임에 나가 보는 건 어때요?

(What about going to a group you're interested in?)

Friend: 다이어트를 하고 싶은데 뭐가 제일 효과적일까요?

You: 솔직히 말씀드리면, 야식을 줄이는 게 __ 것 같아요. (would be better / 나을)

<summary>Answer

나을

→ 솔직히 말씀드리면, 야식을 줄이는 게 나을 것 같아요.

(Honestly, I think cutting back on late-night snacks would be better.)

Classmate: 어휘가 너무 안 늘어요.

You: 단어 카드를 만들어 보는 게 __ 될 것 같아요. (would help / 도움이)

<summary>Answer

도움이

→ 단어 카드를 만들어 보는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요.

(I think making vocabulary flashcards would help.)

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Useful Phrases

Korean	English
꾸준히	consistently, steadily
이직	changing jobs
미리	in advance, beforehand
소리 내서	out loud
야식을 줄이다	to cut back on late-night snacks
우울하다	to feel depressed, gloomy
한번 해 보다	to give something a try

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Conversation Tip

The most natural advice conversations in Korean follow this flow: 1) Empathy (그렇군요 / 많이 힘드시겠어요) → 2) Advice (using expressions from this lesson) → 3) Check-in (어떻게 생각해요? / 한번 해 볼 것 같아요?). Closing with a check-in shows you care about their response, not just giving the advice.

Exercise 5 — Free Speaking Practice

Give advice out loud for each situation. Try to add an acknowledgment before your advice.

A. A friend says they feel exhausted all the time and doesn't know why. You think they should try sleeping earlier.

Starter: 많이 힘드시겠어요. 좀 일찍 자는 게 어때요?

B. A classmate says they can't seem to make progress in Korean speaking. You suggest daily speaking drills.

Starter: 그렇군요. 매일 짧게 말하기 연습을 해 보는 건 어때요?

C. A friend is stuck in a job they hate but is scared to change. Give honest advice.

Starter: 솔직히 말씀드리면, 다른 기회를 찾아보는 게 나을 것 같아요...

D. A colleague can't focus at their desk. You recommend trying to work in a different space.

Starter: 제 생각엔 다른 공간에서 일해 보는 게 좋을 것 같아요...

E. A friend is feeling isolated in a new city. You think joining a hobby group would help.

Starter: 관심 있는 모임에 한번 나가 보는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요...

F. A classmate says memorizing Korean is taking too long. You suggest spaced repetition apps.

Starter: 간격 반복 앱을 써 보는 건 어때요? 도움이 될 것 같아요...

G. Your friend keeps putting off exercising. You suggest starting with just 10 minutes a day.

Starter: 제 생각엔 하루에 10분만 시작해 보는 게 좋을 것 같아요...

H. A friend is stressed about a presentation. You think practicing in front of a mirror would help.

Starter: 거울 앞에서 연습해 보는 게 도움이 될 것 같아요...

I. A colleague is overwhelmed by a big project. You suggest breaking it into smaller tasks.

Starter: 솔직히 말씀드리면, 작은 단위로 나눠서 하는 게 나을 것 같아요...

J. A friend wants to improve their diet. You suggest meal prepping on weekends.

Starter: 주말에 미리 식사를 준비해 보는 건 어때요?

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Sentence Starters

Expression	Use When
-는 게 어때요?	Gentle everyday suggestion
해 보는 건 어때요?	Inviting them to try
제 생각엔 ~ 좋을 것 같아요	Sharing your take
솔직히 말씀드리면 ~	Being candid
~ 도움이 될 것 같아요	Practical framing

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Speaking Challenge

Try completing each answer in 3 parts: [Empathy] + [Advice expression] + [Reason]. Example: 많이 힘드시겠어요. 좀 일찍 자는 게 어때요? 수면이 에너지 회복에 정말 중요하거든요. (That must be hard. What about sleeping a little earlier? Sleep is really important for recovering energy.) The third part is what separates functional Korean from truly fluent Korean.

진심 어린 조언 하나가 누군가의 하루를 바꿀 수 있어요 — 오늘 배운 표현으로 따뜻하게 전해 보세요! 💬✨