Understanding the difference between ‘-(으)려던 참이다’ and ‘-(으)려는 참이다’ is essential for mastering natural Korean expressions. Both phrases indicate an intention to do something soon, but they are used in slightly different contexts. In this guide, you’ll learn their meanings, structures, and real-life examples to help you use them correctly in conversations.
Contents
1. Definition
- -(으)려던 참이다: This expression is used to indicate that someone was just about to do something or had been planning to do it.
- -(으)려는 참이다: This expression is similar but emphasizes the intention or readiness to do something at the moment.
English equivalents:
- -(으)려던 참이다: “I was just about to…”
- -(으)려는 참이다: “I am about to…”
2. Form (Structure)
-(으)려던 참이다:
- If the verb stem ends with a consonant: Verb stem + -(으)려던 참이다
Example: 먹다 → 먹으려던 참이다 - If the verb stem ends with a vowel: Verb stem + -려던 참이다
Example: 가다 → 가려던 참이다
-(으)려는 참이다:
- If the verb stem ends with a consonant: Verb stem + -(으)려는 참이다
Example: 읽다 → 읽으려는 참이다 - If the verb stem ends with a vowel: Verb stem + -려는 참이다
Example: 가다 → 가려는 참이다
| Expression | Structure | Example |
| -(으)려던 참이다 | With 받침 (Consonant) + -으려던 참이다 | 먹다 → 먹으려던 참이었다 (I was just about to eat) |
| -(으)려던 참이다 | Without 받침 (Vowel) + -려던 참이다 | 가다 → 가려던 참이었다 (I was just about to go) |
| -려던 참이다 | With 받침 (Consonant) + -으려는 참이다 | 먹다 → 먹으려는 참이다 (I am just about to eat) |
| -려던 참이다 | Without 받침 (Vowel) + -려는 참이다 | 가다 → 가려는 참이다 (I am just about to go) |
3. Meaning & Usage
Both ‘-(으)려던 참이다’ and ‘-(으)려는 참이다’ express the idea of being on the verge of doing something. However, they have subtle differences in nuance and usage:
1. ‘-(으)려던 참이다’
This expression refers to something you were just about to do, often implying an interruption or coincidence. It reflects a past or near-past intention that aligns with the current situation.
Key Characteristics:
- Used when someone mentions something you were already planning to do.
- Can be used in the past tense as ‘-(으)려던 참이었다.’
- Frequently appears in conversations where someone’s action coincides with another person’s suggestion.
Example Sentences:
- A: 저녁 먹었어? (Did you eat dinner?)
B: 아니, 먹으려던 참이었어. (No, I was just about to eat.) - A: 같이 카페 갈래? (Want to go to a café together?)
B: 좋아! 나도 가려던 참이었어. (Sure! I was just about to go.) - A: 영화 볼까? (Shall we watch a movie?)
B: 마침 보려던 참이었어. (Perfect timing! I was just about to watch one.) - A: 청소 좀 해! 방이 너무 더러워. (Clean your room! It’s so messy.)
B: 하려던 참이었어! (I was just about to clean it!) - A: 새 폰 사야 하는데… (I need to buy a new phone…)
B: 저도 바꾸려던 참이었어요! 같이 사러 갈래요? (I was just about to change mine too! Want to go together?) - A: 커피 한 잔 할까요? (Shall we have some coffee?)
B: 그래요! 나도 마시려던 참이었어요. (Sure! I was just about to have some.)
2. ‘-(으)려는 참이다’
This expression emphasizes a strong intention or readiness to do something very soon. It focuses on immediate action rather than coincidence or past planning.
Key Characteristics:
- Used when an action is firmly planned and about to happen very soon.
- Often paired with words like “지금” (now), “이제” (soon), or “막” (just about to) to emphasize immediacy.
- Unlike ‘-(으)려던 참이다,’ it does not imply interruption or coincidence.
Example Sentences:
- A: 이거 언제 고칠 거예요? (When are you going to fix this?)
