🤔

Hesitation: -(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다

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TL;DR 🦄
  • 🤔 -(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다 [-(eu)l-kka mal-kka ha-da] means to hesitate / be debating whether to do something or not.
  • ⚖️ It puts one action on a tiny mental seesaw: 살까 말까 해요 [sal-kka mal-kka hae-yo] = I’m debating whether to buy it or not.
  • 🧠 It often appears with 고민하다 (to think hard / worry over), 망설이다 (to hesitate), or 생각 중이다 (to be thinking).
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets to hear sentences like 갈까 말까 해요 [gal-kka mal-kka hae-yo], 먹을까 말까 고민해요 [meo-geul-kka mal-kka go-min-hae-yo], and 살까 말까 망설이고 있어요 [sal-kka mal-kka mang-seo-ri-go i-sseo-yo]. The rhythm should feel like a polite brain loading screen. 🧠✨
 

🌈 The Big Picture

-(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다 is what Korean uses when your mind is standing in front of two doors: do it 🚪 or don’t do it 🚪.
 
It is stronger than simply “I’m thinking of doing it” because the sentence includes both sides: 할까 (shall I do it?) + 말까 (shall I not?). So the feeling is active hesitation, indecision, or being torn.
 
Natural English translations include:
  • “I’m debating whether to…”
  • “I’m hesitating about whether to…”
  • “I can’t decide whether to…”
  • “I’m on the fence about…”
 
This is an advanced-level neighbor of -(으)ㄹ까 하다 (to be thinking of doing). The new advanced value here is the two-sided hesitation: not just “maybe I’ll do it,” but “do it or not do it — hmm, my brain has opened twelve tabs.” 🧠🪟

🎨 The Core Hesitation Family

1. Vowel stem + ㄹ까 말까 하다

Use this when the verb stem ends in a vowel.
  • 가다 [ga-da] = to go → 갈까 말까 해요 [gal-kka mal-kka hae-yo] = I’m debating whether to go or not.
  • 사다 [sa-da] = to buy → 살까 말까 해요 [sal-kka mal-kka hae-yo] = I’m debating whether to buy it or not. 🛍️
  • 쉬다 [swi-da] = to rest → 쉴까 말까 해요 [swil-kka mal-kka hae-yo] = I’m debating whether to rest or not. 🛋️
  • 보내다 [bo-nae-da] = to send → 보낼까 말까 해요 [bo-nael-kka mal-kka hae-yo] = I’m debating whether to send it or not. 💬
 

2. Consonant stem + 을까 말까 하다

Use this when the verb stem ends in a consonant.
  • 먹다 [meok-da] = to eat → 먹을까 말까 해요 [meo-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo] = I’m debating whether to eat or not. 🍱
  • 읽다 [ik-da] = to read → 읽을까 말까 해요 [il-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo] = I’m debating whether to read it or not. 📖
  • 입다 [ip-da] = to wear → 입을까 말까 해요 [i-beul-kka mal-kka hae-yo] = I’m debating whether to wear it or not. 🧥
 

3. ㄹ-ending stems: keep ㄹ + 까 말까 하다

Do not add extra 을.
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] = to make → 만들까 말까 해요 [man-deul-kka mal-kka hae-yo] = I’m debating whether to make it or not. 🛠️
  • 열다 [yeol-da] = to open → 열까 말까 해요 [yeol-kka mal-kka hae-yo] = I’m debating whether to open it or not. 📂
  • 팔다 [pal-da] = to sell → 팔까 말까 해요 [pal-kka mal-kka hae-yo] = I’m debating whether to sell it or not. 🪑
 

4. Common hesitation partners

These words make the hesitation sound natural:
  • 고민하다 [go-min-ha-da] = to think hard / worry over a choice 🧠
  • 망설이다 [mang-seo-ri-da] = to hesitate / waver 🤔
  • 생각 중이다 [saeng-gak jung-i-da] = to be thinking / be in the middle of thinking 💭
 
Natural sentence frames:
  • 갈까 말까 고민하고 있어요. [gal-kka mal-kka go-min-ha-go i-sseo-yo] = I’m debating whether to go or not.
  • 살까 말까 망설이고 있어요. [sal-kka mal-kka mang-seo-ri-go i-sseo-yo] = I’m hesitating over whether to buy it or not.
  • 보낼까 말까 생각 중이에요. [bo-nael-kka mal-kka saeng-gak jung-i-e-yo] = I’m thinking about whether to send it or not.

