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Polite hesitation: -(으)ㄹ까 하는데요

Keywords
주저
Lesson #
S
Done
Section
Intermediate Grammar
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TL;DR 🦄
  • 🤔 -(으)ㄹ까 하는데요 [-(eu)l-kka ha-neun-de-yo] means “I’m thinking of doing..., but/so...” with a polite, slightly hesitant setup.
  • 🫧 It combines -(으)ㄹ까 하다 “to be thinking of doing” + -는데요 “soft background / hesitation / opening for a response.”
  • 💬 Use it before asking advice, permission, help, or confirmation: 예약 시간을 바꿀까 하는데요. [ye-yak si-ga-neul ba-kkul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of changing the reservation time, so...
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets to hear 전화할까 하는데요 [jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo], 예약할까 하는데요 [ye-yak-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo], and 마시지 말까 하는데요 [ma-si-ji mal-kka ha-neun-de-yo]. The rhythm should feel like a polite “I’m considering it, and I’d like your reaction.” 🫧
 

🌈 The Big Picture

-(으)ㄹ까 하는데요 is for softly bringing up a tentative plan.
 
It feels like:
  • “I’m thinking of doing it, but…”
  • “I’m considering doing it, so…”
  • “I was wondering about doing it…”
  • “I might do it, and I’d like to ask/check something.”
 
Example:
  • 오늘 병원에 전화할까 하는데요.
      • [o-neul byeong-wo-ne jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo]
      I’m thinking of calling the hospital today, so... 🏥
      오늘 = today, 병원 = hospital, 전화하다 = to call.
 
The sentence often does not feel fully finished. It politely opens the door for the next question:
  • 오늘 병원에 전화할까 하는데요, 괜찮을까요?
      • [o-neul byeong-wo-ne jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo, gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo]
      I’m thinking of calling the hospital today — do you think that would be okay? 🏥
 
So this grammar is perfect when you want to sound cautious, thoughtful, and not pushy. Very “soft knock on the conversation door.” 🚪
 

🎨 The Core -(으)ㄹ까 하는데요 Family

1. Vowel stem + ㄹ까 하는데요

  • 전화하다 → 전화할까 하는데요 [jeon-hwa-ha-da → jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of calling, so...
  • 예약하다 → 예약할까 하는데요 [ye-yak-ha-da → ye-yak-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of making a reservation, so...
  • 쉬다 → 쉴까 하는데요 [swi-da → swil-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of resting, so...
  • 보내다 → 보낼까 하는데요 [bo-nae-da → bo-nael-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of sending it, so...
 

2. Consonant stem + 을까 하는데요

  • 먹다 → 먹을까 하는데요 [meok-da → meo-geul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of eating, so...
  • 읽다 → 읽을까 하는데요 [ik-da → il-geul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of reading, so...
  • 찾다 → 찾을까 하는데요 [chat-da → cha-jeul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of looking for it, so...
  • 앉다 → 앉을까 하는데요 [an-da → an-jeul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of sitting, so...
 

3. ㄹ-ending stem + 까 하는데요

Keep the existing ㄹ. Do not add extra 을.
  • 만들다 → 만들까 하는데요 [man-deul-da → man-deul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of making it, so...
  • 살다 → 살까 하는데요 [sal-da → sal-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of living there, so...
  • 열다 → 열까 하는데요 [yeol-da → yeol-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of opening it, so...
 

4. Negative tentative plan

Use -지 말까 하는데요 or 안 ... -(으)ㄹ까 하는데요.
  • 오늘은 커피를 마시지 말까 하는데요.
      • [o-neu-reun keo-pi-reul ma-si-ji mal-kka ha-neun-de-yo]
      I’m thinking of not drinking coffee today, so... ☕
  • 고객센터에 안 전화할까 하는데요.
      • [go-gaek-sen-teo-e an jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo]
      I’m thinking of not calling customer service, so... ☎️
 

🛠️ How It Works in a Sentence

1. Asking if a tentative plan is okay
  • 예약 시간을 바꿀까 하는데요, 괜찮을까요?
      • [ye-yak si-ga-neul ba-kkul-kka ha-neun-de-yo, gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo]
      I’m thinking of changing the reservation time — do you think that would be okay? 🕒
      예약 시간 = reservation time, 바꾸다 = to change, 괜찮다 = to be okay.
 
