Expression dictionary — full article
Purpose & Intention · Do you want to...?, Shall we...?, I want to..., I'll...
V+(으)ㄹ래(요) is a versatile Korean verb ending primarily used to express the speaker's intention or desire to perform an action, or to ask the listener about their intention or preference. The addition of -요 makes the expression polite, suitable for general conversation, while its absence makes it informal, typically used among close friends or to subordinates.
Expressing the speaker's intention or desire: When used in a declarative sentence, -(으)ㄹ래(요) indicates what the speaker has decided to do or what they wish to do. It conveys a personal will or choice.
Asking the listener's intention or preference: When used in an interrogative sentence, -(으)ㄹ래(요) directly asks the listener what they want to do, what their preference is, or if they would like to do something. It's a common way to make a suggestion or offer a choice.
To attach -(으)ㄹ래(요) to a verb stem, follow these rules:
If the verb stem ends in a consonant: Add -을래(요).
If the verb stem ends in a vowel or ㄹ: Add -ㄹ래(요).
Politeness Level: While adding -요 makes -(으)ㄹ래(요) polite, it still carries a more direct and somewhat casual tone compared to other polite forms like -(으)시겠어요? (when asking intention) or -(으)ㅂ시다 (when making a suggestion). It's generally appropriate for peers, friends, or those younger than you, but should be used with caution towards superiors or in very formal settings.
Comparison with -(으)ㄹ까요?: -(으)ㄹ까요? is a more general and softer way to make a suggestion or ask for an opinion, often implying a shared decision or seeking agreement. -(으)ㄹ래(요), on the other hand, is more direct, focusing on the speaker's or listener's personal will or preference. It's less about a collective 'shall we' and more about 'what do you want' or 'what I want'.
Potential for Demanding Tone: When asking someone to do something for you, especially without -요, -(으)ㄹ래? can sometimes sound a bit demanding or impatient. For example, "이거 해 줄래?" (Will you do this for me?) is direct and can be perceived as less polite than "이거 해 주시겠어요?" (Would you mind doing this for me?).