🛠️ How They Work in a Sentence

  • 비행기 표를 살까 말까 고민하고 있어요.
      • [bi-haeng-gi pyo-reul sal-kka mal-kka go-min-ha-go i-sseo-yo]
      I’m debating whether to buy the plane ticket or not. ✈️
      비행기 표 = plane ticket; 사다 = to buy; 고민하다 = to think hard over a choice.
 
  • 이 메시지를 보낼까 말까 망설이고 있어요.
      • [i me-si-ji-reul bo-nael-kka mal-kka mang-seo-ri-go i-sseo-yo]
      I’m hesitating about whether to send this message or not. 💬
      이 = this; 메시지 = message; 보내다 = to send; 망설이다 = to hesitate.
 
  • 오늘 회의에 갈까 말까 생각 중이에요.
      • [o-neul hoe-ui-e gal-kka mal-kka saeng-gak jung-i-e-yo]
      I’m thinking about whether to go to today’s meeting or not. 🗓️
      오늘 = today; 회의 = meeting; 가다 = to go.

🧩 General Formation Rule

Vowel stems

Remove 다, then add ㄹ까 말까 해요.
  • 가다 → 갈까 말까 해요
  • 사다 → 살까 말까 해요
  • 쉬다 → 쉴까 말까 해요
  • 보내다 → 보낼까 말까 해요
 

Consonant stems

Remove 다, then add 을까 말까 해요.
  • 먹다 → 먹을까 말까 해요
  • 읽다 → 읽을까 말까 해요
  • 입다 → 입을까 말까 해요
 

ㄹ stems

Keep the existing ㄹ, then add 까 말까 해요.
  • 만들다 → 만들까 말까 해요
  • 열다 → 열까 말까 해요
  • 팔다 → 팔까 말까 해요
 

Useful variations

  • 살까 말까 해요 = I’m debating whether to buy it or not.
  • 살까 말까 고민해요 = I’m debating / thinking hard about whether to buy it or not.
  • 살까 말까 망설이고 있어요 = I’m hesitating about whether to buy it or not.
  • 살까 말까 생각 중이에요 = I’m thinking about whether to buy it or not.
 

🚨 Nuance Rule: This is for verbs, not adjectives

Use -(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다 with actions: buy, go, send, eat, read, wear, open, sell, reserve, cancel.
 
It is not the natural default for a vague state like “be good or not” or “be healthy or not.” If you mean a real action, make the action concrete:
  • ❌ 건강할까 말까 해요
      • [geon-gang-hal-kka mal-kka hae-yo]
      Awkward as “I’m debating whether to be healthy or not.”
  • ✅ 운동할까 말까 해요
      • [un-dong-hal-kka mal-kka hae-yo]
      I’m debating whether to exercise or not. 🏃
 

📚 Cross-check note

The -(으)ㄹ까 ending, the negative idea in 말까, and core hesitation verbs like 망설이다 and 고민하다 were checked against National Institute of Korean Language resources at korean.go.kr and learner-facing grammar references for natural usage. ✅
 

