Sharing Personal Opinions: 제 생각에는...

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Iru Helper Note

Opinion expressions come up in almost every real conversation — about food, movies, travel, work, plans. Once you have these six patterns, you can join almost any discussion in Korean. Here's a sentence that uses two of them together:

제 생각에는 한국어가 어렵지만, 정말 재미있는 것 같아요.

(In my opinion, Korean is difficult, but I think it's really interesting.)

🗣️ What You'll Learn Today

Korean has a whole spectrum of opinion expressions — from confident and direct to soft and tentative. Native speakers shift between them depending on how certain they feel, who they're talking to, and how polite they want to be. This lesson covers the six most useful opinion phrases and when to reach for each one.

📌 The Six Core Expressions

1. 제 생각에는 — "In my opinion..."

Pattern: 제 생각에는 + [statement]

Opens with "in my thinking / in my opinion" — signals that what follows is your personal view, not a fact. One of the most versatile opinion starters.

제 생각에는 이 식당이 더 나아요. (In my opinion, this restaurant is better.)

제 생각에는 그 결정이 좀 빠른 것 같아요. (In my opinion, that decision seems a bit fast.)

💡 Tip: Koreans often shorten 제 생각에는 → 제 생각엔 in casual speech.

2. ~(이)라고 생각해요 — "I think (that)..."

Pattern: [noun or clause] + (이)라고 생각해요

The most direct way to say "I think X." Attach it to a noun or quoted clause.

그게 좋은 아이디어라고 생각해요. (I think that's a good idea.)

그 영화가 명작이라고 생각해요. (I think that movie is a masterpiece.)

말하기가 제일 어렵다고 생각해요. (I think speaking is the hardest part.)

💡 Grammar: Use 이라고 after consonant-ending nouns (명작이라고), 라고 after vowel-ending nouns/clauses (아이디어라고).

3. ~(은/는/ㄴ/을) 것 같아요 — "I think / It seems..."

Pattern: [verb/adjective stem] + (은/는/ㄴ/을) 것 같아요

The go-to soft opinion marker. Expresses that something seems a certain way to you — making your view feel less assertive. Extremely common in everyday Korean.

그 사람이 바쁜 것 같아요. (I think that person is busy.)

이 방법이 더 쉬운 것 같아요. (This method seems easier to me.)

오늘 비가 올 것 같아요. (I think it'll rain today.)

💡 Culture note: Even when you're quite sure of something, ~것 같아요 can sound more polite and socially considerate than a blunt statement.

4. 저는 ~(이)라고 봐요 — "I see it as / I view it as..."

Pattern: 저는 + [noun/clause] + (이)라고 봐요

A slightly more assertive way to share your view, often used in discussions. 봐요 comes from 보다 (to see/view).

저는 그게 문제라고 봐요. (I see that as a problem.)

저는 이 기회가 중요하다고 봐요. (I view this opportunity as important.)

5. 솔직히 말하면 — "Honestly speaking..."

Pattern: 솔직히 말하면 + [your honest opinion]

Signals you're about to share something candid. Also used as 솔직히 말해서.

솔직히 말하면 잘 모르겠어요. (Honestly, I'm not really sure.)

솔직히 말하면 그 아이디어가 별로예요. (Honestly, I'm not a fan of that idea.)

6. 개인적으로는 — "Personally..."

Pattern: 개인적으로는 + [statement]

Marks what follows as a personal preference, not a general truth. Great for food, travel, and lifestyle topics.

개인적으로는 여름보다 가을이 더 좋아요. (Personally, I prefer autumn over summer.)

개인적으로는 커피보다 차를 더 좋아해요. (Personally, I prefer tea over coffee.)

💬 Conversations in Action

Conversation 1 — Choosing a restaurant

A: 어디서 먹을까요? (Where should we eat?)

B: 제 생각에는 저기 새로 생긴 한식당이 좋을 것 같아요. (In my opinion, that new Korean restaurant over there seems good.)