2. Asking for help
  • 이 메시지를 보낼까 하는데요, 한번 봐 주실래요?
      • [i me-si-ji-reul bo-nael-kka ha-neun-de-yo, han-beon bwa ju-sil-lae-yo]
      I’m thinking of sending this message — could you take a look once? 💬
      메시지 = message, 보내다 = to send, 보다 = to look.
 
3. Softly explaining hesitation
  • 오늘은 커피를 마시지 말까 하는데요.
      • [o-neu-reun keo-pi-reul ma-si-ji mal-kka ha-neun-de-yo]
      I’m thinking of not drinking coffee today, so... ☕
      오늘 = today, 커피 = coffee, 마시다 = to drink.
 

🧩 General Formation Rule

Build it in two steps:
 
Step 1: Make the tentative plan
  • Vowel stem: 전화하다 → 전화할까 하다
  • Consonant stem: 먹다 → 먹을까 하다
  • ㄹ stem: 만들다 → 만들까 하다
 
Step 2: Add -는데요 to 하다
  • 전화할까 하다 → 전화할까 하는데요
  • 먹을까 하다 → 먹을까 하는데요
  • 만들까 하다 → 만들까 하는데요
 
Common endings:
  • 전화할까 하는데요 = I’m thinking of calling, so...
  • 전화할까 했는데요 = I was thinking of calling, but/so...
  • 전화할까 하는데 괜찮을까요? = I’m thinking of calling — would that be okay?
 

🚨 Nuance Rule: Why 하는데요?

-(으)ㄹ까 해요 is already a complete sentence:
  • 전화할까 해요.
      • [jeon-hwa-hal-kka hae-yo]
      I’m thinking of calling. 📞
 
-(으)ㄹ까 하는데요 is more open-ended:
  • 전화할까 하는데요.
      • [jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo]
      I’m thinking of calling, so... 📞
 
It often expects the listener to respond, advise, allow, correct, or continue the conversation. It is softer and more hesitant than simply announcing the plan. 🫧
 

📚 Cross-check note

This lesson was checked against korean.go.kr usage guidance for related forms: -(으)ㄹ까 expresses uncertainty, conjecture, or a deliberative question-like feeling, while -는데요 can introduce background or soften a statement before more conversation. This lesson combines them as a practical learner pattern for polite hesitation. ✅
 

🪞 Synonym Alert

  • -(으)ㄹ까 해요 [-(eu)l-kka hae-yo] = I’m thinking of doing it. Complete tentative statement. 🤔
  • -(으)ㄹ까 하는데요 [-(eu)l-kka ha-neun-de-yo] = I’m thinking of doing it, so... Softer, more hesitant, often before a question. 🫧
  • -(으)려고 해요 [-(eu)ryeo-go hae-yo] = I’m planning/intending to do it. Firmer. 🗓️
  • -기로 했어요 [-gi-ro hae-sseo-yo] = I decided to do it. Decision made. ✅
  • -(으)ㄹ까요? [-(eu)l-kka-yo] = Shall we / should I / do you think...? A direct question. ❓
 

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • ❌ 전화할까요 하는데요 → ✅ 전화할까 하는데요 (Do not use question -까요? before 하는데요.)
  • ❌ 먹ㄹ까 하는데요 → ✅ 먹을까 하는데요 (Consonant stem needs 을까.)
  • ❌ 만들을까 하는데요 → ✅ 만들까 하는데요 (ㄹ stem keeps ㄹ; no extra 을.)
  • ❌ Using it for a firm decision → ✅ use -기로 했어요 when the decision is already settled.
  • ❌ Ending every sentence with 하는데요 without a reason → ✅ use it when you want a soft lead-in, hesitation, or listener response.
 
