미래 (mi-rae, mirae) · 추측 (chu-cheuk, chucheuk)
미래 refers to the time ahead, while 추측 is used to predict possibilities in uncertain situations.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
The time that will come ahead; a future point or period
When to use
Temporal future reference, Describing plans or goals, Emphasizing passage of time
The nuance
미래 is a temporal concept used to refer to a definite or general time that will come. It indicates a future point or period with certainty.
Guessing or estimating possibilities in uncertain situations
When to use
Predicting uncertain situations, Guessing possibilities, Lack of information
The nuance
추측 is used to predict possibilities based on uncertain information. It can refer to future, present, or past situations.
미래에는 로봇이 더 많이 일할 것이다.
mi-rae-e-neun ro-bos-i deo man-i il-hal geos-i-da., mi rae e neun ro bos i deo man i il hal geos i da.
미래 refers to a definite future time, appropriate for stating when robots will work.
미래가 어떻게 될지 추측할 수 없다.
mi-rae-ga eo-tteoh-ge doel-ji chu-cheuk-hal su eop-da., mi rae ga eo tteoh ge doel ji chu cheuk hal su eop da.
The combination of 미래 (future time) and 추측 (guessing possibilities) is natural here.
그는 내일 추측할 것이다.
geu-neun nae-il chu-cheuk-hal geos-i-da., geu neun nae il chu cheuk hal geos i da.
추측 means to guess, not an action happening at a time alone. ‘내일 추측할 것이다’ lacks an object, making it unnatural.
나는 미래에 의사가 되고 싶다.
na-neun mi-rae-e ui-sa-ga doe-go sip-da., na neun mi rae e ui sa ga doe go sip da.
미래 refers to future time, suitable for expressing dreams or goals.
그의 추측은 맞았다.
geu-ui chu-cheuk-eun maj-ass-da., geu ui chu cheuk eun maj ass da.
추측 means a guess or opinion, and pairing with 맞았다 (was correct) is natural.
미래를 짐작하다.
mi-rae-reul jim-jak-ha-da., mi rae reul jim jak ha da.
미래 is a time concept, and 짐작하다 means to guess possibilities, so ‘미래를 짐작하다’ is unnatural; ‘미래를 예측하다’ is correct.
그는 내일 날씨를 추측했다.
geu-neun nae-il nal-ssi-reul chu-cheuk-haess-da., geu neun nae il nal ssi reul chu cheuk haess da.
추측 is appropriate for guessing possibilities based on uncertain information.
미래는 불확실하다.
mi-rae-neun bul-hwak-sil-ha-da., mi rae neun bul hwak sil ha da.
This sentence naturally expresses the uncertainty of the future time concept.
Which sentence correctly uses 미래?
Which sentence correctly uses 추측?
Which word is used to predict possibilities in uncertain situations?
