[prefinal ending] The 5 usages of -겠-

The primary function of -겠- is to make a verb or adjective future tense.

However, -겠- has 4 more functions, which are also as frequently used as the future tense.

 

 

The 5 usages of -겠-

 

 

1. to make the future tense or assumption

 

[future tense] 내일 우리나라가 태풍의 영향권 아래에 들어가겠습니다. Tomorrow, our country will be under the influence of the typhoon.

 

[assumption] 민수는 1시간 전에 시험을 다 쳤겠다. Minsu may have finished his test 1 hour ago.

 

 

 

2. to show the speaker's will

 

제가 앞장서겠습니다. I will take the lead.

이번에는 꼭 시험에 통과하겠어요. I will definitely pass the exam this time. 

 

 

 

3. to show the possibility or ability

 

이 책은 3일이면 다 읽겠네요. I think I can read this book in 3 days. 

 

7살짜리 애도 덧셈은 하겠어. Even a 7-year-old boy can do the addition.

 

 

 

4. to make euphemisms.

 

실례합니다, 들어가도 되겠습니까? Excuse me, may I come in?  

 

이제 자리를 정리해 주시겠어요? Would you please leave your seat now?

 

 

 

5. to indicate that such is a case when thinking it through

 

살다 살다 별꼴을 다 보겠네. Now I've seen it all.