The Korean expression “것 같다” is often translated as “seem,” “look like,” or “I think,” but the real difficulty is not the English meaning. The verb, adjective, or noun before it changes form depending on time. “비가 오는 것 같아요” means it seems to be raining now, “비가 온 것 같아요” means it seems to have rained, and “비가 올 것 같아요” means it looks like it is going to rain.

“것 같다” is also not limited to guessing. When trying on clothes, saying “조금 큰 것 같아요” can soften the direct statement “it’s too big.” At work, “숫자가 하나 빠진 것 같아요” leaves more room for confirmation than directly declaring that the data contains an error. Once you distinguish present, past, and future forms and then determine whether the sentence is making a prediction or expressing a qualified opinion, you no longer need to memorize every use of “것 같다” as the same vague “seems like.”

What Does the Korean “것 같다” Mean? Expressing Conjecture, Impressions, and Tentative Judgments

The Korean expression “것 같다” indicates that the speaker thinks something may be true without presenting it as a 100% confirmed fact. Depending on the context, it can be translated as “it seems…,” “it looks like…,” “I feel…,” “probably…,” or “I think…”.

This judgment may come from sounds, appearance, past experience, work progress, or simply a personal evaluation of taste, price, or method. For example, “민지 씨가 피곤한 것 같아요” does not directly confirm that Minji is tired. Instead, the speaker may be judging from her facial expression, tone of voice, or behavior that she is probably tired.

The National Institute of Korean Language’s Basic Korean Dictionary also explains this meaning of “같다” as something that can be inferred from the current situation, with examples such as “오늘은 비가 올 것 같다” and “지금 매우 바쁜 것 같다.”

• Example: 밖에 비가 오는 것 같아요.
  Romanization: bak-kke bi-ga o-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: It seems to be raining outside.
  The speaker may hear rain or see that the ground outside is wet without directly confirming it, so “오는 것 같아요” is used to infer an action that appears to be happening now.
• Example: 이 커피는 조금 쓴 것 같아요.
  Romanization: i keo-pi-neun jo-geum sseun geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: This coffee seems a little bitter.
  “쓴 것 같아요” keeps the judgment within the speaker’s personal perception of the taste and sounds more tentative than directly saying “써요.”
• Example: 저분은 선생님인 것 같아요.
  Romanization: jeo-bun-eun seon-saeng-nim-in geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: That person seems to be a teacher.
  The noun “선생님” is followed by “인 것 같아요” to infer the person’s identity from clothing, speech, or the surrounding situation.

Korean “것 같다” Conjugation Rules: How Do Verbs, Adjectives, Nouns, and Tense Change?

Before “것 같다,” a verb, adjective, or noun must first be changed into a form that modifies “것,” so present, past, and future forms cannot all use the same pattern. The National Institute of Korean Language also treats this structure as the pattern “-ㄴ/-는/-을 것 같다,” rather than analyzing “것” separately. In this conjectural use, no additional particle is inserted after “것.”

The most practical method is to identify the word class first and then the time. Present or ongoing verbs use “-는 것 같다,” completed verbs use “-(으)ㄴ 것 같다,” and future or not-yet-occurring events use “-(으)ㄹ 것 같다.” Adjectives describing a current state use “-(으)ㄴ 것 같다,” while nouns use “인 것 같다.”

What It Attaches To	Structure	Example	Common Meaning
Present／ongoing／habitual verb	Verb stem＋는 것 같다	먹는 것 같아요	Seems to be eating／seems to eat regularly
Past／completed verb	Verb stem＋(으)ㄴ 것 같다	먹은 것 같아요	Seems to have eaten／seems to have already eaten
Future verb	Verb stem＋(으)ㄹ 것 같다	먹을 것 같아요	Seems likely to eat
Present adjective	Adjective stem＋(으)ㄴ 것 같다	큰 것 같아요	Seems big
Future state adjective	Adjective stem＋(으)ㄹ 것 같다	추울 것 같아요	Seems like it will be cold
Present noun	Noun＋인 것 같다	학생인 것 같아요	Seems to be a student
Past noun	Noun＋이었던／였던 것 같다	학생이었던 것 같아요	Seems to have been a student

How Is “-는 것 같다” Used? Describing an Ongoing or Recently Repeated Action

When a verb takes “-는 것 같다,” it usually describes an action currently in progress or an action that appears to happen repeatedly based on recent circumstances. The key is that the action remains within the present time frame.