🪞 Synonym Alert

  • -(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다 [-(eu)l-kka mal-kka ha-da] → to debate whether to do or not; two-sided hesitation ⚖️
  • -(으)ㄹ까 하다 [-(eu)l-kka ha-da] → to be thinking of doing; softer one-sided tentative plan 🤔
  • 고민하다 [go-min-ha-da] → to think hard / worry over a decision 🧠
  • 망설이다 [mang-seo-ri-da] → to hesitate / waver before acting 🫣
  • 생각 중이다 [saeng-gak jung-i-da] → to be thinking; neutral and less emotionally loaded 💭
 

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • ❌ 먹ㄹ까 말까 해요 → ✅ 먹을까 말까 해요 (Consonant stem + 을까.) 🍱
  • ❌ 만들을까 말까 해요 → ✅ 만들까 말까 해요 (ㄹ stem keeps ㄹ; no extra 을.) 🛠️
  • ❌ 갈까 안 갈까 해요 → ✅ 갈까 말까 해요 (The standard compact pattern uses 말까.) 🚶
  • ❌ Using it for a firm decision → ✅ Use -기로 했어요 when the decision is already made. ✅
  • ❌ Using it with vague adjectives → ✅ Make the action concrete: 운동할까 말까 해요, not a vague “be healthy or not.” 🏃
 
Tiny indecision, big nuance: 살까 말까 해요 lets you say “my cart is full, but my courage is buffering.” 🛒🤔
 
Try this exercise
Instructions
Complete each sentence with the natural hesitation form. Check the verb stem, say the full sentence aloud, then open the Answer toggle. Your goal is to feel the two-sided “do it or not?” meaning. ⚖️
1. 오늘 회의에 ＿＿＿＿.
[o-neul hoe-ui-e ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to go to today’s meeting or not. 🗓️
Answer
갈까 말까 해요 [gal-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — 가다 is a vowel-stem verb, so add ㄹ까 말까 해요.
2. 점심을 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeom-si-meul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to eat lunch or not. 🍱
Answer
먹을까 말까 해요 [meo-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — 먹다 ends in a consonant, so use 을까 말까.
3. 새 코트를 ＿＿＿＿.
[sae ko-teu-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to buy a new coat or not. 🧥
Answer
살까 말까 해요 [sal-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — 사다 → 살까 말까 해요.
4. 이 책을 ＿＿＿＿.
[i chae-geul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to read this book or not. 📖
Answer
읽을까 말까 해요 [il-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
5. 도시락을 ＿＿＿＿.
[do-si-ra-geul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to make a lunchbox or not. 🍱
Answer
만들까 말까 해요 [man-deul-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — ㄹ stem: no extra 을.
6. 문을 ＿＿＿＿.
[mu-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to open the door or not. 🚪
Answer
열까 말까 해요 [yeol-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
7. 이 메시지를 ＿＿＿＿.
[i me-si-ji-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to send this message or not. 💬
Answer
보낼까 말까 해요 [bo-nael-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
8. 그 영화를 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu yeong-hwa-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to watch that movie or not. 🎬
Answer
볼까 말까 해요 [bol-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — 보다 → 볼까 말까 해요.
9. ❌ 만들을까 말까 해요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[man-deu-reul-kka mal-kka hae-yo → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix “I’m debating whether to make it or not.” 🛠️
Answer
만들까 말까 해요 [man-deul-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — ㄹ stem keeps ㄹ.
10. 예약 시간을 ＿＿＿＿.
[ye-yak si-ga-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to change the reservation time or not. 🕒
Answer
바꿀까 말까 해요 [ba-kkul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 가다 → to go
  • 오늘 → today
  • 회의 → meeting
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 점심 → lunch
  • 사다 → to buy
  • 새 → new
  • 코트 → coat
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 이 → this
  • 책 → book
  • 만들다 → to make
  • 도시락 → lunchbox
  • 열다 → to open
  • 문 → door
  • 보내다 → to send
  • 메시지 → message
  • 보다 → to see/watch
  • 그 → that
  • 영화 → movie
  • 예약 시간 → reservation time
  • 바꾸다 → to change
Tip 💡 -(으)ㄹ까 말까 해요 = “I’m debating whether to do it or not.”
🚀
Want more reps? The Practice Hub below turns hesitation into smooth, confident pattern recognition. ⚖️✨
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — Hesitation: -(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다
 
Welcome to the hesitation gym. ⚖️ In this Practice Hub, you’ll train the difference between “I’m thinking of doing it” and “I’m torn between doing it and not doing it.” Your Korean brain may wobble a little at first, but that’s literally the grammar. 🤔
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear the sentence rhythm.
 
