-(으)ㄹ게요

Build it

When to use it

-(으)ㄹ게요 is a commitment made to someone: 제가 도와줄게요 (I’ll help you), 내일 전화할게요 (I’ll call you tomorrow). It responds to the listener’s situation, which is why it feels warm where -겠- feels formal.

Three restrictions follow from that. The subject must be I or we, since you cannot promise on someone else’s behalf. It takes action verbs only. And it cannot be a question — 갈게요? does not exist; use -(으)ㄹ까요? instead.

Attachment is the standard rule with the ㄹ short form: 만들다 gives 만들게요. Note the spelling — it is pronounced [께요] but always written 게요.

How to attach it

In use

1. 제가 먼저 갈게요.

   I’ll go on ahead.

2. 내일 다시 연락할게요.

   I’ll get in touch again tomorrow.

3. 조금 이따가 전화할게요.

   I’ll call you a little later.

4. 이건 제가 낼게요.

   I’ll pay for this.

5. 잘 생각해 볼게요.

   I’ll think it over.

6. 금방 갔다 올게요.

   I’ll be right back.

Compared with

• -(으)ㄹ 거예요

  -(으)ㄹ 거예요 reports a plan that stands whether or not you are talking to anyone. -(으)ㄹ게요 is shaped by the conversation and often adjusts to what the other person just said.

  내일 부산에 갈 거예요. (my plan)  /  그럼 제가 갈게요. (in that case, I’ll go)

• -겠-

  Same promise, different setting. -겠습니다 is what you say in a meeting or to a client; -(으)ㄹ게요 is what you say to a colleague or a friend.

  제가 하겠습니다. (formal)  /  제가 할게요. (everyday)

• -(으)ㄹ래요

  -(으)ㄹ래요 expresses what you feel like doing, with no obligation attached. -(으)ㄹ게요 makes a commitment the listener can hold you to.

  저는 집에 갈래요. (I’d rather go home)  /  저는 집에 갈게요. (I’ll go home, then)

Watch out

• 저녁은 제가 만들을게요.

  저녁은 제가 만들게요.

  Stems ending in ㄹ already supply it. 살게요, 놀게요, 팔게요 follow the same pattern.

• 동생이 내일 올게요.

  동생이 내일 올 거예요.

  You can only promise for yourself. Someone else’s plan takes -(으)ㄹ 거예요.

• 제가 먼저 갈게요?

  제가 먼저 갈까요?

  This ending cannot ask. To check whether the other person is happy with your suggestion, use -(으)ㄹ까요?

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