For example, if singing can continuously be heard from the room next door, you can say “노래하는 것 같아요.” If you are instead predicting from an announcement that the subway is about to arrive, the future form “올 것 같아요” is clearer because the train has not arrived yet.

• Example: 옆방에서 누가 노래하는 것 같아요.
  Romanization: yeop-bang-e-seo nu-ga no-rae-ha-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: It sounds like someone is singing in the next room.
  Singing can be heard, but the singer cannot be seen, so the speaker infers that the action is currently happening from the sound.
• Example: 민수 씨가 지금 전화하는 것 같아요.
  Romanization: min-su ssi-ga ji-geum jeon-hwa-ha-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: Minsu seems to be on the phone right now.
  The speaker may see him holding a phone and talking or infer from other clues that the phone call is still in progress.
• Example: 요즘 민수 씨가 자주 운동하는 것 같아요.
  Romanization: yo-jeum min-su ssi-ga ja-ju un-dong-ha-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: Minsu seems to exercise often these days.
  “요즘” and “자주” allow the sentence to describe not just a single action happening now but a habit that has been appearing repeatedly recently.

How Is “-(으)ㄴ 것 같다” Used? Describing a Present State or Guessing That an Action Has Already Been Completed

“-(으)ㄴ 것 같다” commonly appears in two situations. With adjectives, it describes a state the speaker perceives in the present. With verbs, it usually indicates that an action has already occurred or been completed.

This means the “큰” in “큰 것 같아요” is not past tense. It is simply the attributive form required when the adjective “크다” modifies “것.” By contrast, “먹은” in “먹은 것 같아요” comes from the verb “먹다,” so it carries the sense that the eating has already happened.

• Example: 이 가방은 조금 무거운 것 같아요.
  Romanization: i ga-bang-eun jo-geum mu-geo-un geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: This bag feels a little heavy.
  “무겁다” is an adjective, so “무거운 것 같아요” describes the current state the speaker feels after picking up the bag.
• Example: 회의가 이미 끝난 것 같아요.
  Romanization: hoe-ui-ga i-mi kkeut-nan geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: It seems the meeting has already ended.
  “끝나다” is a verb, and “끝난” indicates that the action of ending has already been completed. The speaker then infers from the surrounding situation that the meeting is probably over.
• Example: 아까 이 근처에서 본 것 같아요.
  Romanization: a-kka i geun-cheo-e-seo bon geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: I think I saw it around here earlier.
  “보다” becomes the past attributive form “본,” indicating that the speaker is recalling something that may have happened earlier.

How Is “-(으)ㄹ 것 같다” Used? Predicting Something That May Happen Next

“-(으)ㄹ 것 같다” indicates that something has not happened yet, but based on the information currently available, the speaker judges that it is likely to happen. This form is common for weather, transportation, arrival times, work progress, price changes, and plans that have not yet been finalized.

The difference between “비가 오는 것 같아요” and “비가 올 것 같아요” is time. The former means it seems to be raining now, while the latter means it is not raining yet, but the speaker predicts that it probably will based on the sky or a weather forecast.

• Example: 내일은 날씨가 더 추울 것 같아요.
  Romanization: nae-il-eun nal-ssi-ga deo chu-ul geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: It will probably be colder tomorrow.
  Tomorrow has not arrived yet, so “추울 것 같아요” is used to predict a future state.
• Example: 이 일은 생각보다 오래 걸릴 것 같아요.
  Romanization: i il-eun saeng-gak-bo-da o-rae geol-lil geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: This task will probably take longer than expected.
  The work is still in progress, and the speaker estimates the eventual time required based on its current progress.
• Example: 지하철이 곧 올 것 같아요.
  Romanization: ji-ha-cheol-i got ol geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: It looks like the subway will arrive soon.
  The speaker may have heard the arrival announcement or seen information on the platform, but the train has not actually arrived yet, so the future conjecture “올 것 같아요” is used.