📝 Instructions: Complete each blank with the natural hesitation form, choose the best nuance when asked, and say the finished sentence aloud before checking the Answer toggle.
 

Exercise 1 — Vowel Stems: ㄹ까 말까 🪶

A. 내일 카페에 ＿＿＿＿.
[nae-il ka-pe-e ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to go to the cafe tomorrow or not. ☕
Answer
갈까 말까 해요 [gal-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — 가다 → 갈까 말까 해요.
B. 이 가방을 ＿＿＿＿.
[i ga-bang-eul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to buy this bag or not. 👜
Answer
살까 말까 해요 [sal-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
C. 오늘 집에서 ＿＿＿＿.
[o-neul ji-be-seo ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to rest at home today or not. 🛋️
Answer
쉴까 말까 해요 [swil-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
D. 사진을 친구에게 ＿＿＿＿.
[sa-ji-neul chin-gu-e-ge ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to send the photo to my friend or not. 📷
Answer
보낼까 말까 해요 [bo-nael-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
E. 예약 시간을 ＿＿＿＿.
[ye-yak si-ga-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to change the reservation time or not. 🕒
Answer
바꿀까 말까 해요 [ba-kkul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
F. 온라인으로 ＿＿＿＿.
[ol-la-in-eu-ro ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to apply online or not. 💻
Answer
신청할까 말까 해요 [sin-cheong-hal-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
G. 저녁 식당을 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-nyeok sik-dang-eul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to reserve a restaurant for dinner or not. 🍽️
Answer
예약할까 말까 해요 [ye-yak-hal-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
H. 그 영화를 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu yeong-hwa-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to watch that movie or not. 🎬
Answer
볼까 말까 해요 [bol-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
I. 커피를 ＿＿＿＿.
[keo-pi-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to drink coffee or not. ☕
Answer
마실까 말까 해요 [ma-sil-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
J. 비행기 표를 ＿＿＿＿.
[bi-haeng-gi pyo-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to buy the plane ticket or not. ✈️
Answer
살까 말까 해요 [sal-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
🪶
Vocabulary Box
  • 가다 → to go
  • 내일 → tomorrow
  • 카페 → cafe
  • 사다 → to buy
  • 이 → this
  • 가방 → bag
  • 쉬다 → to rest
  • 오늘 → today
  • 집 → home
  • 보내다 → to send
  • 사진 → photo
  • 친구 → friend
  • 바꾸다 → to change
  • 예약 시간 → reservation time
  • 신청하다 → to apply
  • 온라인 → online
  • 예약하다 → to reserve
  • 저녁 → dinner/evening
  • 식당 → restaurant
  • 보다 → to see/watch
  • 그 → that
  • 영화 → movie
  • 마시다 → to drink
  • 커피 → coffee
  • 비행기 표 → plane ticket
Tip 💡 Vowel stem? Add ㄹ까 말까 해요.
 