A: 저는 거기가 좀 비쌀 것 같아요. 솔직히 말하면 편의점 도시락도 괜찮아요! (I think that place might be a bit pricey. Honestly, a convenience store lunchbox works for me!)

Conversation 2 — Discussing a movie

A: 그 영화 어땠어요? (How was that movie?)

B: 개인적으로는 좀 길다고 생각했어요. 근데 연기는 정말 좋은 것 같아요. (Personally, I thought it was a bit long. But I think the acting was really good.)

A: 맞아요! 저는 그 영화가 올해 최고라고 봐요. (Right! I see it as the best movie of the year.)

🌏 Cultural Note — Softening Opinions in Korean

Korean culture places a high value on 눈치 (social awareness) and 배려 (consideration for others). In practice:

Koreans often soften opinions with ~것 같아요 even when they're confident — it sounds more considerate.

A blunt statement like "그건 나빠요" can come across as harsh in many contexts.

Starting with 솔직히 말하면 signals you're choosing to be direct, which itself communicates trust and closeness.

In professional settings, 제 생각에는 or 개인적으로는 are polite ways to voice disagreement without confrontation.

Try This Speaking Exercise

Translate each prompt into Korean using the expression in parentheses. Say or write your answer before opening the toggle!

A. "In my opinion, Seoul is a great city." (제 생각에는)

Answer

제 생각에는 서울이 정말 좋은 도시인 것 같아요.

B. "I think Korean food is delicious." (~(이)라고 생각해요)

Answer

한국 음식이 맛있다고 생각해요.

C. "I think it will be cold tomorrow." (~것 같아요)

Answer

내일 추울 것 같아요.

D. "Personally, I prefer the subway over the bus." (개인적으로는)

Answer

개인적으로는 버스보다 지하철이 더 좋아요.

E. "Honestly, I don't know." (솔직히 말하면)

Answer

솔직히 말하면 잘 모르겠어요.

F. "I see that as a big problem." (저는 ~(이)라고 봐요)

Answer

저는 그게 큰 문제라고 봐요.

G. "I think this restaurant seems good." (~것 같아요)

Answer

이 식당이 좋은 것 같아요.

H. "In my opinion, studying every day is important." (제 생각에는)

Answer

제 생각에는 매일 공부하는 게 중요한 것 같아요.

I. "I think that idea is interesting." (~(이)라고 생각해요)

Answer

그 아이디어가 흥미롭다고 생각해요.

J. "Personally, I like winter more than summer." (개인적으로는)

Answer

개인적으로는 여름보다 겨울이 더 좋아요.

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Expression Reference

Expression	Nuance
제 생각에는	"In my opinion" — opener
~라고 생각해요	Direct "I think X"
~것 같아요	Soft / polite opinion
~라고 봐요	Assertive view
솔직히 말하면	Candid signal
개인적으로는	Personal preference

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Stacking Tip

제 생각에는 and ~것 같아요 can combine — and it sounds more natural, not redundant:

제 생각에는 좋은 것 같아요.

(In my opinion, it seems good.)

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Want more reps?

Pick one opinion expression each day and use it to describe something real from your life — a meal, a show, a decision. Attaching phrases to real moments is the fastest way to make them automatic.

📦 Practice Hub — 의견 표현

Exercise 1 — Choose the Right Expression

Read each situation and decide which opinion expression fits best. Answers explain why.

A. You want to softly say "I think the weather will be nice tomorrow."

Answer

내일 날씨가 좋을 것 같아요. — ~것 같아요 is perfect for soft predictions on its own.

B. You want to say "Honestly, I'm not a fan of that plan."

Answer

솔직히 말하면 그 계획이 별로예요. — 솔직히 말하면 signals you're choosing candor.

C. You're in a discussion: "I see this as the main issue."

Answer

저는 이게 주요 문제라고 봐요. — ~라고 봐요 is assertive and suits debates well.