How Is “인 것 같다” Used? Guessing a Person’s Occupation, Identity, or What Something Is

A noun cannot simply use the verb form “-는” or the adjective form “-(으)ㄴ.” Present identity uses “noun＋인 것 같다,” as in “학생인 것 같아요” and “한국 사람인 것 같아요.”

When talking about a past identity, “이었던／였던 것 같다” is common, as in “예전에는 학생이었던 것 같아요.” This differs in time from saying that someone seems to be a student now.

• Example: 저분은 새로 오신 직원인 것 같아요.
  Romanization: jeo-bun-eun sae-ro o-sin ji-gwon-in geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: That person seems to be the new employee.
  The speaker infers the person’s identity from where they are standing or how people around them are reacting, without having confirmed it directly.
• Example: 여기가 우리가 찾던 식당인 것 같아요.
  Romanization: yeo-gi-ga u-ri-ga chat-deon sik-ttang-in geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: This seems to be the restaurant we were looking for.
  The speaker checks the sign, address, or appearance of the place but still leaves some room for confirmation.
• Example: 그 건물은 예전에 학교였던 것 같아요.
  Romanization: geu geon-mul-eun ye-jeon-e hak-kkyo-yeot-deon geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: That building seems to have been a school in the past.
  “학교였던 것 같아요” places the conjecture on a past identity.

Three Common Uses of Korean “것 같다”: Conjecture, Softened Opinions, and Unconfirmed Plans

The most basic function of “것 같다” is to avoid making an absolute statement, but its role in real conversation extends beyond simply “guessing.” In addition to judging situations from evidence, it is commonly used to soften evaluations or to describe an arrangement that currently looks likely but has not been completely finalized.

“것 같다” Usage ①｜Guessing Something That Has Not Been Directly Confirmed Based on Clues

When there are signs suggesting something but the situation itself has not been directly confirmed, “것 같다” is very natural. A door that will not open, a missing phone, or office lights that have already been turned off can all provide evidence for such a judgment.

These sentences still have a basis; the evidence is simply not strong enough for the speaker to declare the situation as a confirmed fact.

• Example: 문이 잠긴 것 같아요.
  Romanization: mun-i jam-gin geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: The door seems to be locked.
  The speaker may have pulled the handle and found that the door would not open, so they infer that it is locked without actually checking the lock.
• Example: 휴대폰을 집에 두고 온 것 같아요.
  Romanization: hyu-dae-pon-eul ji-be du-go on geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: I think I left my phone at home.
  After realizing that the phone is not with them, the speaker recalls what happened before leaving home and concludes that it was probably left there.
• Example: 사무실에 아무도 없는 것 같아요.
  Romanization: sa-mu-sil-e a-mu-do eop-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: It seems like no one is in the office.
  There is no sound and the lights are off, so those external conditions become the basis for the judgment. The Basic Korean Dictionary also contains a similar example of judging that someone is “very busy” because they are not answering the phone.

“것 같다” Usage ②｜Making Personal Opinions or Evaluations Sound More Tentative

In Korean conversation, “것 같아요” also appears frequently in sentences where the speaker actually has a fairly clear impression. If clothes feel too big, soup tastes too salty, or one work method seems more convenient, “것 같아요” can still be used.

In these cases, the speaker is not necessarily unsure about their own perception. Instead, the expression avoids presenting a personal judgment as an unquestionable fact that everyone else must accept. Depending on the context, it can be translated as “I feel…,” “it seems…,” or “I think…,” and it generally sounds less categorical than a direct statement.

• Example: 이 가격은 조금 비싼 것 같아요.
  Romanization: i ga-gyeok-eun jo-geum bi-ssan geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: I think this price is a little high.
  The speaker still expresses the opinion that the price is high but does not present “비싸요” as the only possible judgment.
• Example: 자료에 숫자가 하나 빠진 것 같아요.
  Romanization: ja-ryo-e sut-ja-ga ha-na ppa-jin geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: It looks like one number is missing from the data.
  During a work check, the speaker points out a possible omission while leaving room for the information to be verified again.
• Example: 이 방법이 더 편한 것 같아요.
  Romanization: i bang-beop-i deo pyeon-han geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: I think this method is more convenient.
  The speaker already has a preferred method but uses “것 같아요” to leave room for others to suggest a different opinion.