Exercise 2 — Consonant Stems: 을까 말까 🧱

A. 아침을 ＿＿＿＿.
[a-chi-meul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to eat breakfast or not. 🍳
Answer
먹을까 말까 해요 [meo-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
B. 밤에 책을 ＿＿＿＿.
[ba-me chae-geul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to read a book at night or not. 📖
Answer
읽을까 말까 해요 [il-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
C. 오늘 코트를 ＿＿＿＿.
[o-neul ko-teu-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to wear a coat today or not. 🧥
Answer
입을까 말까 해요 [i-beul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
D. 점심을 밖에서 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeom-si-meul ba-kke-seo ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to eat lunch outside or not. 🍱
Answer
먹을까 말까 해요 [meo-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
E. 설명서를 다시 ＿＿＿＿.
[seol-myeong-seo-reul da-si ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to read the instructions again or not. 📄
Answer
읽을까 말까 해요 [il-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
F. 새 셔츠를 ＿＿＿＿.
[sae syeo-cheu-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to wear the new shirt or not. 👕
Answer
입을까 말까 해요 [i-beul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
G. 회의 전에 간식을 ＿＿＿＿.
[hoe-ui jeo-ne gan-si-geul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to eat a snack before the meeting or not. 🍪
Answer
먹을까 말까 해요 [meo-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
H. 이 안내문을 ＿＿＿＿.
[i an-nae-mu-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to read this notice or not. 📋
Answer
읽을까 말까 해요 [il-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
I. 검은 모자를 ＿＿＿＿.
[geo-meun mo-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to wear the black hat or not. 🧢
Answer
입을까 말까 해요 [i-beul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
J. 저녁을 집에서 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-nyeo-geul ji-be-seo ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to eat dinner at home or not. 🍚
Answer
먹을까 말까 해요 [meo-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
🧱
Vocabulary Box
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 아침 → breakfast / morning
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 밤 → night
  • 책 → book
  • 입다 → to wear
  • 오늘 → today
  • 코트 → coat
  • 점심 → lunch
  • 밖 → outside
  • 설명서 → instructions / manual
  • 다시 → again
  • 새 → new
  • 셔츠 → shirt
  • 회의 → meeting
  • 전 → before
  • 간식 → snack
  • 이 → this
  • 안내문 → notice / 안내 text
  • 검은 → black
  • 모자 → hat
  • 저녁 → dinner/evening
  • 집 → home
Tip 💡 Consonant stem? Add 을까 말까 해요.
 

Exercise 3 — ㄹ Stems + Decision Verbs 🧠

A. 주말에 도시락을 ＿＿＿＿.
[ju-ma-re do-si-ra-geul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to make a lunchbox on the weekend or not. 🍱
Answer
만들까 말까 해요 [man-deul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
B. 아침에 문을 ＿＿＿＿.
[a-chi-me mu-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to open the door in the morning or not. 🚪
Answer
열까 말까 해요 [yeol-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
C. 안 쓰는 의자를 ＿＿＿＿.
[an sseu-neun ui-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to sell the chair I don’t use or not. 🪑
Answer
팔까 말까 해요 [pal-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
D. 가족에게 김밥을 ＿＿＿＿.
[ga-jo-ge-ge gim-ba-beul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to make gimbap for my family or not. 🍙
Answer
만들까 말까 해요 [man-deul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
E. 회의 전에 파일을 ＿＿＿＿.
[hoe-ui jeo-ne pa-i-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to open the file before the meeting or not. 📁
Answer
열까 말까 해요 [yeol-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
F. 중고 가방을 ＿＿＿＿.
[jung-go ga-bang-eul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to sell the used bag or not. 👜
Answer
팔까 말까 해요 [pal-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
G. 친구에게 선물을 ＿＿＿＿.
[chin-gu-e-ge seon-mu-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to make a gift for my friend or not. 🎁
Answer
만들까 말까 해요 [man-deul-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
H. 추워서 창문을 ＿＿＿＿.
[chu-wo-seo chang-mu-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to open the window because it’s cold or not. 🪟
Answer
열까 말까 해요 [yeol-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
I. 낡은 책상을 ＿＿＿＿.
[nal-geun chaek-sang-eul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m debating whether to sell the old desk or not. 🪑
Answer
팔까 말까 해요 [pal-kka mal-kka hae-yo].
J. ❌ 만들을까 말까 해요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[man-deu-reul-kka mal-kka hae-yo → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the hesitation form for “to make.” 🛠️
Answer
만들까 말까 해요 [man-deul-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — 만들다 already ends in ㄹ.
🧠
Vocabulary Box
  • 만들다 → to make
  • 주말 → weekend
  • 도시락 → lunchbox
  • 열다 → to open
  • 아침 → morning / breakfast
  • 문 → door
  • 팔다 → to sell
  • 안 쓰는 → unused / not using
  • 의자 → chair
  • 가족 → family
  • 김밥 → gimbap
  • 회의 → meeting
  • 전 → before
  • 파일 → file
  • 중고 → used / secondhand
  • 가방 → bag
  • 친구 → friend
  • 선물 → gift
  • 춥다 → to be cold
  • 창문 → window
  • 낡은 → old / worn
  • 책상 → desk
Tip 💡 ㄹ stems keep ㄹ: 열까, 팔까, 만들까.
 

