If you’re learning Korean and want to express that you’re just about to do something, the grammar pattern ‘-(으)려는 참이다’ is exactly what you need. In this post, ‘-(으)려는 참이다’ is explained with clear meaning, usage tips, and everyday examples to help you understand and use it naturally in real conversations.
Contents
1. Definition
‘-(으)려는 참이다’ is a grammar expression that means “I’m just about to…” or “I was just going to…” in English. It is used when the speaker intends to do something very soon or was on the verge of doing something before being interrupted.
2. Form (Structure)
The structure of ‘-(으)려는 참이다’ depends on whether the verb stem ends in a vowel or a consonant:
- Verb stem ending in a vowel: -려는 참이다
- Verb stem ending in a consonant: -으려는 참이다
📌 Note: Only used with verbs, not adjectives.
| Verb Stem | Ending | Example |
| 가다 (to go) | -려는 참이다 | 가려는 참이다 (I’m about to go) |
| 먹다 (to eat) | -으려는 참이다 | 먹으려는 참이다 (I’m about to eat) |
3. Meaning & Usage
1. Expressing an action that is about to happen
This grammar is typically used to express an action that is about to happen in casual and polite conversations.
Examples:
- 지금 집에 가려는 참이에요. (I’m just about to go home.)
- 밥을 먹으려는 참이었어요. (I was just about to eat.)
- 전화하려는 참이었어요. (I was just about to call you.)
- 출발하려는 참이에요. (I’m just about to leave.)
- 공부하려는 참이었어요. (I was just about to study.)
2. Responding when someone suggests or asks you to do something you were already going to do
Examples:
- 가:밥 먹자!
나: 나도 먹으려는 참이었어. (Let’s eat! – I was just about to eat.) - 가: 문 좀 닫아 줘.
나: 닫으려는 참이었어요. (Please close the door. – I was just about to close it.) - 가: 청소해 주세요.
나:지금 청소하려는 참이에요. (Please clean. – I’m just about to.) - 가: 이메일 보내세요.
나: 보내려는 참이에요. (Please send the email. – I’m just about to.) - 가: 나가자!
나: 나가려는 참이었어. (Let’s go! – I was just about to go out.)
3. Expressing actions that were interrupted in the past
When using this grammar in the past tense, it indicates that the action was interrupted or delayed before it could happen.
Examples:
- 자려는 참이었는데 전화가 왔어요. (I was about to sleep, but I got a call.)
- 나가려는 참이었는데 비가 왔어요. (I was about to go out, but it rained.)
- 일하려는 참이었는데 친구가 왔어요. (I was about to work, but a friend came over.)
- 운동하려는 참이었어요. (I was just about to exercise.)
- 치우려는 참이었는데 엄마가 도와줬어요. (I was about to clean, but Mom helped me.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- Only used with verbs
- Shows intention to do something soon
- Often used to respond politely or naturally to suggestions
- Can be used in present or past forms
- Cannot be used with adjectives
5. Practice Exercises
- 저는 지금 커피를 ________ 참이에요.
(I’m just about to drink coffee.) - 우리는 영화를 ________ 참이었어요.
(We were just about to watch a movie.) - 저는 친구에게 전화를 ________ 참이에요.
(I’m just about to call a friend.) - 나가자! – 저도 ________ 참이었어요.
(Let’s go! – I was just about to.) - 선생님께 질문을 ________ 참이었어요.
(I was about to ask the teacher a question.) - 숙제를 ________ 참이었는데 친구가 왔어요.
(I was about to do homework, but a friend came over.) - 청소를 ________ 참이었는데 엄마가 도와주셨어요.
(I was about to clean, but Mom helped.) - 이메일을 ________ 참이었는데 인터넷이 안 됐어요.
(I was about to send an email, but the internet didn’t work.) - 운동을 ________ 참이었어요.
(I was about to exercise.) - 잠을 ________ 참이었는데 전화가 왔어요.
(I was about to sleep, but I got a call.)
6. Answers
- 마시려는
- 보려는
- 하려는
- 나가려는
- 드리려는
- 하려는
- 하려는
- 보내려는
- 하려는
- 자려는
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Using adjectives with ‘-(으)려는 참이다’
Incorrect: 예쁘려는 참이에요. ❌ (I’m just about to be pretty.)
Not Applicable: This grammar cannot be used with adjectives like ‘예쁘다’ (to be pretty). Use a different structure instead. (Expressions like ‘to be pretty’ cannot use ‘-(으)려는 참이다.’ Use a different structure instead.)
💡 Tip: This grammar can only be used with verbs, as it expresses actions or intentions, not states or qualities.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Confusing it with ‘-(으)려고 하다’
Incorrect: 지금 밥을 먹으려고 참이에요. ❌ (I’m planning to eat right now.)
Correct: 지금 밥을 먹으려는 참이에요. ✅ (I’m just about to eat right now.)
💡 Tip: ‘-(으)려고 하다’ is used for general intentions or plans, whereas ‘-(으)려는 참이다’ emphasizes actions that are about to happen imminently.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Using it for actions that will happen far in the future
Incorrect: 다음 달에 이사하려는 참이에요. ❌ (I’m just about to move next month.)
Correct: 다음 달에 이사할 거예요. ✅ (I’m going to move next month.)
💡 Tip: This grammar is specifically used for actions that are imminent or about to happen soon, not for plans scheduled far in the future.
‘-(으)려는 참이다’ is a useful grammar pattern that helps you sound more natural when talking about things you’re about to do. It’s often used in real-life conversations, especially when responding to others. With enough practice and real-life examples, you’ll be able to use it confidently in everyday situations.