“것 같다” Usage ③｜Expressing Predictions and Plans That Are Not Yet Completely Certain

When future schedules, delivery times, or results still contain uncertainty, “-(으)ㄹ 것 같다” can describe what currently seems most likely. If an arrangement has already been finalized, a more direct form such as “-(으)ㄹ 거예요” or another definite expression is normally used instead.

So “다음 달에 부산에 갈 것 같아요” is not simply a future tense. It means “At the moment, it looks like I’ll probably go, but things could still change.”

• Example: 오늘은 회의가 늦게 끝날 것 같아요.
  Romanization: o-neul-eun hoe-ui-ga neut-ge kkeut-nal geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: Today’s meeting will probably end late.
  The speaker estimates the ending time based on the agenda or current progress without guaranteeing that it will definitely happen.
• Example: 다음 달에 부산에 갈 것 같아요.
  Romanization: da-eum dal-e bu-san-e gal geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: I’ll probably go to Busan next month.
  The trip is currently likely but could still change, so the more certain “갈 거예요” is not used.
• Example: 이 정도면 큰 문제는 없을 것 같아요.
  Romanization: i jeong-do-myeon keun mun-je-neun eop-seul geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: At this level, there probably won’t be any major problems.
  The speaker gives a positive assessment based on the current conditions without making an absolute guarantee.

What Is the Difference Between Korean “것 같다,” “-나 보다,” “-겠-,” and “듯하다”?

“것 같다,” “-나 보다,” the conjectural use of “-겠-,” and “듯하다” can all express conjecture and may all be translated as “seems,” “looks like,” or “apparently.” The main differences lie in how the judgment is formed and in register.

“것 같다” has the broadest range, covering general conjecture as well as softened opinions. “-나 보다” more often suggests inferring a situation from an observable result or clue. “-겠-” has other functions such as volition and futurity, but in conjectural use it often conveys an immediate judgment made at the moment of speaking. “듯하다,” meanwhile, is clearly more formal or literary.

Comparison	“것 같다”	“-나 보다”	Conjectural “-겠-”	“듯하다”
Main function	Tentative judgment, conjecture, opinion	Inferring a situation from clues	Immediate inference, impression	Formal conjecture
Common register	Most common in everyday speech	Everyday spoken Korean	Everyday spoken Korean	Written／formal
Can soften opinions?	Very common	Less common	Usually not the main function	Less common
Future prediction	Yes	Can be expressed depending on form	Yes	Yes
Typical example	비가 올 것 같아요	비가 오나 봐요	비가 오겠어요	비가 올 듯합니다

▌“것 같다” vs. “-나 보다”: General Tentative Judgment vs. Inference Triggered by Visible Clues

“것 같다” has a broad range and can express judgments based on information, feelings, experience, or the surrounding situation. “-나 보다” more readily gives the impression that a concrete clue appeared first and the speaker then inferred the reason or situation from it.

The actual usage of the two overlaps, so it is not useful to memorize them simply as “것 같다＝no evidence” and “-나 보다＝evidence.” A more practical distinction is that “-나 보다” often carries the sense of an on-the-spot realization: “Looking at this, I guess／apparently…”

▌A Friend Has Not Replied to Messages for a Long Time

✅ 민지 씨가 바쁜 것 같아요.
Minji seems to be busy.
This is simply a tentative judgment that she may be busy and could be based on her recent situation or a general impression.

✅ 민지 씨가 아직도 일하나 봐요.
It looks like Minji is still working.
For example, if it is already late and the office lights are still on, the speaker infers from the visible situation that she is still working, giving “-나 보다” a stronger sense of on-the-spot inference.

▌“것 같다” vs. “-겠-”: Considered Conjecture vs. an Immediate Judgment

“것 같다” often organizes the information currently available into a tentative judgment. In conjectural use, “-겠-” frequently appears when the speaker immediately reacts to something they see with a judgment, impression, or prediction.

“-겠-” does not only express conjecture. It can also indicate volition, futurity, and other pragmatic meanings, so it should not always be translated as “seems.”

