When learning Korean, you may wonder about the difference between ‘-(으)려던 참이다’ and ‘-(으)려고 하다’. Both expressions indicate an intention to do something, but they have distinct meanings and usage. In this guide, we will explore their differences, provide practical examples, and help you use them correctly in everyday conversations.
Contents
1. Definition
- ‘-(으)려던 참이다’: Used when someone is just about to do something at that very moment. It implies that the action was already planned and is happening soon.
- ‘-(으)려고 하다’: Used when someone intends to do something in the near future but hasn’t necessarily started the action yet.
2. Form (Structure)
- ‘-(으)려던 참이다’:
- Attach ‘-려던 참이다’ after verb stems ending in vowels.
- Attach ‘-으려던 참이다’ after verb stems ending in consonants.
- ‘-(으)려고 하다’:
- Attach ‘-려고 하다’ after verb stems ending in vowels.
- Attach ‘-으려고 하다’ after verb stems ending in consonants.
| Grammar Pattern | Verb Example | Form |
| -(으)려던 참이다 | 가다 (to go) | 가려던 참이다 (I was just about to go.) |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹으려던 참이다 (I was just about to eat.) | |
| 보다 (to see) | 보려던 참이다 (I was just about to see/watch.) | |
| 읽다 (to read) | 읽으려던 참이다 (I was just about to read.) | |
| 자다 (to sleep) | 자려던 참이다 (I was just about to sleep.) | |
| -(으)려고 하다 | 가다 (to go) | 가려고 하다 (I intend to go.) |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹으려고 하다 (I intend to eat.) | |
| 보다 (to see) | 보려고 하다 (I intend to see/watch.) | |
| 읽다 (to read) | 읽으려고 하다 (I intend to read.) | |
| 자다 (to sleep) | 자려고 하다 (I intend to sleep.) |
3. Meaning & Usage
Both expressions indicate an intention to do something, but they differ in timing and certainty.
| -(으)려던 참이다 | -(으)려고 하다 |
| Just about to do something | Planning to do something |
| The action has already been decided and is about to happen | Expresses intention or plan, but it doesn’t have to happen immediately |
| Often used in response to a suggestion | Can be used independently |
1. ‘-(으)려던 참이다’ means the action is just about to happen, while ‘-(으)려고 하다’ refers to a planned action
Examples
- A: 배고픈데 뭐 좀 드실래요? (You must be hungry. Would you like to eat something?)
B: 네, 저도 막 먹으려던 참이었어요! (Yes, I was just about to eat!)
B: 네, 먹으려고 했어요. (Yes, I was planning to eat.) - A: 운동하러 가세요? ( Are you going to exercise?)
B: 네, 지금 막 가려던 참이었어요! (Yes, I was just about to go!)
B: 네, 가려고 했어요. (Yes, I was planning to go.)
2. ‘-(으)려던 참이다’ expresses an action that is already decided, whereas ‘-(으)려고 하다’ simply states an intention
Examples
- A: 점심 드셨어요? (Have you eaten lunch?)
B: 아니요, 막 먹으려던 참이었어요. (No, I was just about to eat.)
B: 아니요, 먹으려고 했어요. (No, I was planning to eat.) - A: 오늘 친구 만나세요? (Are you meeting a friend today?)
B: 네, 지금 막 만나려던 참이었어요! (Yes, I was just about to meet them!)
B: 네, 만나려고 했어요. (Yes, I was planning to meet them.)
3. ‘-(으)려던 참이다’ is often used as a natural response to a suggestion, while ‘-(으)려고 하다’ simply expresses a plan
Examples
- A: 커피 드실래요? (Would you like some coffee?)
B: 좋아요! 저도 막 마시려던 참이었어요! (That sounds great! I was just about to have one!)
B: 네, 마시려고 했어요. (Yes, I was planning to drink one.) - A: 영화 보실래요? (Would you like to watch a movie?)
B: 네! 지금 막 보려던 참이었어요! (Yes! I was just about to watch one!)
B: 네, 보려고 했어요. (Yes, I was planning to watch one.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- Use ‘-(으)려던 참이다’ for actions that are imminent and naturally align with the current situation.
- Use ‘-(으)려고 하다’ for expressing general intentions or plans for the near future.
5. Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct form (‘-(으)려던 참이다’ or ‘-(으)려고 하다’).
- 나는 막 집을 (나가다) ____ .
(I was just about to leave the house.) - 내일 친구를 만나다 _____ .
(I intend to meet my friend tomorrow.) - 점심을 (먹다) ____
(I was just about to eat lunch.) - 이번 주말에 여행을 (가다) ____ .
(I plan to go on a trip this weekend.) - 너에게 전화를 (하다) ____ 참이었어.
(I was just about to call you.) - 오늘 저녁에 부모님을 (만나다) ____ .
(I intend to meet my parents this evening.) - 커피를 (마시다) ____
(I was just about to drink coffee.) - 내년에 한국어를 배우기 위해 학원을 (등록하다) ____ .
(I plan to enroll in a language school next year to learn Korean.) - 운동을 (시작하다) ____ .
(I was just about to start exercising.) - 영화를 (보다) ____ .
(I plan to watch a movie.)
6. Answers
- 나가려던 참이었어요
- 만나려고 해요
- 먹으려던 참이었어요.
- 가려고 해요
- 하려던 참이었어
- 만나려고 해요
- 마시려던 참이에요.
- 등록하려고 해요
- 시작하려던 참이었어요
- 보려고 해요
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Confusing timing between the two patterns
Incorrect: 점심을 먹으려고 참이에요 ❌
Correct: 점심을 먹으려던 참이에요 ✅
💡 Tip: Use ‘참이다’ only when referring to actions already planned or imminent. It is often paired with expressions like ‘마침,’ ‘안 그래도,’ or ‘그렇지 않아도’ to emphasize coincidence.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Using ‘-려고 하다’ without proper context
Incorrect: 한국에 가려고 했어요 ❌ (when talking about past plans that didn’t happen.)
Correct: 한국에 가기로 했어요 ✅
💡 Tip: Use ‘기로 했다’ for canceled or previously decided plans, as it clearly conveys a commitment that was made but not fulfilled.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Overusing both expressions interchangeably
Incorrect: 운동을 시작하려고 참이에요 ❌
Correct: 운동을 시작하려고 해요 ✅
💡 Tip: Use ‘참이다’ only when emphasizing readiness at a specific moment, and avoid using it for general plans or intentions.
Understanding the difference between ‘-(으)려던 참이다’ and ‘-(으)려고 하다’ is crucial for expressing intentions accurately in Korean conversations. These grammar patterns not only enhance fluency but also help learners sound more natural.