Expression dictionary — full article
Purpose & Intention · "I will...", "I'll...", "Let me..."
V+(으)ㄹ게(요) is a versatile Korean verb ending used to express the speaker's personal intention or promise to perform an action. It signifies a direct commitment to the listener, often implying that the action is being done for or in consideration of the listener. This ending is highly interactive and is typically used in conversational contexts where the speaker is making a decision or offering to do something that affects the other person.
This ending's primary function is to convey the speaker's firm intention or promise regarding a future action. It is almost exclusively used with first-person subjects (I/we) because it expresses the speaker's own will. V+(으)ㄹ게(요) is commonly employed when:
The nuance of -(으)ㄹ게(요) is one of personal commitment and consideration for the listener, distinguishing it from a simple statement of future fact or plan like -(으)ㄹ 거예요.
The conjugation of V+(으)ㄹ게(요) depends on the final consonant of the verb stem:
If the verb stem ends in a vowel or 'ㄹ': Add -ㄹ게(요).
If the verb stem ends in a consonant (other than 'ㄹ'): Add -을게(요).
Distinction from -(으)ㄹ 거예요: While both endings express future actions, -(으)ㄹ 거예요 is a more general statement of a future event or plan. -(으)ㄹ게(요), on the other hand, carries a stronger nuance of personal commitment, promise, or an offer made directly to the listener. It implies that the speaker's action is influenced by or for the benefit of the listener.
First-person subject only: This ending is almost exclusively used with first-person subjects (저/제가, 우리/우리가). It is grammatically incorrect to use it to express someone else's intention or to ask about the listener's intention.
Politeness: The '요' can be dropped for informal speech (-(으)ㄹ게) when speaking to close friends or those younger than you. The polite form -(으)ㄹ게요 is suitable for most general situations.
Common contexts: You'll frequently hear -(으)ㄹ게(요) when someone is making a promise, accepting a task, offering assistance, or making a decision that directly involves or affects the person they are speaking to.