D. You want to open with "In my opinion, this is the best option."

Answer

제 생각에는 이게 제일 좋은 선택인 것 같아요. — 제 생각에는 + ~것 같아요 stack naturally.

E. You want to say "Personally, I prefer studying in the morning."

Answer

개인적으로는 아침에 공부하는 게 더 좋아요. — 개인적으로는 marks personal preference.

F. Politely: "I think that person seems very busy."

Answer

그 사람이 많이 바쁜 것 같아요. — ~것 같아요 softens the observation naturally.

G. Assertive: "I see this as a great opportunity."

Answer

저는 이게 좋은 기회라고 봐요. — ~라고 봐요 conveys a confident, considered view.

H. Direct opinion: "I think that movie was really good."

Answer

그 영화가 정말 좋았다고 생각해요. — ~라고 생각해요 for a direct, stated opinion.

I. Personal preference: "Personally, I prefer spring over summer."

Answer

개인적으로는 여름보다 봄이 더 좋아요. — 개인적으로는 leads naturally into preferences.

J. Candid: "Honestly, I'm not sure about that."

Answer

솔직히 말하면 잘 모르겠어요. — 솔직히 말하면 signals genuine uncertainty or candor.

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Quick Reference

Expression	Best For
제 생각에는	Neutral opener, any topic
~라고 생각해요	Direct "I think X"
~것 같아요	Soft / polite opinion
~라고 봐요	Assertive view
솔직히 말하면	Candid / honest signal
개인적으로는	Personal preference

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Pitfall to Avoid

Don't assume 제 생각에는 and ~것 같아요 contradict each other — they layer:

제 생각에는 좋은 것 같아요.

(In my opinion, it seems good.) ✅

This is completely natural Korean!

Exercise 2 — Korean → English Translation

Translate each Korean sentence into English. Each one uses a different opinion expression.

A. 제 생각에는 오늘 날씨가 정말 좋은 것 같아요.

Answer

In my opinion, I think today's weather is really nice.

B. 솔직히 말하면 그 영화가 별로 재미없었어요.

Answer

Honestly, that movie wasn't very interesting.

C. 개인적으로는 한국어가 일본어보다 더 재미있는 것 같아요.

Answer

Personally, I think Korean is more interesting than Japanese.

D. 저는 이 결정이 좀 성급하다고 봐요.

Answer

I see this decision as a bit hasty.

E. 그게 좋은 생각이라고 생각해요.

Answer

I think that's a good idea.

F. 제 생각엔 서울이 살기 좋은 도시예요.

Answer

In my opinion, Seoul is a nice city to live in. (제 생각엔 = casual short form of 제 생각에는)

G. 개인적으로는 아침보다 저녁에 공부하는 게 더 좋아요.

Answer

Personally, I prefer studying in the evening over the morning.

H. 솔직히 말해서 이게 생각보다 어려운 것 같아요.

Answer

Honestly, I think this is harder than I expected. (솔직히 말해서 = alternate form of 솔직히 말하면)

I. 저는 그 계획이 성공할 수 있다고 봐요.

Answer

I see that plan as something that can succeed. / I think that plan can work.

J. 이 음식이 좀 매운 것 같아요.

Answer

I think this food is a bit spicy. / This food seems a bit spicy.

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Expression Cheat Sheet

제 생각에는 / 제 생각엔 — In my opinion

솔직히 말하면 / 솔직히 말해서 — Honestly speaking

개인적으로는 — Personally

~라고 봐요 — I see it as / I view it as

~라고 생각해요 — I think that

~것 같아요 — It seems / I think (soft)

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Grammar Tip

솔직히 말하면 and 솔직히 말해서 are interchangeable — both mean "honestly speaking." In practice Koreans use both freely. Try using 솔직히 말해서 today and see if it feels natural!

Exercise 3 — Complete the Sentence

Complete each sentence starter with your own opinion. A sample answer is provided to compare.