Exercise 4 — Partner Words: 고민하다, 망설이다, 생각 중이다 💭

A. 비행기 표를 살까 말까 ＿＿＿＿.
[bi-haeng-gi pyo-reul sal-kka mal-kka ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking hard about whether to buy the plane ticket or not. ✈️
Answer
고민하고 있어요 [go-min-ha-go i-sseo-yo] — active debating / thinking hard.
B. 이 메시지를 보낼까 말까 ＿＿＿＿.
[i me-si-ji-reul bo-nael-kka mal-kka ＿＿＿＿]
I’m hesitating about whether to send this message or not. 💬
Answer
망설이고 있어요 [mang-seo-ri-go i-sseo-yo] — hesitation before acting.
C. 회의에 갈까 말까 ＿＿＿＿.
[hoe-ui-e gal-kka mal-kka ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking about whether to go to the meeting or not. 🗓️
Answer
생각 중이에요 [saeng-gak jung-i-e-yo] — neutral “in the middle of thinking.”
D. 코트를 입을까 말까 ＿＿＿＿.
[ko-teu-reul i-beul-kka mal-kka ＿＿＿＿]
I’m hesitating about whether to wear the coat or not. 🧥
Answer
망설이고 있어요 [mang-seo-ri-go i-sseo-yo].
E. 식당을 예약할까 말까 ＿＿＿＿.
[sik-dang-eul ye-yak-hal-kka mal-kka ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking hard about whether to reserve a restaurant or not. 🍽️
Answer
고민하고 있어요 [go-min-ha-go i-sseo-yo].
F. 오늘 쉴까 말까 ＿＿＿＿.
[o-neul swil-kka mal-kka ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking about whether to rest today or not. 🛋️
Answer
생각 중이에요 [saeng-gak jung-i-e-yo].
G. 창문을 열까 말까 ＿＿＿＿.
[chang-mu-neul yeol-kka mal-kka ＿＿＿＿]
I’m hesitating about whether to open the window or not. 🪟
Answer
망설이고 있어요 [mang-seo-ri-go i-sseo-yo].
H. 신청서를 보낼까 말까 ＿＿＿＿.
[sin-cheong-seo-reul bo-nael-kka mal-kka ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking hard about whether to send the application form or not. 📄
Answer
고민하고 있어요 [go-min-ha-go i-sseo-yo].
I. 그 책을 읽을까 말까 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu chae-geul il-geul-kka mal-kka ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking about whether to read that book or not. 📖
Answer
생각 중이에요 [saeng-gak jung-i-e-yo].
J. 중고 의자를 팔까 말까 ＿＿＿＿.
[jung-go ui-ja-reul pal-kka mal-kka ＿＿＿＿]
I’m hesitating about whether to sell the used chair or not. 🪑
Answer
망설이고 있어요 [mang-seo-ri-go i-sseo-yo].
💭
Vocabulary Box
  • 고민하다 → to think hard / worry over a choice
  • 망설이다 → to hesitate / waver
  • 생각 중이다 → to be thinking
  • 비행기 표 → plane ticket
  • 사다 → to buy
  • 이 → this
  • 메시지 → message
  • 보내다 → to send
  • 회의 → meeting
  • 가다 → to go
  • 코트 → coat
  • 입다 → to wear
  • 식당 → restaurant
  • 예약하다 → to reserve
  • 오늘 → today
  • 쉬다 → to rest
  • 창문 → window
  • 열다 → to open
  • 신청서 → application form
  • 그 → that
  • 책 → book
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 중고 → used / secondhand
  • 의자 → chair
  • 팔다 → to sell
Tip 💡 고민하다 = mental weighing; 망설이다 = hesitation before action; 생각 중이다 = neutral thinking.