🎉 Now you can float a tentative plan politely: 전화할까 하는데요, 예약할까 하는데요, 마시지 말까 하는데요. It’s Korean for “tiny thoughtful pause before asking.” 🤔🫧
 
Try this exercise
Instructions
Complete each sentence with the polite hesitation form -(으)ㄹ까 하는데요. Check the verb stem, say the full sentence aloud, then open the Answer toggle. 🫧
1. 오늘 병원에 ＿＿＿＿.
[o-neul byeong-wo-ne ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of calling the hospital today, so... 🏥
Answer
전화할까 하는데요 [jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo] — 전화하다 → 전화할까 하는데요.
2. 밤에 책을 ＿＿＿＿.
[ba-me chae-geul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of reading a book at night, so... 📖
Answer
읽을까 하는데요 [il-geul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] — consonant stem + 을까 하는데요.
3. 오늘은 집에서 ＿＿＿＿.
[o-neu-reun ji-be-seo ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of resting at home today, so... 🛋️
Answer
쉴까 하는데요 [swil-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
4. 점심은 밖에서 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeom-si-meun ba-kke-seo ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of eating lunch outside, so... 🍱
Answer
먹을까 하는데요 [meo-geul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
5. 내일 샌드위치를 ＿＿＿＿.
[nae-il saen-deu-wi-chi-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of making a sandwich tomorrow, so... 🥪
Answer
만들까 하는데요 [man-deul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] — ㄹ stem, no extra 을.
6. 이 메시지를 나중에 ＿＿＿＿.
[i me-si-ji-reul na-jung-e ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of sending this message later, so... 💬
Answer
보낼까 하는데요 [bo-nael-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
7. 오늘은 커피를 ＿＿＿＿.
[o-neu-reun keo-pi-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of not drinking coffee today, so... ☕
Answer
마시지 말까 하는데요 [ma-si-ji mal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
8. ❌ 만들을까 하는데요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[man-deu-reul-kka ha-neun-de-yo → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix “I’m thinking of making it, so...” 🛠️
Answer
만들까 하는데요 [man-deul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
9. Choose the softer lead-in:
① 예약할까 해요.
② 예약할까 하는데요.
Answer
② — 예약할까 하는데요 sounds like a soft lead-in before asking or explaining more.
10. ❌ 전화할까요 하는데요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[jeon-hwa-hal-kka-yo ha-neun-de-yo → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix “I’m thinking of calling, so...” 📞
Answer
전화할까 하는데요 [jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 전화하다 [jeon-hwa-ha-da] → to call
  • 병원 [byeong-won] → hospital
  • 읽다 [ik-da] → to read
  • 책 [chaek] → book
  • 쉬다 [swi-da] → to rest
  • 집 [jip] → home
  • 먹다 [meok-da] → to eat
  • 점심 [jeom-sim] → lunch
  • 밖 [bak] → outside
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
  • 샌드위치 [saen-deu-wi-chi] → sandwich
  • 보내다 [bo-nae-da] → to send
  • 메시지 [me-si-ji] → message
  • 나중에 [na-jung-e] → later
  • 마시지 말다 [ma-si-ji mal-da] → to not drink
  • 커피 [keo-pi] → coffee
Tip 💡 하는데요 makes the tentative plan feel softer and more open-ended.
🚀
Want more reps? Keep scrolling to the Practice Hub when you're ready!
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — Polite hesitation: -(으)ㄹ까 하는데요
 
Welcome to the polite maybe-machine. 🤔 You’ll practice soft lead-ins like “I’m thinking of calling, so...” and “I’m considering not drinking coffee, but...” This is the grammar equivalent of raising your hand gently before asking for advice. 🫧
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence before checking your answer.
 
📝 Instructions: Complete each sentence with the natural -(으)ㄹ까 하는데요 form. Watch the stem ending, keep the feeling tentative, then open the Answer toggle.
 