A. 제 생각에는 한국 음식이...

Sample Answer

제 생각에는 한국 음식이 정말 맛있는 것 같아요.

(In my opinion, I think Korean food is really delicious.)

B. 솔직히 말하면 이 문법이...

Sample Answer

솔직히 말하면 이 문법이 처음엔 어렵지만 익숙해지는 것 같아요.

(Honestly, this grammar seems hard at first but I think you get used to it.)

C. 개인적으로는 여행할 때...

Sample Answer

개인적으로는 여행할 때 버스보다 지하철이 더 편한 것 같아요.

(Personally, when traveling I think the subway is more convenient than the bus.)

D. 저는 이게... 라고 봐요.

Sample Answer

저는 이게 정말 좋은 기회라고 봐요.

(I see this as a really great opportunity.)

E. 한국어 공부가... 라고 생각해요.

Sample Answer

한국어 공부가 정말 중요하다고 생각해요.

(I think studying Korean is really important.)

F. 제 생각에는 주말에...

Sample Answer

제 생각에는 주말에 쉬는 것도 중요한 것 같아요.

(In my opinion, I think resting on weekends is also important.)

G. 솔직히 말하면 저는 아직...

Sample Answer

솔직히 말하면 저는 아직 한국어가 많이 서툴러요.

(Honestly, I'm still quite clumsy with Korean.)

H. 개인적으로는 봄보다...

Sample Answer

개인적으로는 봄보다 가을이 더 좋아요. 바람이 시원해서요.

(Personally, I prefer autumn over spring. Because the breeze is cool.)

I. 저는 그 결정이... 라고 봐요.

Sample Answer

저는 그 결정이 맞다고 봐요.

(I think that was the right decision.)

J. 내일 날씨가... 것 같아요.

Sample Answer

내일 날씨가 흐릴 것 같아요.

(I think tomorrow's weather will be cloudy.)

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Sentence Starters

제 생각에는...

솔직히 말하면...

개인적으로는...

저는 ~라고 봐요

~라고 생각해요

~것 같아요

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Production Tip

When completing sentences with ~라고 봐요 or ~라고 생각해요, remember:

Noun + 이라고 (consonant ending)

Noun/clause + 라고 (vowel ending / clauses)

Practice feeling this naturally — it becomes automatic quickly!

Exercise 4 — Dialogue Completion

Complete each short dialogue with a natural response using the expression shown. A sample answer is provided.

A. (제 생각에는) A: 어느 카페가 더 좋아요? B: ___

Sample Answer

제 생각에는 저기 카페가 더 분위기가 좋은 것 같아요.

(In my opinion, I think that café over there has a nicer atmosphere.)

B. (개인적으로는) A: 어떤 계절을 제일 좋아해요? B: ___

Sample Answer

개인적으로는 가을을 제일 좋아해요. 날씨가 딱 좋아서요.

(Personally, I like autumn the most. The weather is just right.)

C. (솔직히 말하면) A: 그 드라마 재미있었어요? B: ___

Sample Answer

솔직히 말하면 좀 지루한 것 같아요.

(Honestly, I think it's a bit boring.)

D. (~것 같아요) A: 내일 시험 잘 볼 수 있을 것 같아요? B: ___

Sample Answer

열심히 공부했으니까 잘 볼 수 있을 것 같아요!

(I think I can do well since I studied hard!)

E. (~라고 생각해요) A: 한국어 공부를 계속해야 할까요? B: ___

Sample Answer

네, 꼭 계속 공부해야 한다고 생각해요!

(Yes, I think you definitely need to keep studying!)

F. (~라고 봐요) A: 그 계획 어떻게 생각해요? B: ___

Sample Answer

저는 그 계획이 정말 좋다고 봐요.

(I see that plan as really good.)

G. (개인적으로는) A: 한국 음식 중에 뭐가 제일 좋아요? B: ___

Sample Answer

개인적으로는 삼겹살이 제일 좋아요!