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. ❌ 먹ㄹ까 말까 해요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[meok-l-kka mal-kka hae-yo → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix “I’m debating whether to eat or not.” 🍱
Answer
먹을까 말까 해요 [meo-geul-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — consonant stem + 을까.
B. ❌ 열을까 말까 해요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[yeo-reul-kka mal-kka hae-yo → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix “I’m debating whether to open it or not.” 🚪
Answer
열까 말까 해요 [yeol-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — 열다 is an ㄹ stem; no extra 을.
C. ❌ 갈까 안 갈까 해요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[gal-kka an gal-kka hae-yo → ＿＿＿＿]
Use the compact hesitation pattern. 🚶
Answer
갈까 말까 해요 [gal-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — standard pattern uses 말까.
D. Choose the two-sided hesitation sentence:
① 보낼까 해요.
② 보낼까 말까 해요.
Answer
② — 보낼까 말까 해요 means “I’m debating whether to send it or not.”
E. Choose the firm decision:
① 살까 말까 고민하고 있어요.
② 사기로 했어요.
Answer
② — 사기로 했어요 means “I decided to buy it.” Decision made. ✅
F. 입을까 말까 망설이고 있어요. means:
[i-beul-kka mal-kka mang-seo-ri-go i-sseo-yo]
Answer
I’m hesitating about whether to wear it or not. 🧥
G. 신청할까 말까 생각 중이에요. means:
[sin-cheong-hal-kka mal-kka saeng-gak jung-i-e-yo]
Answer
I’m thinking about whether to apply or not. 💻
H. 예약할까 말까 고민해요. means:
[ye-yak-hal-kka mal-kka go-min-hae-yo]
Answer
I’m debating whether to make a reservation or not. 🍽️
I. ❌ 건강할까 말까 해요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[geon-gang-hal-kka mal-kka hae-yo → ＿＿＿＿]
Make the hesitation about a concrete action. 🏃
Answer
운동할까 말까 해요 [un-dong-hal-kka mal-kka hae-yo] — action verb: “I’m debating whether to exercise or not.”
J. Core feeling of -(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다:
Answer
Two-sided hesitation: the speaker is wavering between doing the action and not doing it. ⚖️
🛡️
Vocabulary Box
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 열다 → to open
  • 가다 → to go
  • 보내다 → to send
  • 사다 → to buy
  • 사기로 했다 → decided to buy
  • 입다 → to wear
  • 망설이다 → to hesitate
  • 신청하다 → to apply
  • 생각 중이다 → to be thinking
  • 예약하다 → to reserve
  • 고민하다 → to think hard / debate
  • 건강하다 → to be healthy
  • 운동하다 → to exercise
  • -(으)ㄹ까 하다 → to be thinking of doing
  • -(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다 → to debate whether to do or not
  • -기로 했다 → decided to do
Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol: hesitation is not a decision, and 말까 is the built-in “or not.”
 
🎉 Hesitation mastered! Now you can say 갈까 말까 해요, 살까 말까 고민해요, and 보낼까 말까 망설이고 있어요 without your grammar wobbling — even if your decision still does. ⚖️🤔