Exercise 1 — Vowel Stems: ㄹ까 하는데요 🪶

A. 오늘 약국에 ＿＿＿＿.
[o-neul yak-gu-ge ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of calling the pharmacy today, so... 💊
Answer
전화할까 하는데요 [jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
B. 저녁 식당을 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-nyeok sik-dang-eul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of reserving a restaurant for dinner, so... 🍽️
Answer
예약할까 하는데요 [ye-yak-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
C. 잠깐 방에서 ＿＿＿＿.
[jam-kkan bang-e-seo ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of resting in the room for a moment, so... 🛏️
Answer
쉴까 하는데요 [swil-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
D. 사진을 가족에게 ＿＿＿＿.
[sa-ji-neul ga-jo-ge-ge ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of sending the photo to my family, so... 📷
Answer
보낼까 하는데요 [bo-nael-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
E. 비밀번호를 오늘 ＿＿＿＿.
[bi-mil-beo-no-reul o-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of changing the password today, so... 🔐
Answer
바꿀까 하는데요 [ba-kkul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
F. 여기에서 잠깐 ＿＿＿＿.
[yeo-gi-e-seo jam-kkan ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of waiting here for a moment, so... 📍
Answer
기다릴까 하는데요 [gi-da-ril-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
G. 직원에게 가격을 ＿＿＿＿.
[ji-gwo-ne-ge ga-gyeo-geul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of asking the staff about the price, so... 🏷️
Answer
물어볼까 하는데요 [mu-reo-bol-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
H. 이 문장을 다시 ＿＿＿＿.
[i mun-jang-eul da-si ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of fixing this sentence again, so... ✍️
Answer
고칠까 하는데요 [go-chil-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
I. 책상을 먼저 ＿＿＿＿.
[chaek-sang-eul meon-jeo ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of organizing the desk first, so... 🧹
Answer
정리할까 하는데요 [jeong-ni-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
J. 온라인으로 ＿＿＿＿.
[ol-la-in-eu-ro ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of applying online, so... 💻
Answer
신청할까 하는데요 [sin-cheong-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
🪶
Vocabulary Box
  • 전화하다 [jeon-hwa-ha-da] → to call
  • 약국 [yak-guk] → pharmacy
  • 예약하다 [ye-yak-ha-da] → to reserve
  • 식당 [sik-dang] → restaurant
  • 쉬다 [swi-da] → to rest
  • 방 [bang] → room
  • 보내다 [bo-nae-da] → to send
  • 사진 [sa-jin] → photo
  • 가족 [ga-jok] → family
  • 바꾸다 [ba-kku-da] → to change
  • 비밀번호 [bi-mil-beon-ho] → password
  • 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] → to wait
  • 물어보다 [mu-reo-bo-da] → to ask
  • 가격 [ga-gyeok] → price
  • 고치다 [go-chi-da] → to fix
  • 문장 [mun-jang] → sentence
  • 정리하다 [jeong-ni-ha-da] → to organize
  • 책상 [chaek-sang] → desk
  • 신청하다 [sin-cheong-ha-da] → to apply
Tip 💡 Vowel stem? Add ㄹ까 하는데요.
 

