-(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ 것 같다

seem, look like; I think (guess or soft opinion)

Level 2 · TOPIK I · beginner

How to use it

Expresses a guess based on what you see or know, or softens your opinion. The modifier shows the time: verbs -(으)ㄴ (past), -는 (present), -(으)ㄹ (future/guess); adjectives -(으)ㄴ (present), -(으)ㄹ (guess).

Forming it

오다	→ 온 것 같아요
오다	→ 오는 것 같아요
오다	→ 올 것 같아요
바쁘다	→ 바쁜 것 같아요

Adjectives never take -는: ✗ 바쁘는 것 같아요 → 바쁜 것 같아요. ㅂ-irregular: 춥다 → 추울 것 같아요.

Examples

하늘이 어두워요. 곧 비가 올 것 같아요.
The sky is dark. I think it's going to rain soon.
선생님이 오늘 좀 피곤하신 것 같아요.
The teacher seems a bit tired today.

Compared with similar patterns

-나 보다 is an inference from evidence and isn't used for your own experience or opinions; -(으)ㄴ/는 모양이다 is a more detached inference from signs; -(으)ㄴ/는 듯하다 is the written equivalent.