What is “-을/ㄹ”?

“-을/ㄹ” is an adnominal ending that attaches to verbs to create modifiers. It expresses actions or events that are expected to happen in the future, as well as possibilities, intentions, or plans.

Forms and Usage

Without a final consonant (받침 없음): Use -ㄹ
Example: 가다 → 갈 (to go → will go)
With a final consonant (받침 있음): Use -을
Example: 먹다 → 먹을 (to eat → will eat)

2. Grammar Information

A. Tense Information

“-을/ㄹ” combines with past markers like -었- to express guesses or assumptions.

그가 늦었을 이유를 생각해 봅시다. (Let’s think about why he might have been late.)
힘들었을 친구를 도와주고 싶어요. (I want to help my friend who must have had a hard time.)

B. Noun Combinations

“-을/ㄹ” is often followed by specific dependent nouns such as 적, 때.

여행할 적의 추억이 아직도 생생해요. (The memories from when I traveled are still vivid.)
시험 볼 때 굉장히 긴장했어요. (I was very nervous when taking the exam.)

3. Usage

1) Neutral in Tense

“-을/ㄹ” can modify nouns without specifically indicating a particular tense, making it neutral in terms of time.

공부할 시간은 항상 부족해요. (There’s never enough time to study.)
비가 올 날을 미리 준비해야 해요. (You need to prepare for the day it will rain.)
읽을 책이 너무 많아서 고민이에요. (I have so many books to read, it’s overwhelming.)
먹을 음식을 미리 주문해 주세요. (Please order the food we will eat in advance.)

2) Describing Future Actions

“-을/ㄹ” is used to indicate actions or events that are expected to happen in the future.

내일 갈 곳을 아직 정하지 못했어요. (I haven’t decided where to go tomorrow yet.)
곧 시작할 영화가 기대돼요. (I’m excited about the movie that will start soon.)
다음 주에 할 일이 너무 많아요. (I have so many things to do next week.)
생일에 받을 선물이 뭐일지 궁금해요. (I’m curious about what gift I will get for my birthday.)

Practice Quiz

Fill in the blanks with the correct adnominal ending.

_______(힘들다) 친구를 도와주고 싶어요.
(I want to help my friend who must have had a hard time.)
_______(여행하다) 적의 추억이 아직도 생생해요.
(The memories from when I traveled are still vivid.)
다음 주에 _______(하다) 일이 너무 많아요.
(I have so many things to do next week.)
_______(읽다) 책이 너무 많아서 고민이에요.
(I have so many books to read, it’s overwhelming.)