Grammar
-아/어야 하나?
to wonder whether one should do something
Form
Verb stem + -아/어야 하나? — “should I…?”, “do I have to…?”.
Function
Asks whether an action is necessary, often as self-questioning, and can weigh alternative courses of action.
Why this form?
-아/어야 할까? — “should I…?”: overtly deliberates about a possible obligation.
-(으)ㄹ까? — “shall I…?”, “might I…?”: considers an option without necessarily conveying obligation.
Forms not to confuse
- -아/어야 할까?
지금 가야 할까? — Should I leave now?
- -(으)ㄹ까?
그냥 기다릴까? — Should I just wait?
Examples
다시 밖으로 나가야 하나, 아니면 그냥 여기 있어야 하나— — Should I go back outside, or just stay here…?
도움을 요청해야 하나? — Should I ask for help?