Grammar · 14 min read

How to Say "Will" in Korean: 6 Future Forms Ranked by Intention

English gets by with one word: "will." Korean has at least six grammar patterns that all translate to "will" or "going to," each carrying a different shade of intention, commitment, and politeness. Choosing the wrong one does not just sound awkward. It can change the meaning of your sentence entirely.

A student once told me, "I used -(으)ㄹ게요 to say I'll probably rain tomorrow, and my Korean friend laughed." That is because -(으)ㄹ게요 is a personal promise to the listener. You cannot promise rain. You need -(으)ㄹ 거예요 for predictions.

This article covers all six patterns, ordered from softest to strongest intention. By the end, you will know exactly which one to use in any situation.

The Intention Spectrum

Before we look at each pattern, here is the big picture. Think of these six forms on a spectrum from "just thinking about it" to "I am doing this, no question."

Each step to the right generally adds more commitment or emotional weight. Note: -(으)ㄹ래요 is slightly different from the others because it expresses personal desire or preference rather than commitment strength. It is placed in the middle because its level of certainty falls between a vague plan and a firm promise.

1. -(으)려고 해요: "I'm thinking of..."

-(으)려고 하다 (euryeogo hada) has two uses: (1) a soft intention or plan that is still flexible ("I'm thinking of doing something"), and (2) describing the moment just before an action happens ("I'm about to do something"). Context tells you which meaning applies.

2. -(으)ㄹ 거예요: "I'm going to / will probably"

-(으)ㄹ 거예요 (eul geoyeyo) is the most versatile future form. It covers two main uses: a decided plan (1st person) and a prediction or expectation (3rd person or events).

As a decided plan (1st person)

As a prediction (any person)

3. -기로 하다: "Decided to"

-기로 하다 (giro hada) signals that a decision has been locked in. Unlike -(으)ㄹ 거예요, which simply states a plan, -기로 하다 emphasizes the moment of decision itself. It often implies an agreement with someone else or an official commitment.

4. -(으)ㄹ래요: "I want to / I'll have..."

-(으)ㄹ래요 (eullaeyo) expresses personal desire or willingness. It is casual and direct, often used when ordering food, making spontaneous choices, or asking someone what they want to do. Important: this form is used only for 1st and 2nd person.

5. -(으)ㄹ게요: "I'll (do it for you)"

-(으)ㄹ게요 (eulgeyo) is used when your action involves or affects the listener. Sometimes it is a promise ("I'll call you tomorrow"), sometimes it is letting the listener know about your decision ("I'll head out first"), and sometimes it is volunteering ("I'll do it"). The common thread is that you are speaking with the listener in mind. This form is 1st person only.

6. -겠어요: Strong Will or Conjecture

-겠어요 (gesseoyo) has two distinct uses that can confuse learners. For 1st person, it expresses strong, immediate determination ("I will do this"). For 2nd and 3rd person, it becomes a conjecture or guess about someone else's state ("It must be," "You must be").

Use 1: Strong will / determination (1st person)

Use 2: Conjecture about others (2nd/3rd person)

Decision Flowchart: Which Form Do I Use?

Common Mistakes

Cheat Sheet: All 6 Forms at a Glance

Takeaway

English "will" is one word. Korean splits the concept into six patterns based on how committed you are, who the action affects, and whether you are predicting or promising. Start by mastering -(으)ㄹ 거예요 (the most versatile) and -(으)ㄹ게요 (the most common in daily conversation). Then layer in the others as your situations get more specific.