B: 바로 고치려는 참이에요. (I’m about to fix it right now.) - A: 이 보고서 언제 제출해요? (When are you going to submit this report?)
B: 지금 제출하려는 참이에요. (I’m about to submit it now.) - A: 운동하러 가요! (Let’s go exercise!)
B: 좋아요! 나도 운동하려는 참이에요. (Great! I’m just about to exercise.) - A: 택배 도착했어요? (Did your package arrive?)
B: 네, 방금 열어보려는 참이에요. (Yes, I was just about to open it.) - A: 지금 어디 가요? (Where are you going now?)
B: 은행에 가려는 참이에요. (I’m just about to go to the bank.) - A: 서류 검토 다 했어요? (Did you finish reviewing the documents?)
B: 아니요, 지금 보려는 참이에요. (No, I’m just about to check them.)
3. Key Points to Remember
- ‘-(으)려던 참이다’: Focuses on past intention or planning, often implying coincidence or interruption.
- ‘-(으)려는 참이다’: Highlights current or immediate intention to perform an action, emphasizing readiness.
- Both forms are used in responses to suggestions but differ in their focus on past versus present intentions.
4. Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with either -(으)려던 or -(으)려는 based on the context.
- 나는 지금 집에 _______ 참이에요. (I am just about to go home.)
- 우리는 점심을 먹_______ 참이었어요. (We were just about to eat lunch.)
- 그는 책을 읽_______ 참이에요. (He is just about to read a book.)
- 친구를 만나러 가_______ 참이었어요. (I was just about to meet my friend.)
- 영화를 보러 가_______ 참이에요. (I am just about to watch a movie.)
- 나는 방을 청소하_______ 참이었어요. (I was just about to clean my room.)
- 지금 운동하_______ 참이에요. (I am just about to exercise now.)
- 택배를 열어보_______ 참이었어요. (I was just about to open the package.)
- 서류를 검토하_______ 참이에요. (I am just about to review the documents.)
- 커피를 마시_______ 참이었어요. (I was just about to drink coffee.)
5. Answers
- 가려는
- 먹으려던
- 읽으려는
- 만나려던
- 보려는
- 청소하려던
- 운동하려는
- 열어보려던
- 검토하려는
- 마시려던
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Confusing past and present intentions
Incorrect: 나는 지금 집에 가려고 했어요 ❌ (I was planning to go home now.)
Correct: 나는 지금 집에 가려고 하는 중이에요 ✅ (I am currently planning to go home.)
💡 Tip: Use “-(으)려고 하다” for ongoing actions instead of “-(으)려고 했다.” The form “-려고 했다” implies a past intention, which conflicts with “지금” (now) in the sentence. Use “-려고 하는 중이다” to express actions currently in progress.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Misusing “참” with unrelated verbs
Incorrect: 나는 공부하려고 한참이에요 ❌ (I’m just about to study.)
Correct: 나는 공부하려고 하는 중이에요 ✅ (I’m currently in the process of studying.)
💡 Tip: Avoid using “참” with verbs that don’t imply immediate action. “참” is typically used for actions that are imminent or about to happen, such as “집에 가다” (to go home) or “청소하다” (to clean). Verbs like “공부하다” (to study) do not naturally pair with “참,” as studying is not considered an immediate action.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Overusing “참” in formal writing
Incorrect: 이 프로젝트를 끝내려고 한참입니다 ❌ (I’m just about to finish this project.)
Correct: 이 프로젝트를 끝내고자 합니다 ✅ (I intend to complete this project.)
💡 Tip: Use more formal expressions like “고자 하다” in professional contexts. “참” is conversational and informal, making it unsuitable for formal writing. Instead, use “-고자 하다,” which conveys intention in a polite and professional manner.
The expressions ‘-(으)려도는 참이다’ and ‘-(으)려는 참이다’ are useful for expressing actions that are about to happen. Understanding their subtle differences will help in natural Korean conversations.