늦을 것 같아요
I think I will be late
Try it freeListen and repeat 늦을 것 같아요Use the audio examples below to practice this exact intention.Open →Explanation
늦다 means “to be late.” 늦을 것 같아요 literally means “it seems that I will be late,” and it is a considerate way to alert someone.
것 같아요 softens the statement because you are describing your expectation, not making a blunt certainty. It is very common in daily planning.
Add the reason if useful: 길이 막혀서 늦을 것 같아요 means “I think I will be late because traffic is heavy.”
When you know your arrival time, say 몇 분 늦을 것 같아요 or 여섯 시쯤 도착할 것 같아요.
Examples
미안해요. 조금 늦을 것 같아요.
Mianhaeyo. Jogeum neujeul geot gatayo.
Sorry. I think I will be a little late.
지하철이 늦어서 여섯 시쯤 도착할 것 같아요.
Jihacheori neujeoseo yeoseot sijjeum dochakal geot gatayo.
The subway is delayed, so I think I will arrive around six.
Mini dialogue
A: 지금 어디예요?
A: Where are you now?
B: 버스가 안 와요. 조금 늦을 것 같아요.
B: The bus is not coming. I think I will be a little late.
Common mistakes
- 늦을 것 같아요 is future-oriented; 늦었어요 means “I was late.”
- Use 미안해요 or 죄송해요 when an apology is appropriate.
How to practice
- Send this as soon as you expect a delay.
- 늦어서 죄송해요 is used after you are late or when apologizing directly.
Check yourself
Question 1 of 1
Which phrase apologizes for being late?
Related
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