-(으)ㄹ 테니까 in Korean: “since I will, so”
-(으)ㄹ 테니까
-(eu)l tenikka
since I will, so
Intermediate · Linking ideas
-(으)ㄹ 테니까 (-(eu)l tenikka) means "since I will" or "since it will probably be, so". It gives either your own plan or your guess as the reason for what comes next, often a request or suggestion.
How to form it
| When | Add | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Stem ending in a vowel | + ㄹ 테니까 | 하다 → 할 테니까 |
| Stem ending in a consonant | + 을 테니까 | 먹다 → 먹을 테니까 |
| Stem ending in ㄹ | + 테니까 (no extra ㄹ) | 만들다 → 만들 테니까 |
| ㅂ irregular adjectives | ㅂ → 우 + ㄹ 테니까 | 춥다 → 추울 테니까 |
| Guess about the past | + 았/었을 테니까 | 도착하다 → 도착했을 테니까 |
How to use it
Use 1, your intention: when the subject is "I," it means "I'll do this, so you ...": 내가 할 테니까 쉬어 (I'll do it, so you rest). It sounds caring or take-charge.
Use 2, a guess: with other subjects it means "it will probably be ..., so": 밖은 추울 테니까 코트 입어 (It'll probably be cold out, so wear a coat).
The second half is very often a command, request, or suggestion. In casual speech the 까 is sometimes dropped (할 테니). The final ending sets the politeness.
Examples
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Offering to help
Before going out
Meeting someone politely
Checking on a traveler
Don’t mix it up with
-(으)ㄹ 텐데: -(으)ㄹ 텐데 also guesses (it would be ...), but it leads to worry, contrast, or regret. -(으)ㄹ 테니까 gives a reason, usually for a request.
-(으)니까: -(으)니까 gives a reason based on a fact. -(으)ㄹ 테니까 gives a reason based on a plan or a guess about what will be.
Common mistakes
Expecting it to be a promise when someone else is the subject. Only with "I" (내가/제가) does it mean "I will"; with other subjects it is a guess, like 친구가 올 테니까 (my friend will probably come, so).
Want the basics first? Read Because & so (-(으)니까).
Questions learners ask
What does 테니까 mean in Korean?
테니까 comes after -(으)ㄹ and means "since (I) will" or "since (it) will probably be, so." For example, 제가 갈 테니까 기다리세요 means "I'll go, so please wait."
What is the difference between 테니까 and 텐데?
Both include a guess or plan. -(으)ㄹ 테니까 is a reason that leads to a request or suggestion. -(으)ㄹ 텐데 sets up a contrast or worry, like "it would be ..., but."