Exercise 2 — Consonant Stems: 을까 하는데요 🧱

A. 설명서를 천천히 ＿＿＿＿.
[seol-myeong-seo-reul cheon-cheon-hi ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of reading the instructions slowly, so... 📄
Answer
읽을까 하는데요 [il-geul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
B. 아침은 집에서 ＿＿＿＿.
[a-chi-meun ji-be-seo ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of eating breakfast at home, so... 🍳
Answer
먹을까 하는데요 [meo-geul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
C. 잃어버린 카드를 ＿＿＿＿.
[i-reo-beo-rin ka-deu-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of looking for the lost card, so... 💳
Answer
찾을까 하는데요 [cha-jeul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
D. 창가 자리에 ＿＿＿＿.
[chang-ga ja-ri-e ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of sitting by the window, so... 🪟
Answer
앉을까 하는데요 [an-jeul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
E. 조용한 음악을 ＿＿＿＿.
[jo-yong-han eu-ma-geul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of listening to quiet music, so... 🎧
Answer
들을까 하는데요 [deu-reul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
F. 택배를 로비에서 ＿＿＿＿.
[taek-bae-reul ro-bi-e-seo ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of receiving the package in the lobby, so... 📦
Answer
받을까 하는데요 [ba-deul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
G. 창문을 조금 ＿＿＿＿.
[chang-mu-neul jo-geum ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of closing the window a little, so... 🪟
Answer
닫을까 하는데요 [da-deul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
H. 코트를 ＿＿＿＿.
[ko-teu-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of wearing a coat, so... 🧥
Answer
입을까 하는데요 [i-beul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
I. 역까지 ＿＿＿＿.
[yeok-kka-ji ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of walking to the station, so... 🚶
Answer
걸을까 하는데요 [geo-reul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
J. 영수증 사진을 ＿＿＿＿.
[yeong-su-jeung sa-ji-neul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of taking a photo of the receipt, so... 🧾
Answer
찍을까 하는데요 [jji-geul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
🧱
Vocabulary Box
  • 읽다 [ik-da] → to read
  • 설명서 [seol-myeong-seo] → instruction manual
  • 천천히 [cheon-cheon-hi] → slowly
  • 먹다 [meok-da] → to eat
  • 아침 [a-chim] → breakfast / morning
  • 찾다 [chat-da] → to look for
  • 잃어버린 카드 [i-reo-beo-rin ka-deu] → lost card
  • 앉다 [an-da] → to sit
  • 창가 자리 [chang-ga ja-ri] → window seat
  • 듣다 [deut-da] → to listen
  • 조용한 음악 [jo-yong-han eu-mak] → quiet music
  • 받다 [bat-da] → to receive
  • 택배 [taek-bae] → package
  • 닫다 [dat-da] → to close
  • 입다 [ip-da] → to wear
  • 걷다 [geot-da] → to walk
  • 찍다 [jjik-da] → to take a photo
  • 영수증 [yeong-su-jeung] → receipt
Tip 💡 Consonant stem? Add 을까 하는데요.
 

Exercise 3 — ㄹ Stems + Negative Thoughts 🛠️

A. 주말에 도시락을 ＿＿＿＿.
[ju-ma-re do-si-ra-geul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of making a lunchbox on the weekend, so... 🍱
Answer
만들까 하는데요 [man-deul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
B. 몇 달 동안 부산에 ＿＿＿＿.
[myeot dal dong-an bu-sa-ne ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of living in Busan for a few months, so... 🌊
Answer
살까 하는데요 [sal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
C. 회의 전에 파일을 ＿＿＿＿.
[hoe-ui jeo-ne pa-i-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of opening the file before the meeting, so... 📁
Answer
열까 하는데요 [yeol-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
D. 안 쓰는 의자를 ＿＿＿＿.
[an sseu-neun ui-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of selling the chair I don’t use, so... 🪑
Answer
팔까 하는데요 [pal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
E. 밤에는 차를 ＿＿＿＿.
[ba-me-neun cha-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of not drinking tea at night, so... 🍵
Answer
마시지 말까 하는데요 [ma-si-ji mal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
F. 이번에는 새 가방을 ＿＿＿＿.
[i-beo-ne-neun sae ga-bang-eul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of not buying a new bag this time, so... 👜
Answer
사지 말까 하는데요 [sa-ji mal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
G. 자기 전에 뉴스를 ＿＿＿＿.
[ja-gi jeo-ne nyu-seu-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of not watching the news before bed, so... 📰
Answer
보지 말까 하는데요 [bo-ji mal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
H. 오늘은 고객센터에 ＿＿＿＿.
[o-neu-reun go-gaek-sen-teo-e ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of not calling customer service today, so... ☎️
Answer
안 전화할까 하는데요 [an jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
I. 약속을 다음 주로 ＿＿＿＿.
[yak-so-geul da-eum ju-ro ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of postponing the appointment to next week, so... 📅
Answer
미룰까 하는데요 [mi-rul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
J. 이번 달 지출을 ＿＿＿＿.
[i-beon dal ji-chu-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of reducing this month’s spending, so... 💸
Answer
줄일까 하는데요 [ju-ril-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
🛠️
Vocabulary Box
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
  • 도시락 [do-si-rak] → lunchbox
  • 살다 [sal-da] → to live
  • 부산 [bu-san] → Busan
  • 열다 [yeol-da] → to open
  • 파일 [pa-il] → file
  • 팔다 [pal-da] → to sell
  • 의자 [ui-ja] → chair
  • 마시지 말다 [ma-si-ji mal-da] → to not drink
  • 차 [cha] → tea
  • 사지 말다 [sa-ji mal-da] → to not buy
  • 가방 [ga-bang] → bag
  • 보지 말다 [bo-ji mal-da] → to not watch
  • 뉴스 [nyu-seu] → news
  • 고객센터 [go-gaek-sen-teo] → customer service
  • 미루다 [mi-ru-da] → to postpone
  • 줄이다 [ju-ri-da] → to reduce
  • 지출 [ji-chul] → spending
Tip 💡 ㄹ stems keep ㄹ: 만들까, not 만들을까.
 

