Korean · Real conversations
Express uncertainty naturally in Korean
Separate what you know from what you think might be true. A tentative belief, a possibility, or an invitation to check lets the other person judge the information appropriately.
Three ways to say it
아홉 시에 시작하는 것 같아요.ahop sie sijakhaneun geot gatayo.
I think it starts at nine.
Give a likely start time while marking it as your belief.
오늘은 문을 닫았을 수도 있어요.oneureun muneul dadasseul sudo isseoyo.
It might be closed today.
Mention a possibility rather than claiming that the shop is definitely closed.
확실하지 않아요. 확인해 볼까요?hwaksilhaji anayo. hwaginhae bolkkayo?
I'm not certain. Could we check?
State uncertainty directly and suggest verification.
Avoid translating word by word
English 'might' marks possibility here; it is not the noun meaning strength. Languages express possibility through different verbs, adverbs, or endings, so keep the complete uncertainty pattern.
See the difference in context
Recalling an event's start time
몇 시에 시작해요?myeot sie sijakhaeyo?
What time does it start?
아홉 시에 시작하는 것 같아요.ahop sie sijakhaneun geot gatayo.
I think it starts at nine.
Checking whether a shop is open
오늘 가게가 열려 있어요?oneul gagega yeollyeo isseoyo?
Is the shop open today?
오늘은 문을 닫았을 수도 있어요.oneureun muneul dadasseul sudo isseoyo.
It might be closed today.
Your turn
You are not certain about a detail. Say so and ask whether you can check it together.
Reveal a sample reply
확실하지 않아요. 확인해 볼까요?hwaksilhaji anayo. hwaginhae bolkkayo?
I'm not certain. Could we check?
This speaking goal in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