▌Seeing Friday Evening Traffic

✅ 오늘은 길이 많이 막힐 것 같아요.
The roads will probably be very congested today.
The speaker can make a relatively neutral prediction based on the time, navigation information, and past experience.

✅ 차가 정말 많네요. 길이 많이 막히겠어요.
There are so many cars. The roads are going to be really congested.
The large number of cars is directly visible, and “-겠-” conveys an immediate reaction to the situation.

▌“것 같다” vs. “듯하다”: Everyday Conversation vs. Formal Writing

Both “듯하다” and “것 같다” can express conjecture, but “듯하다” has a stronger written or formal feel. Friends talking, shopping, and workplace discussions normally use “것 같아요,” while formal reports, articles, or more objective explanations are more likely to use “듯합니다.”

▌Both Mean “It Seems a Reservation Is Required”

✅ 예약이 필요한 것 같아요.
It seems like a reservation is required.
Suitable for ordinary conversation, checking travel information, or workplace discussion.

✅ 예약이 필요한 듯합니다.
It appears that a reservation is required.
The meaning is similar, but the overall tone is more formal and written.

▌“것 같다” vs. “-(으)ㄹ 거예요”: Are You Still Guessing, or Is the Plan Already Set?

“-(으)ㄹ 거예요” can express a future prediction and is also commonly used for one’s own intention or plan. “-(으)ㄹ 것 같아요,” by contrast, explicitly preserves the sense that “based on the current situation, this is probably what will happen.”

The difference becomes especially clear when talking about whether your own plans have been finalized.

▌Are You Going to Jeju Island Next Week?

✅ 다음 주에 제주도에 갈 거예요.
I’m going to Jeju Island next week.
The trip has already been decided, so the tone is more certain.

✅ 다음 주에 제주도에 갈 것 같아요.
I’ll probably go to Jeju Island next week.
At the moment, the trip looks likely, but time, work, or other circumstances could still change.

How Does the Time Change in “비가 오는／온／올 것 같아요”?

The most important thing to memorize first about “것 같다” is not its English translation. The attributive form before it directly tells the listener where the event sits in time.

• Example: 비가 오는 것 같아요.
  Romanization: bi-ga o-neun geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: It seems to be raining.
  “오는” is the present attributive form of a verb and indicates that the action of raining appears to be happening now.
• Example: 비가 온 것 같아요.
  Romanization: bi-ga on geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: It seems to have rained.
  “온” indicates that the rain has already occurred, for example when the speaker sees wet ground and infers that it rained earlier.
• Example: 비가 올 것 같아요.
  Romanization: bi-ga ol geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: It looks like it is going to rain.
  “올” places the rain in a time that has not yet happened, such as when the speaker sees dark clouds and predicts that rain will follow.

The Basic Korean Dictionary also directly lists “오늘은 비가 올 것 같다” as an example of “같다” expressing conjecture.

The “것 같아요” portion remains exactly the same in all three sentences. What changes the time is “오는／온／올.” So when you encounter “것 같다,” looking one position to the left is usually faster than starting by translating “seems.”

What Is the Difference Between Korean “것 같아요” and “거 같아요”? Colloquial Contraction and Standard Writing

In everyday Korean, “거 같아요” and “거 같아” are extremely common. Here, “거” is a common spoken form of the dependent noun “것,” so the basic meaning is the same as “것 같아요.”

In formal writing, textbooks, exams, or situations where the grammatical structure needs to be shown clearly, it is more appropriate to keep the full “것 같아요.” In conversation, however, the expression is often pronounced quickly enough to sound like “거 같아요,” and the whole sentence may run together.

In addition, conjectural “것 같다” should be written with a space and not as “것같다.” The National Institute of Korean Language likewise treats it as a syntactic unit such as “할 것 같다.”

• Example: 좀 비싼 것 같아요.
  Romanization: jom bi-ssan geot ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: I think it is a little expensive.
  The full “것” is retained in writing, making this suitable for textbooks, formal text, or standard written Korean.
• Example: 좀 비싼 거 같아요.
  Romanization: jom bi-ssan geo ga-ta-yo.
  Translation: I think it is a little expensive.
  This form is extremely common in speech, but the meaning does not become a different grammar pattern.
• Example: 그 사람 어디서 본 거 같아.
  Romanization: geu sa-ram eo-di-seo bon geo ga-ta.
  Translation: I feel like I’ve seen that person somewhere before.
  In conversations between friends, “것 같아” is frequently shortened to “거 같아,” and the overall tone is lighter than “것 같습니다.”

