Suggesting

Category
Basic Grammar
Premium
Keyword #
청유, 청유형, -자, -을까요, -으시겠어요
Lesson
31

TL;DR

  • Use -자 with close friends to suggest doing something together (super casual! 🤙)
  • Use -(으)ㄹ까요? to politely suggest something or ask for input (works with anyone! ✨)
  • Use -(으)시겠어요? to very politely offer something to someone you should respect (extra fancy! 👔)

When you want to suggest something in Korean 💡

In English, we have tons of ways to suggest things: "Let's go!", "Shall we?", "How about...?", "Would you like to...?"
Korean has specific grammar patterns for suggesting, and which one you use depends on who you're talking to and how polite you need to be.

Pattern 1: -자 (Super Casual)

This is the most casual way to suggest something. Only use this with close friends or people younger than you!
How to form it:
  • Take the verb stem + 자
→ 가자! (Let's go!)
→ 먹자! (Let's eat!)
→ 영화 보자! (Let's watch a movie!)
→ 내일 만나자! (Let's meet tomorrow!)
This is direct and friendly. Think of it like saying "Let's do it!" to your bestie. 🎉

Pattern 2: -(으)ㄹ까요? (Polite & Versatile)

This is your go-to polite suggestion pattern. Use it with anyone - friends, coworkers, strangers, bosses!
How to form it:
  • If the verb stem ends in a vowel: add -ㄹ까요?
  • If the verb stem ends in a consonant: add -을까요?
→ 갈까요? (Shall we go?)
→ 먹을까요? (Shall we eat?)
→ 커피 마실까요? (Shall we drink coffee?)
→ 창문을 열까요? (Shall I open the window?)
This pattern can mean both "Shall we...?" and "Shall I...?" depending on context. It's like you're gently asking for the other person's opinion. 🤔

Pattern 3: -(으)시겠어요? (Extra Polite Offer)

This is the fanciest way to offer or suggest something. Use it when you want to be very respectful - with customers, bosses, elders, or honored guests.
How to form it:
  • If the verb stem ends in a vowel: add -시겠어요?
  • If the verb stem ends in a consonant: add -으시겠어요?
→ 앉으시겠어요? (Would you like to sit?)
→ 드시겠어요? (Would you like to eat?)
→ 커피 드시겠어요? (Would you like some coffee?)
→ 먼저 가시겠어요? (Would you like to go first?)
Notice how this uses the honorific -시-! It's like rolling out the red carpet for someone. 🎩

Quick Comparison 🔍

Same suggestion, different vibes:
→ 영화 보자! (Let's watch a movie!) - to your friend
→ 영화 볼까요? (Shall we watch a movie?) - to your coworker
→ 영화 보시겠어요? (Would you like to watch a movie?) - to your boss

Exceptions

Using -(으)ㄹ까요? as a question to yourself
Sometimes Koreans use -(으)ㄹ까요? when wondering out loud or asking themselves what to do:
→ 뭐 먹을까요? (What should I eat?)
→ 어디로 갈까요? (Where should I go?)
This isn't really a suggestion to someone else - it's more like thinking out loud! 💭
-자 can sound bossy
Be careful! Even though -자 is casual, if you use it with the wrong person (like someone older or your boss), it can sound demanding instead of friendly. Save it for your squad! 😎