Core Grammar Rule: -(으)ㄹ까 하다
This pattern is used to express an intention or a plan that you are considering but have not yet decided on. It's softer and less definite than saying you "will" do something.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "I am thinking of doing..." or "I might do...". It shows the speaker's thought process or a tentative plan. It implies that the plan could change.
When to use: Use it when you want to share a possible future action without committing to it. It's perfect for brainstorming ideas, talking about weekend plans that aren't set in stone, or expressing a desire that you haven't acted on yet.
Conjugation Rules
Rule: The form depends on whether the verb stem ends in a vowel or a consonant.
Vowel or ㄹ: Attach -ㄹ까 하다 directly to the verb stem. (e.g., 가다 → 갈까 하다; 만들다 → 만들까 하다)
Consonant: Attach -을까 하다 to the verb stem. (e.g., 먹다 → 먹을까 하다; 읽다 → 읽을까 하다)
Vowel/ㄹ: -ㄹ까 하다 / Consonant: -을까 하다
Native Nuance & Mistakes
A common point of confusion for learners is the difference between -(으)ㄹ까 하다 and -(으)ㄹ 거예요.
-(으)ㄹ까 하다 for Tentative Thoughts
Context: This expresses a thought or a possibility, not a firm plan. It's like you're thinking out loud. If someone asks "What are you doing this weekend?" and you say "영화를 볼까 해요" (I'm thinking of seeing a movie), it means you have that idea, but you might also do something else. It invites discussion or other suggestions.
Example: 날씨가 좋아서 공원에 갈까 해요. (The weather is nice, so I'm thinking of going to the park.)
-(으)ㄹ 거예요 for Definite Plans
Context: This expresses a much stronger intention or a confirmed plan. It's what you say when you have already decided. If you say "영화를 볼 거예요" (I'm going to see a movie), it implies the decision is made, maybe you've even bought tickets. Using this when your plan is still vague can sound overly assertive or might be misleading.
Do: (Uncertain) 이사할까 해요. (O) / Don't: (Uncertain) 이사할 거예요. (X)
Adding Nuance to Your Plans
You can combine -(으)ㄹ까 하다 with other words and particles to add more specific nuances to your tentative plans.
Emphasizing Uncertainty
To make it clear that your plans are not decided, you can start your sentence with phrases like 아직 확실한 건 없는데 (Nothing is certain yet, but...).
Suggesting Alternatives or Casual Options
Use 아니면 (or) to present a different idea you're considering.
Attach the particle -(이)나 to a noun before the verb to give a casual, "just this, if nothing else" kind of suggestion. It lowers the expectation and makes the suggestion softer.
아직 확실한 건 없는데... 할까 해요 / 부대찌개나 먹을까 해
Reacting to Someone's Ideas
When someone shares a tentative plan using -(으)ㄹ까 하다, your response can guide the conversation. You can simply acknowledge their thought, show support, or offer your own idea.
Acknowledging the Idea
A simple 그러시구나. (Oh, I see.) is a neutral way to show you're listening without giving a strong opinion. It keeps the conversation moving.
Showing Support or Interest
To encourage their idea, you can give a positive reaction like 제주도 좋죠. (Jeju Island is great.)
You can also comment on the positive outcome of their potential plan, such as 부모님께서 좋아하시겠네요. (Your parents will be happy.)
그러시구나 / 제주도 좋죠 / 부모님께서 좋아하시겠네요
Politeness & Formality
The politeness level of -(으)ㄹ까 하다 can be easily adjusted by changing the final verb 하다.
Polite Form: -(으)ㄹ까 해요
Context: Use -(으)ㄹ까 해요 when speaking to someone older, a superior, or someone you are not very close with. This is the standard polite form you would use in most daily situations, like talking to a coworker or a senior student (선배).
Example: 주말에 책을 좀 읽을까 해요. (I'm thinking of reading some books this weekend.)
Casual Form: -(으)ㄹ까 해
Context: Use -(으)ㄹ까 해 when speaking with close friends, family members, or people younger than you. This is the casual, or 반말, form. Switching to this form makes the conversation feel much more intimate and relaxed.
Polite: -(으)ㄹ까 해요 / Casual: -(으)ㄹ까 해