Core Pattern Rule: -(으)ㄹ 셈이야?
This pattern is used to ask about someone's intention or plan, but it's not a neutral question. It often carries a tone of surprise, disbelief, or even accusation.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: 셈 means 'calculation' or 'intention'. So, -(으)ㄹ 셈이야? literally asks, "Is it your intention to...?"
When to use: Use it when you see someone about to do something and you want to challenge their action. It implies, "Are you really going to do that?" or "You can't be serious."
Formation
It attaches to a verb stem.
Vowel or ㄹ ending stem + -ㄹ 셈이야?
가다 (to go) → 갈 셈이야?
만들다 (to make) → 만들 셈이야?
Consonant ending stem + -을 셈이야?
먹다 (to eat) → 먹을 셈이야?
찾다 (to find) → 찾을 셈이야?
다 먹을 셈이야? / 안 갈 셈이야? / 포기할 셈이야? / 혼자 할 셈이야?
Native Nuance: A Challenging Question
It's crucial to understand that -(으)ㄹ 셈이야? is not a neutral way to ask about future plans. Using it incorrectly can make you sound rude or accusatory.
Contrast with Neutral Questions
To ask about plans neutrally, use -(으)ㄹ 거예요? or -(으)ㄹ 계획이에요?
벌써 퇴근할 거예요? (Are you leaving work already?) → Simple curiosity.
벌써 퇴근할 셈이에요? (Do you intend to leave work already?) → Implies surprise or disapproval, as if they shouldn't be leaving yet.
When to use -(으)ㄹ 셈이야?
Use it when an action seems unreasonable or problematic to you.
계속 모른 척할 셈이야? (Do you intend to keep playing dumb?) → You're accusing them of pretending not to know.
그냥 보고만 있을 셈이야? (Do you intend to just stand there and watch?) → You're urging them to help or take action.
벌써 퇴근할 셈이야? / 계속 모른 척할 셈이야? / 그냥 보고만 있을 셈이야? / 평생 숨길 셈이야?
How to Respond
Because -(으)ㄹ 셈이야? is a challenging question, responses are often defensive or, conversely, defiant.