Easy Korean - Level 3, Unit 4: Shall we...? -(으)ㄹ까요?

In this unit, we will learn how to ask "Shall we...?" or "Should we...?" in Korean. This ending is often used to suggest doing something together or to ask for someone else's opinion.

The Structure: -(으)ㄹ까요?

The ending you attach depends on whether the verb stem ends in a vowel or a consonant.

1. Verb stems ending in a VOWEL: Add -ㄹ까요? * 가다 (to go) -> 가 + ㄹ까요? = 갈까요? (Shall we go?) * 보다 (to see/watch) -> 보 + ㄹ까요? = 볼까요? (Shall we watch?) * 하다 (to do) -> 하 + ㄹ까요? = 할까요? (Shall we do...?)

2. Verb stems ending in a CONSONANT: Add -을까요? * 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹 + 을까요? = 먹을까요? (Shall we eat?) * 읽다 (to read) -> 읽 + 을까요? = 읽을까요? (Shall we read?) * 찾다 (to find) -> 찾 + 을까요? = 찾을까요? (Shall we look for...?)

3. Exception: Verb stems ending in 'ㄹ': Just add -까요? * 놀다 (to play/hang out) -> 놀 + 까요? = 놀까요? (Shall we hang out?) * 만들다 (to make) -> 만들 + 까요? = 만들까요? (Shall we make...?)

Meanings of -(으)ㄹ까요?

1. "Shall we...?" (Asking to do something together)

When the subject is "we", it translates to "Shall we...?" or "Do you want me to... with you?"

• 우리 같이 영화 볼까요? (Shall we watch a movie together?)
• 내일 만날까요? (Shall we meet tomorrow?)

2. "Should I...?" (Asking for an opinion)

When the subject is "I", it translates to "Should I...?" or "Shall I...?"

• 제가 도와줄까요? (Shall I help you? / Should I help you?)
• 창문을 닫을까요? (Should I close the window?)

Example Sentences

1. 오늘 뭐 먹을까요? (What shall we eat today?)
2. 제가 커피를 살까요? (Should I buy the coffee?)
3. 몇 시에 만날까요? (What time shall we meet?)
4. 주말에 같이 공원에서 놀까요? (Shall we hang out at the park this weekend?)