How Korean “것 같다” Is Used for Weather, Work, and Everyday Opinions

“것 같다” appears very frequently in Korean conversation partly because it can handle both genuine uncertainty and the softening of opinions. Weather predictions, workplace checks, restaurant evaluations, and trying on clothes can all involve this expression.

However, when something has already been confirmed as a clear fact, there is no need to add “것 같아요” to every sentence simply to sound polite. For example, after confirming that a page is definitely missing from a document, repeatedly saying “빠진 것 같아요” can actually make responsibility or the factual status of the issue less clear. First determine whether the matter has been confirmed, and then decide whether a tentative expression is necessary.

▌Situation ①｜Looking at the Sky and Deciding Whether to Bring an Umbrella

A：하늘이 많이 어두워졌네요.
　　ha-neul-i man-i eo-du-wo-jyeot-ne-yo.
　　The sky has gotten really dark.

B：곧 비가 올 것 같아요. 우산을 가져가는 게 좋겠어요.
　　got bi-ga ol geot ga-ta-yo. u-san-eul ga-jyeo-ga-neun ge jo-ket-sseo-yo.
　　It looks like it’s going to rain soon. We should probably bring an umbrella.

📌 Grammar Point: “올 것 같아요” places the rain in the future and predicts what may happen next based on the current sky. If rain can already be heard outside, the sentence would instead use “비가 오는 것 같아요.”

▌Situation ②｜Checking Whether Something Is Missing from a Work Document

A：보고서 내용은 다 확인했어요.
　　bo-go-seo nae-yong-eun da hwak-in-hae-sseo-yo.
　　I checked all the content in the report.

B：3페이지에 표가 하나 빠진 것 같아요.
　　sam-pe-i-ji-e pyo-ga ha-na ppa-jin geot ga-ta-yo.
　　It looks like one table is missing from page 3.

📌 Grammar Point: “빠진 것 같아요” indicates that, based on the page currently being viewed, there may be an omission, but it leaves room for the information to be checked again. If the original file has already been compared and the omission is confirmed, directly saying “표가 하나 빠졌어요” is more accurate.

▌Situation ③｜Expressing How Clothes Feel When Trying Them On

A：사이즈는 괜찮으세요?
　　sa-i-jeu-neun gwaen-chan-eu-se-yo?
　　Is the size okay?

B：저한테는 조금 큰 것 같아요.
　　jeo-han-te-neun jo-geum keun geot ga-ta-yo.
　　It feels a little big on me.

📌 Grammar Point: “큰 것 같아요” still expresses a clear impression about how the clothing fits, but it sounds slightly more tentative than directly saying “커요.” This is why it is common when shopping, evaluating food at a restaurant, or expressing personal opinions.

Cultural Notes:

1. “것 같아요” appears very frequently when Korean speakers express opinions, but it should not be simplified into the claim that “Koreans do not like speaking directly.” It is first and foremost an expression of conjecture and judgment, although in many interactions it can also reduce the level of certainty.
2. When using “것 같아요” at work, pay attention to whether the matter has already been confirmed. Saying “숫자가 빠진 것 같아요” while checking data is reasonable; continuing to say only “그런 것 같아요” after an error has been confirmed can make the information unnecessarily unclear.
3. “거 같아요” is extremely common in speech, so when watching Korean dramas or listening to ordinary conversation, what you actually hear may sound different from the textbook form “것 같아요.” The two do not need to be memorized as separate grammar points.

How Does Korean “것 같다” Compare with Japanese “〜ようだ／〜みたいだ／〜そうだ”?

There is no single Japanese grammar pattern that can replace Korean “것 같다” in every situation. When inferring something from evidence, Japanese “〜ようだ” and “〜みたいだ” are often close. When predicting something based on its visible appearance, the appearance form “〜そうだ” is also common.

“〜ようだ” is relatively neutral and can appear in writing, while “〜みたいだ” is more conversational. Korean “것 같다” itself covers a very broad range, so the Japanese translation depends on both the source of the inference and the speaking situation.

