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Unit 3: It Must Be... So... (-(으)ㄹ 텐데)

We learned -(으)ㄹ 테니까 in Level 5. -(으)ㄹ 텐데 is similar, but it combines -(으)ㄹ 터이다 (expectation/intention) with -(으)ㄴ/는데 (background information / contrast). It translates to "I suppose..." or "It must be... so..."

Structure

Verb / Adjective Stem + -(으)ㄹ 텐데

  • 가다 -> 갈 텐데 (I suppose they will go, so...)
  • 바쁘다 -> 바쁠 텐데 (You must be busy, so...)
  • 피곤하다 -> 피곤할 텐데 (You must be tired, but/so...)

Usage

It provides a background assumption before making a suggestion, asking a question, or showing concern. You can also end a sentence with it (-(으)ㄹ 텐데요) to express worry or regret about a situation.

Examples

  • 오늘 많이 바쁠 텐데, 와 주셔서 감사합니다. (You must be very busy today, so thank you for coming.)
  • 지금 길이 많이 막힐 텐데, 지하철을 타세요. (The roads are probably jammed right now, so take the subway.)
  • 비가 올 텐데... 우산을 가져가세요. (It's probably going to rain... take an umbrella.)