Exercise 4 — Soft Lead-in + Follow-up Question 💬

A. 예약 시간을 ＿＿＿＿, 괜찮을까요?
[ye-yak si-ga-neul ＿＿＿＿, gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo]
I’m thinking of changing the reservation time — would that be okay? 🕒
Answer
바꿀까 하는데요 [ba-kkul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
B. 이 메시지를 ＿＿＿＿, 한번 봐 주실래요?
[i me-si-ji-reul ＿＿＿＿, han-beon bwa ju-sil-lae-yo]
I’m thinking of sending this message — could you take a look once? 💬
Answer
보낼까 하는데요 [bo-nael-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
C. 오늘은 집에서 ＿＿＿＿, 괜찮을까요?
[o-neu-reun ji-be-seo ＿＿＿＿, gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo]
I’m thinking of resting at home today — would that be okay? 🛋️
Answer
쉴까 하는데요 [swil-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
D. 창문을 조금 ＿＿＿＿, 괜찮을까요?
[chang-mu-neul jo-geum ＿＿＿＿, gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo]
I’m thinking of closing the window a little — would that be okay? 🪟
Answer
닫을까 하는데요 [da-deul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
E. 커피를 ＿＿＿＿, 괜찮을까요?
[keo-pi-reul ＿＿＿＿, gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo]
I’m thinking of not drinking coffee — would that be okay? ☕
Answer
마시지 말까 하는데요 [ma-si-ji mal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
F. 여기에서 잠깐 ＿＿＿＿, 괜찮을까요?
[yeo-gi-e-seo jam-kkan ＿＿＿＿, gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo]
I’m thinking of waiting here for a moment — would that be okay? 📍
Answer
기다릴까 하는데요 [gi-da-ril-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
G. 영수증 사진을 ＿＿＿＿, 괜찮을까요?
[yeong-su-jeung sa-ji-neul ＿＿＿＿, gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo]
I’m thinking of taking a photo of the receipt — would that be okay? 🧾
Answer
찍을까 하는데요 [jji-geul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
H. 온라인으로 ＿＿＿＿, 괜찮을까요?
[ol-la-in-eu-ro ＿＿＿＿, gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo]
I’m thinking of applying online — would that be okay? 💻
Answer
신청할까 하는데요 [sin-cheong-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
I. 약속을 다음 주로 ＿＿＿＿, 괜찮을까요?
[yak-so-geul da-eum ju-ro ＿＿＿＿, gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo]
I’m thinking of postponing the appointment to next week — would that be okay? 📅
Answer
미룰까 하는데요 [mi-rul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
J. 책상을 먼저 ＿＿＿＿, 괜찮을까요?
[chaek-sang-eul meon-jeo ＿＿＿＿, gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo]
I’m thinking of organizing the desk first — would that be okay? 🧹
Answer
정리할까 하는데요 [jeong-ni-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
💬
Vocabulary Box
  • 예약 시간 [ye-yak si-gan] → reservation time
  • 괜찮을까요? [gwaen-cha-neul-kka-yo] → would it be okay?
  • 한번 봐 주실래요? [han-beon bwa ju-sil-lae-yo] → could you take a look once?
  • 창문 [chang-mun] → window
  • 조금 [jo-geum] → a little
  • 여기 [yeo-gi] → here
  • 잠깐 [jam-kkan] → for a moment
  • 온라인 [ol-la-in] → online
  • 약속 [yak-ssok] → appointment / promise
  • 다음 주 [da-eum ju] → next week