(Personally, I like samgyeopsal the most!)

H. (솔직히 말하면) A: 그 사람 어때요? B: ___

Sample Answer

솔직히 말하면 잘 모르겠어요. 아직 많이 모르는 것 같아요.

(Honestly, I'm not sure. I think I still don't know them well.)

I. (제 생각에는) A: 서울에서 살고 싶어요? B: ___

Sample Answer

제 생각에는 서울이 정말 살기 좋은 도시인 것 같아요.

(In my opinion, I think Seoul is a really great city to live in.)

J. (~것 같아요) A: 오늘 저녁에 비가 올까요? B: ___

Sample Answer

오늘 구름이 많아서 비가 올 것 같아요.

(There are a lot of clouds today, so I think it'll rain.)

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Useful Dialogue Phrases

맞아요! / 그렇죠! (Right! / That's true!)

저도 그렇게 생각해요. (I think so too.)

그런가요? (Really? / Is that so?)

잘 모르겠어요. (I'm not sure.)

그것도 맞는 것 같아요. (That also seems right.)

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Conversation Tip

In real Korean conversation, it's natural to add a reason with ~서요 (because):

개인적으로는 가을이 좋아요. 날씨가 딱 좋아서요.

(Personally, I like autumn. Because the weather is just right.)

Exercise 5 — Free Speaking Practice

Try these open-ended prompts in Korean. There's no single right answer — use whatever expression feels natural.

A. What do you think about learning Korean?

Sample Answer

제 생각에는 한국어 배우는 게 어렵지만 정말 보람 있는 것 같아요.

(In my opinion, learning Korean seems hard but really rewarding.)

B. Coffee or tea — which do you prefer? (Use 개인적으로는)

Sample Answer

개인적으로는 커피보다 차가 더 좋아요.

(Personally, I prefer tea over coffee.)

C. What's your honest opinion about your Korean level right now?

Sample Answer

솔직히 말하면 아직 많이 부족한 것 같아요. 근데 열심히 하고 있어요!

(Honestly, I think I still have a long way to go. But I'm working hard!)

D. What do you think the weather will be like this weekend?

Sample Answer

이번 주말에 날씨가 맑을 것 같아요.

(I think the weather will be clear this weekend.)

E. Share an opinion about your favorite Korean food.

Sample Answer

제 생각에는 김치찌개가 제일 맛있는 것 같아요!

(In my opinion, kimchi stew is the most delicious!)

F. What do you think about Korean dramas?

Sample Answer

개인적으로는 한국 드라마가 정말 재미있는 것 같아요.

(Personally, I think Korean dramas are really interesting.)

G. Do you think Seoul is a good city to visit?

Sample Answer

제 생각에는 서울이 여행하기 정말 좋은 도시인 것 같아요.

(In my opinion, Seoul seems like a really great city to visit.)

H. Do you prefer studying alone or with others?

Sample Answer

개인적으로는 혼자 공부하는 게 더 집중이 잘 되는 것 같아요.

(Personally, I think I focus better when studying alone.)

I. Summer or winter — which do you prefer? Why?

Sample Answer

개인적으로는 여름보다 겨울이 더 좋아요. 덥지 않아서요.

(Personally, I prefer winter over summer. Because it's not hot.)

J. What do you think is the hardest part of learning Korean?

Sample Answer

제 생각에는 발음이 제일 어려운 것 같아요.

(In my opinion, pronunciation seems the most difficult.)

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Sentence Starters

제 생각에는...

개인적으로는...

솔직히 말하면...

저는 ~라고 생각해요

저는 ~라고 봐요

~인 것 같아요

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Speaking Challenge

Try chaining two expressions in one sentence:

솔직히 말하면, 개인적으로는 좀 어렵다고 생각해요.

(Honestly, I personally think it's a bit difficult.)

This sounds completely natural in Korean!

의견을 자신 있게 표현해 보세요! 당신의 생각이 중요해요! 🗣️✨