Learn Korean: Verb + 힘들 것 같다

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 힘들 것 같다. 힘들다 means to be hard or difficult which may refer to one’s feeling or action. In here, it is combined with the verb-ending 것 같다 in future form. Literally, it means it seems difficult or I think it is difficult. When preceded by a verb in 기 form as in가기, 오기, 먹기, it expresses the speaker’s light refusal of a favour or a suggestion- you feel sorry for not being able to do something because of your circumstance. In English, we say something like I don’t think I can do it.

비가 많이 와서 가기가 힘들 것 같아요.

I don’t think I can go because of the heavy rain.

지금은 혼자가 아니라서 점심 같이 하기 조금 힘들 것 같은데.

I don’t think I can have lunch with you because I am with someone else.

오늘 만나기 힘들 것 같아.

I don’t think I can meet you today. (because I am busy)