◆ Similar Expression ①: Japanese “〜ようだ”

Japanese “〜ようだ” can infer something from visible evidence, information heard, or other clues, making it similar to one of the most common conjectural functions of Korean “것 같다.” Compared with “〜みたいだ,” “〜ようだ” sounds slightly more neutral and is more likely to appear in formal conversation or writing.

• Example: 外は雨が降っているようです。
  Kana: そとはあめがふっているようです。
  Translation: It seems to be raining outside.
  For example, if you can hear rain without directly seeing outside, this can be understood alongside Korean “밖에 비가 오는 것 같아요.”
• Example: 会議はもう終わったようです。
  Kana: かいぎはもうおわったようです。
  Translation: It seems the meeting has already ended.
  The speaker infers this from an empty meeting room, participants leaving, or similar evidence. The nuance is close to Korean “회의가 이미 끝난 것 같아요.”
• Example: あの人は新しい店長のようです。
  Kana: あのひとはあたらしいてんちょうのようです。
  Translation: That person seems to be the new manager.
  The speaker infers the person’s identity from location, clothing, or the reactions of people around them, in a way similar to Korean “저 사람은 새로 온 점장인 것 같아요.”

◆ Similar Expression ②: Japanese “〜みたいだ”

“〜みたいだ” can also mean “seems” or “looks like,” but it is more conversational than “〜ようだ.” It is very common in casual conversations between friends and has a lighter tone, so it often corresponds well to spoken Korean “것 같아／거 같아.”

• Example: この服、ちょっと大きいみたい。
  Kana: このふく、ちょっとおおきいみたい。
  Translation: This outfit feels a little big.
  When trying on clothes, this can express an immediate impression and is similar to Korean “이 옷은 조금 큰 것 같아,” with both sounding more tentative than directly saying “it’s big.”
• Example: 田中さん、今日は休みみたい。
  Kana: たなかさん、きょうはやすみみたい。
  Translation: It looks like Tanaka is off today.
  For example, if the speaker arrives at work but does not see him and his desk is empty, Korean could express the same inference with “다나카 씨는 오늘 쉬는 것 같아.”
• Example: この店、もう閉まったみたい。
  Kana: このみせ、もうしまったみたい。
  Translation: It looks like this shop has already closed.
  The judgment is made after seeing that the lights are off and the door is locked. The nuance is close to Korean “이 가게는 벌써 문을 닫은 것 같아.”

◆ Similar Expression ③: Japanese “〜そうだ”

Here, “〜そうだ” refers to the appearance form. It is mainly used when judging from visible appearance or current conditions that something is about to happen or that a person or thing appears to have a certain quality. It overlaps with Korean “것 같다” in some situations, but “〜そうだ” more strongly emphasizes directly observable signs.

• Example: 雨が降りそうです。
  Kana: あめがふりそうです。
  Translation: It looks like it is going to rain.
  The speaker sees the sky darkening and clouds gathering and predicts that rain will begin soon. Korean can naturally say “비가 올 것 같아요.”
• Example: この料理はおいしそうです。
  Kana: このりょうりはおいしそうです。
  Translation: This dish looks delicious.
  This judgment is made from the dish’s appearance. Korean can say “이 음식은 맛있을 것 같아요” depending on the context, likewise predicting that the taste will probably be good from how it currently looks.
• Example: あの荷物は重そうです。
  Kana: あのにもつはおもそうです。
  Translation: That luggage looks heavy.
  The luggage has not actually been picked up; it merely appears heavy based on its size or appearance. Korean can say “저 짐은 무거울 것 같아요,” expressing an inference about its weight from the visible situation.

◆ Core Differences from “것 같다”:

Korean “것 같다” has a broader range than these three Japanese grammar patterns. It can infer something currently happening, something that has already happened, and something that may happen in the future, and it is also commonly used to make personal opinions sound more tentative.

Japanese makes finer distinctions based on the source of the inference and the register. “〜ようだ” is suitable for relatively neutral inference based on clues, “〜みたいだ” expresses a similar meaning in a more conversational style, and “〜そうだ” frequently describes what something looks like from direct visual evidence or what appears likely to happen next.

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