-(으)ㄹ까 봐
(eu)l kka bwa
Grammar · 1 sense
Be worried, afraid that
Examples
주말에 날씨가 나쁠까 봐 걱정이에요.
I am worried that the weather would be bad in weekend
중요한 일을 잊어버릴까 봐 수첩에 항상 메모해요.
I always write memo because I am afraid that I would forget important things.
살이 찔까 봐 기름진 음식 안 먹어요.
I don't eat fatty food since I am worried that I would gain weight.
When you'd hear it
Common in everyday conversation, dramas, and practical writing such as messages or notes; it is neutral rather than formal. Speakers often use it with 걱정하다 or before describing a precaution.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse it with -(으)ㄹ까 하다, which expresses considering or planning to do something. With -(으)ㄹ까 봐, the following action usually prevents or prepares for an unwanted possibility.
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