When learning Korean, you may come across ‘-(으)ㄹ 참이다’ and ‘-(으)려는 참이다’. These two expressions are similar, but they have subtle differences in meaning and usage. Both indicate an intention or plan to do something soon, but they are used in slightly different contexts. Understanding how to use them correctly will help you sound more natural in Korean conversations. In this guide, we will explore the differences between these grammar points, their structures, meanings, and practical examples.
Contents
1. Definition
- -(으)ㄹ 참이다: This pattern is used to indicate that an action is imminent or about to happen soon. It focuses on the timing of the action rather than the speaker’s intention. The closest English equivalent is “to be about to do something.”
- -(으)려는 참이다: This expression also means “about to do something,” but it emphasizes the speaker’s intention or decision to act soon. It can be translated as “to be just about to do something with intention.”
2. Form (Structure)
1. -(으)ㄹ 참이다
This structure is used to indicate that an action is imminent without emphasizing strong intention.
- Formation Rule:
Verb stem + -(으)ㄹ 참이다- If the verb stem ends in a vowel or the consonant ‘ㄹ’: Add -ㄹ 참이다
- If the verb stem ends in a consonant (except ‘ㄹ’): Add -을 참이다
- Examples:
- 가다 (to go) → 갈 참이다 (I’m about to go)
- 먹다 (to eat) → 먹을 참이다 (I’m about to eat)
- 만들다 (to make) → 만들 참이다 (I’m about to make)
2. -(으)려는 참이다
This structure emphasizes the speaker’s intention or decision to perform an action soon.
- Formation Rule:
Verb stem + -(으)려는 참이다- If the verb stem ends in a vowel or the consonant ‘ㄹ’: Add -려는 참이다
- If the verb stem ends in a consonant (except ‘ㄹ’): Add -으려는 참이다
- Examples:
- 가다 (to go) → 가려는 참이다 (I’m just about to go)
- 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으려는 참이다 (I’m just about to eat)
- 만들다 (to make) → 만들려는 참이다 (I’m just about to make)
3. Meaning & Usage
1. (으)ㄹ 참이다: Focuses on the timing of an action being imminent.
- 지금 밥을 먹을 참이에요. (I’m about to eat now.)
- 친구를 만나러 갈 참이에요. (I’m about to go meet a friend.)
- 영화를 볼 참이었어요. (I was about to watch a movie.)
- 운동을 시작할 참이에요. (I’m about to start exercising.)
- 편지를 쓸 참이에요. (I’m about to write a letter.)
3. -(으)려는 참이다: Highlights the intention or decision to perform an action soon.
- 지금 밥을 먹으려는 참이에요. (I’m just about to eat now.)
- 친구를 만나러 가려는 참이에요. (I’m just about to go meet a friend.)
- 영화를 보려는 참이었어요. (I was just about to watch a movie.)
- 운동을 시작하려는 참이에요. (I’m just about to start exercising.)
- 편지를 쓰려는 참이에요. (I’m just about to write a letter.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- -(으)ㄹ 참이다 emphasizes timing and does not necessarily reflect strong intention.
- -(으)려는 참이다 emphasizes the speaker’s intent or decision.
- Both are used for actions happening imminently, not for distant future plans.
5. Practice Exercises
Complete the sentences with the correct form: ‘-(으)ㄹ 참이다’ or ‘-(으)려는 참이다’.
- 저는 지금 책을 (읽다)_____. (I’m about to read a book.)
- 친구랑 저녁을 (먹다)_____. (I was just about to have dinner with my friend.)
- 버스를 (타다)_____. (I was about to take the bus.)
- 오늘 운동을 (하다)_____. (I’m about to exercise today.)
- 부모님께 전화를 (하다)_____. (I was just about to call my parents.)
- 지금 수업을 (시작하다)_____. (I’m about to start the class now.)
- 음악을 (듣다)_____. (I was about to listen to music.)
- 회의를 (시작하다)_____. (I was just about to start the meeting.)
- 카페에서 커피를 (마시다)_____. (I’m about to drink coffee at the café.)
- 친구와 공원에 (가다)_____. (I was just about to go to the park with my friend.)
6. Answers
- 읽을 참이다
- 먹으려는 참이었다
- 탈 참이었다
- 할 참이다
- 하려는 참이었다
- 시작할 참이다
- 들을 참이었다
- 시작하려는 참이었다
- 마실 참이다
- 가려는 참이었다
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Using ‘-(으)ㄹ 참이다’ for strong intentions
Incorrect: 내일 여행을 갈 참이에요 ❌ (I’m about to go on a trip tomorrow.)
Correct: 내일 여행을 가려고 해요 ✅ (I’m planning to go on a trip tomorrow.)
💡 Tip: Use ‘-(으)ㄹ 참이다’ only for actions happening imminently, not distant future plans.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Using ‘-(으)려는 참이다’ for past completed actions
Incorrect: 어제 친구랑 영화를 보려는 참이었어요 ❌ (I was just about to watch a movie with a friend yesterday.)
Correct: 어제 친구랑 영화를 보려고 했어요 ✅ (I planned to watch a movie with a friend yesterday.)
💡 Tip: If the action was intended but not completed, use ‘-(으)려고 하다’ instead.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Mixing up the two forms interchangeably
Incorrect: 집에 가려는 참이에요 ❌ (I’m just about to go home.)
Correct: 집에 갈 참이에요 ✅ (I’m about to go home.)
💡 Tip: Use ‘-(으)려는 참이다’ when emphasizing intention or decision.
The grammar patterns ‘-(으)ㄹ 참이다’ and ‘-(으)려는 참이다’ both describe actions that are about to happen. However, ‘-(으)ㄹ 참이다’ simply states an upcoming action, while ‘-(으)려는 참이다’ emphasizes intention. Understanding this distinction will help learners use them correctly in conversations.