Korean Conversation · Level 10
15 words
Korean word
아마
Pronunciation
Romanizationama
Meaning
- adverbprobably
Example
아마 늦을 거예요.a ma neu seul kkeo ye yo
I'll probably be late.
More examples
그는 아마 집에 없을 거예요.keu neun a ma chi be eop sseul kkeo ye yo
He probably will not be at home.
Core concept
A likely possibility kept open instead of treated as certain.
Common phrases
아마 그럴 거예요a ma keu reol kkeo ye yo
probably be so
아마 집에 있다a ma chi be it tta
probably be at home
아마 도움이 되다a ma to u mi toe da
probably be helpful
Similar words
아마도amado: A prediction based on signs or information is presented as likely but not certain.
어쩌면eojjeomyeon: A possible outcome is left open without saying that it is likely.
혹시hokssi: A polite question leaves room for an unexpected possibility.
설마seolma: A very unlikely possibility is raised with surprise or doubt.
Definition in Korean
사실을 확정하지 않고 어떤 일이 일어날 것이라고 짐작할 때 쓰는 부사.sa si reul hwak jjeong ha ji an ko eo tteon i ri i reo nal kkeo si ra go chim ja kal ttae sseu neun pu sa
Word origin
Its history is uncertain, so it is best learned as a fixed everyday Korean adverb for making guesses.
Usage tips
- It usually comes near the beginning of a sentence, which makes the speaker's uncertainty clear before the rest of the message.