-건대
In My Opinion, I Think
-건대 is a formal ending used to introduce a speaker's opinion or judgment. It's like saying 'In my opinion...' or 'Judging from...'.
How It Works
The grammar pattern -건대 is a formal and somewhat literary connector used to introduce the speaker's opinion, judgment, suggestion, or hope based on a preceding premise.
It attaches directly to the stems of verbs and adjectives. The structure is:
[Verb/Adjective Stem] + -건대, [Main Clause with Speaker's Opinion/Hope]
Think of it as a formal way of saying 'judging from X, my opinion is Y' or 'based on X, I hope for Y'. It's most often found in written texts, formal speeches, or academic writing, and is rarely used in casual conversation.
Common verbs used with this pattern include:
- 생각하건대: In my opinion / As I think...
- 보건대: Judging from what I see / As I see it...
- 듣건대: From what I hear...
- 바라건대: I hope that... / My wish is that...
This pattern elevates the tone of the sentence, making the speaker's subsequent statement sound more considered and deliberate. It is much stronger and more formal than using common opinion expressions like -ㄴ/는/ㄹ 것 같다.
Examples (4)
- 내가 생각하건대, 이 문제의 핵심은 소통의 부재입니다.
In my opinion, the core of this problem is a lack of communication.
Word by Word: I think-and, this problem's core is communication's absence.
- 그의 표정을 보건대, 그는 그 소식에 매우 실망한 듯하다.
Judging from his expression, he seems very disappointed with the news.
Word by Word: His expression see-and, he is that news-at very disappointed seems.
- 바라건대, 모든 분들이 건강하고 행복하시길 바랍니다.
I hope that everyone will be healthy and happy.
Word by Word: Hope-and, all people healthy and happy wish.
바라건대 is a very common set phrase using this pattern to express a sincere hope or wish, often used in public addresses or formal letters.
- 듣건대, 그 회사에서 곧 새로운 제품을 출시할 것이라 한다.
From what I hear, that company will soon launch a new product.
Word by Word: Hear-and, that company-from soon new product launch will do they say.
Common Mistakes
Using -건대 in casual, everyday conversation.
Different Meaning내가 보건대, 오늘 날씨가 좀 춥다.Better내가 보기에는 오늘 날씨가 좀 춥네.-건대 is very formal and literary. Using it in a casual context like talking about the weather sounds unnatural and overly dramatic. For everyday opinions, use patterns like -ㄴ/는/ㄹ 것 같다 or expressions like '내 생각에는'.
Learn This First
To express formal opinions 'in my opinion', you need verb conjugation.
Related Patterns
- -ㄴ/는/ㄹ 것 같다Seems Like, Looks Like
Both express opinions, but -건대 is very formal and assertive, used in writing or speeches. -ㄴ/는/ㄹ 것 같다 is much more common in everyday conversation and expresses a softer opinion or guess.
- -더니I Noticed, And Then
Both patterns can be based on the speaker's observation. However, -더니 connects an observation to a subsequent result or contrasting situation (e.g., 'I saw him study hard, and then he passed'). -건대 connects an observation to the speaker's opinion or judgment (e.g., 'Seeing him study hard, I think he will pass').
- -고자In Order to, With Intention to
Both -건대 and -고자 are formal patterns often used in writing and speeches. However, -건대 introduces an opinion based on a premise, while -고자 expresses the speaker's intention or purpose ('in order to...'). They share a similar formal register but have different grammatical functions.
- -ㄴ/는다는 것The Fact That... (Quoted)
This pattern nominalizes a clause, turning it into 'the fact that...'. While it can be used to state an opinion (e.g., 그가 옳다는 것은 제 생각입니다 - 'The fact that he is right is my opinion'), -건대 integrates the premise and the opinion more directly and fluidly into a single structure.