  • 먼저 [meon-jeo] → first
Tip 💡 This pattern often works beautifully before 괜찮을까요?.
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. ❌ 전화할까요 하는데요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[jeon-hwa-hal-kka-yo ha-neun-de-yo → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix “I’m thinking of calling, so...” 📞
Answer
전화할까 하는데요 [jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo] — no 요 inside the pattern.
B. ❌ 먹ㄹ까 하는데요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[meok-l-kka ha-neun-de-yo → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix “I’m thinking of eating, so...” 🍱
Answer
먹을까 하는데요 [meo-geul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
C. ❌ 만들을까 하는데요 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
[man-deu-reul-kka ha-neun-de-yo → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix “I’m thinking of making it, so...” 🛠️
Answer
만들까 하는데요 [man-deul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
D. Choose the softer lead-in:
① 예약할까 해요.
② 예약할까 하는데요.
Answer
② — 예약할까 하는데요 invites a response more softly.
E. Choose the settled decision:
① 바꿀까 하는데요.
② 바꾸기로 했어요.
Answer
② — 바꾸기로 했어요 means the decision is made.
F. 쉴까 하는데요 means:
[swil-kka ha-neun-de-yo]
Answer
I’m thinking of resting, so... / I’m considering resting, but...
G. 듣다 → ＿＿＿＿
[deut-da → ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of listening, so... 🎧
Answer
들을까 하는데요 [deu-reul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
H. 걷다 → ＿＿＿＿
[geot-da → ＿＿＿＿]
I’m thinking of walking, so... 🚶
Answer
걸을까 하는데요 [geo-reul-kka ha-neun-de-yo].
I. 오늘은 뉴스 보지 말까 하는데요. means:
[o-neu-reun nyu-seu bo-ji mal-kka ha-neun-de-yo]
Answer
I’m thinking of not watching the news today, so...
J. Core feeling of -(으)ㄹ까 하는데요:
Answer
A tentative plan presented softly, often before asking for advice, permission, help, or confirmation.
🛡️
Vocabulary Box
  • 전화할까 하는데요 [jeon-hwa-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo] → I’m thinking of calling, so...
  • 먹을까 하는데요 [meo-geul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] → I’m thinking of eating, so...
  • 만들까 하는데요 [man-deul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] → I’m thinking of making, so...
  • 예약할까 하는데요 [ye-yak-hal-kka ha-neun-de-yo] → I’m thinking of reserving, so...
  • 바꾸기로 했어요 [ba-kku-gi-ro hae-sseo-yo] → I decided to change it
  • 쉴까 하는데요 [swil-kka ha-neun-de-yo] → I’m thinking of resting, so...
  • 들을까 하는데요 [deu-reul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] → I’m thinking of listening, so...
  • 걸을까 하는데요 [geo-reul-kka ha-neun-de-yo] → I’m thinking of walking, so...
  • 보지 말까 하는데요 [bo-ji mal-kka ha-neun-de-yo] → I’m thinking of not watching, so...
Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol: 할까 하는데요, not 할까요 하는데요.
 
🎉 Polite hesitation unlocked. You can now float a plan softly before asking for help or permission: 예약할까 하는데요, 보낼까 하는데요, 마시지 말까 하는데요. Tiny hesitation, excellent manners. 🤔🫧