Korean: Softening Suggestions with 아마도
Learn to use '아마도' (amado) to make suggestions and opinions less direct in Korean, with examples and practice.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Korean, suggesting something directly can sound abrupt or pushy. To soften your suggestion or opinion, you can use the adverb '아마도' (amado), which means 'maybe' or 'perhaps'. This lesson will teach you how to use '아마도' with the suggestive ending '-는 게 좋겠어요' (-neun ge joesseoyo) to make polite suggestions like 'Maybe we should leave.' You'll learn the pattern, when to use it, and practice with a dialogue. By the end, you'll be able to make softer suggestions in everyday conversations.
By the end, you can…
- use '아마도' with '-는 게 좋겠어요' to make a soft suggestion.
- recognize and respond to softened suggestions in Korean.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
아마도 우리 지금 가는 게 좋겠어요.
Maybe we should leave now.
amado uri jigeum ganeun ge joesseoyo
Soft suggestion to leave now, using '아마도' and '-는 게 좋겠어요'.
아마도 이게 더 나을 것 같아요.
Maybe this would be better.
amado ige deo naul geot gatayo
Soft opinion comparing two options, using '아마도' and '-ㄹ 것 같아요'.
아마도 내일이 좋겠어요.
Maybe tomorrow would be good.
amado naeiri joesseoyo
Soft suggestion for a time, using '아마도' with '좋겠어요'.
아마도 다시 생각해 보는 게 좋겠어요.
Maybe we should think about it again.
amado dasi saenggakhae boneun ge joesseoyo
Soft suggestion to reconsider, using '아마도' and '-는 게 좋겠어요'.
아마도 다른 방법이 있을 거예요.
Maybe there is another way.
amado dareun bangbeobi isseul geoyeyo
Soft opinion offering an alternative, using '아마도' and '-ㄹ 거예요'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern '아마도 + [verb stem]-는 게 좋겠어요' is used to make a soft suggestion. '아마도' means 'maybe' and '-는 게 좋겠어요' means 'it would be better to...'. For example, '아마도 우리 지금 가는 게 좋겠어요' means 'Maybe we should leave now.' You can also use '아마도' with '-ㄹ 것 같아요' to soften opinions, as in '아마도 이게 더 나을 것 같아요' (Maybe this would be better).
When to use it
Use '아마도' when you want to make a suggestion or opinion less direct, especially in polite conversation. It is common when you are not sure or want to avoid sounding forceful. For example, if you want to suggest leaving a party early, you can say '아마도 우리 지금 가는 게 좋겠어요' instead of '우리 지금 가요' (Let's leave now), which is more direct. Similarly, when giving an opinion, '아마도 이게 더 나을 것 같아요' sounds softer than '이게 더 나아요' (This is better).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
시간이 늦었네요. 아마도 우리 지금 가는 게 좋겠어요.
It's late. Maybe we should leave now.sigani neujeotneyo. amado uri jigeum ganeun ge joesseoyo.네, 그럼요. 아마도 택시를 타는 게 좋겠어요.
Yes, of course. Maybe we should take a taxi.ne, geureomnyo. amado taeksireul taneun ge joesseoyo.아마도 지하철이 더 빠를 것 같아요.
Maybe the subway would be faster.amado jihacheori deo ppareul geot gatayo.그래요? 그럼 지하철로 가요.
Really? Then let's take the subway.geuraeyo? geureom jihacheollo gayo.A little context goes a long way
In Korean, softening suggestions with '아마도' is a way to show consideration for others' feelings and maintain harmony. It is especially important when speaking to someone older or in a formal setting. Using '아마도' can make you sound more polite and less assertive, which is valued in Korean communication.
One thing to watch for
Using '아마도' with a direct imperative like '아마도 가세요' (Maybe go).
Try this instead: '아마도' should not be used with direct commands. Instead, use a suggestive form like '-는 게 좋겠어요'. For example, say '아마도 가는 게 좋겠어요' (Maybe you should go) instead of '아마도 가세요'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'Maybe we should eat now' using '아마도'?
Show a sample answer
아마도 우리 지금 먹는 게 좋겠어요.
This uses '아마도' with '-는 게 좋겠어요' to make a soft suggestion. Other variations like '아마도 지금 먹는 게 좋겠어요' are also correct.
2What is the meaning of '아마도 이게 더 나을 것 같아요'?
Show a sample answer
Maybe this would be better.
This phrase uses '아마도' with '-ㄹ 것 같아요' to soften an opinion. It can be used when comparing options.
3Change '우리 내일 만나요' (Let's meet tomorrow) to a softer suggestion using '아마도'.
Show a sample answer
아마도 우리 내일 만나는 게 좋겠어요.
This changes the direct suggestion to a softer one using '아마도' and '-는 게 좋겠어요'. Another option is '아마도 내일 만나는 게 좋겠어요'.
Use '아마도' with '-는 게 좋겠어요' or '-ㄹ 것 같아요' to make your suggestions and opinions sound softer and more polite in Korean.
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