아마 (a-ma, ama) · 혹시 (hok-si, hoksi)
아마 is used for high-probability guesses, while 혹시 is for low-probability or hypothetical possibilities.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
An adverb used to express a high-probability guess that something will happen
When to use
high-probability guess, future event prediction, confident expectation
The nuance
아마 is used when the speaker has some confidence in the guess, mainly talking about future events or situations.
An adverb used to express low-probability or hypothetical possibility, or to politely ask or suggest something
When to use
low-probability possibility, polite inquiry, uncertain situation
The nuance
혹시 is used in low-probability or uncertain situations and also adds politeness when asking or suggesting something.
아마 내일 비가 올 거예요.
a-ma nae-il bi-ga ol geo-ye-yo., a ma nae il bi ga ol geo ye yo.
아마 fits high-probability future predictions.
혹시 내일 비가 올까요?
hok-si nae-il bi-ga ol-kka-yo?, hok si nae il bi ga ol kka yo?
혹시 is suitable for politely asking about low-probability possibilities.
아마 너 혹시 도와줄 수 있어?
a-ma neo hok-si do-wa-jul su iss-eo?, a ma neo hok si do wa jul su iss eo?
아마 is for guesses; for questions, 혹시 is correct.
혹시 그가 아마 올 거야.
hok-si geu-ga a-ma ol geo-ya., hok si geu ga a ma ol geo ya.
혹시 suits low-probability; 아마 is for confident guesses.
아마 그 사람이 지금 집에 있을 거야.
a-ma geu sa-ram-i ji-geum jip-e iss-eul geo-ya., a ma geu sa ram i ji geum jip e iss eul geo ya.
아마 is suitable when the speaker guesses confidently.
혹시 시간이 있으면 같이 점심 먹을래요?
hok-si si-gan-i iss-eu-myeon gat-i jeom-sim meok-eul-rae-yo?, hok si si gan i iss eu myeon gat i jeom sim meok eul rae yo?
혹시 is used for polite offers or requests.
혹시 그가 벌써 떠났을지도 몰라요.
hok-si geu-ga beol-sseo tteo-nass-eul-ji-do mol-ra-yo., hok si geu ga beol sseo tteo nass eul ji do mol ra yo.
혹시 expresses low-probability possibilities.
아마 그가 벌써 떠났을지도 몰라요.
a-ma geu-ga beol-sseo tteo-nass-eul-ji-do mol-ra-yo., a ma geu ga beol sseo tteo nass eul ji do mol ra yo.
아마도 fits high-probability guesses.
Which word suits a high-probability future prediction?
Which is appropriate for politely asking about a possibility?
Is the sentence ‘아마 너 도와줄 수 있어?’ correct?
Which word expresses low-probability possibility?
What does it mean?
