Learn Korean: Verb + 건가?

Let’s take a look at the pattern Verb + 건가. We use this to make an assumption about a situation. We assume while thinking we could be wrong at the same time because there isn’t only one possible reason. If a friend is late, he could have lost his way, stuck in traffic, or he probably is still sleeping. We are not sure.

Here's an example. I am walking around the red light district when I spot a college friend standing at the entrance of a KTV bar. She looks very sexy with her tight revealing clothes. I assumed Is she working here? (I could be wrong. Perhaps, she is just here to have fun). The main verb is 일하다 (to work). We take the verb stem and attach 는 건가 (present tense) or (으)ㄴ 건가 (past tense). The actual sentence is 여기서 일하는 건가?

When we don’t like how someone acts, we can use this to make a sarcastic remark. For example, our classroom leader is bossing everyone around while he audaciously does nothing. I said (self-talk) Duh, is he a teacher or something? I am insinuating that he is not a teacher, but he is acting like one. The main verb is 이다 and ㄴ 건가 is attached to the stem. The actual sentence is 선생님인가?

살이 빠진가?

Has she lost some weight? (it looks like it but I am not sure)

둘이 싸우는 건가?

Are they fighting? (they seem awkward with each other)

왜 이렇게 안 오지? 길을 잃어버린 건가?

Why is she so late? Has she gotten lost somewhere?