Korean Grammar Bank

HOW TO USE 뻔했다 IN KOREAN

Whether you’re talking about narrowly avoiding an accident, almost missing an opportunity, or being on the verge of doing something, the grammar structure -(으)ㄹ 뻔했다 allows you to convey this nuance effectively.

It translates to English phrases like “almost did,” “was about to do,” or “nearly happened.”

EXPRESSING “NEAR MISSES”

-(으)ㄹ 뻔했다 is used when describing an event or action that came very close to happening but ultimately did not.

It often carries a sense of relief that the event didn’t occur or regret that the action wasn’t completed.

The emphasis is on the proximity to the event. It’s important to note that this structure is typically used for past situations where the near miss has already occurred.

Equivalent to the following words in English:

  • Almost did…
  • Was about to…
  • Nearly happened…
  • Came close to…
  • Just about…
PATTERN

Verb stem + -(으)ㄹ 뻔했다

계단에서 넘어질 뻔했어요.I almost fell on the stairs.
자전거를 타다가 차와 부딪힐 뻔했어요.I almost collided with a car while riding my bike.
기차를 놓칠 뻔해서 택시를 탔어요.I almost missed the train, so I took a taxi.
View More Examples:
중요한 약속을 잊어버릴 뻔했어요.I almost forgot an important appointment.
뜨거운 물에 데일 뻔했어요.I almost got burned by hot water.
컴퓨터가 갑자기 망가질 뻔했어요.My computer almost suddenly broke down.
중요한 서류를 잃어버릴 뻔했어요.I almost lost important documents.
실수로 꽃병을 넘어뜨릴 뻔했어요.I almost knocked over the vase by mistake.

RELATED VOCABULARY

NOUNS

사고accident
위험danger
손해loss, damage

ADJECTIVES & ADVERBS

하마터면nearly, almost
간신히barely, narrowly
가까스로narrowly, just

EXPRESSING REGRET OR RELIEF

The -(으)ㄹ 뻔했다 structure often implies a feeling of relief that the event didn’t happen or regret that the action wasn’t taken.

RELIEF

  • 다행이다 (it’s a relief)
  • 휴 (phew)

늦을 뻔했는데 다행히 제시간에 도착했어요.

I almost was late, but thankfully I arrived on time.

REGRET

  • 아쉽다 (aswipda – it’s a pity)
  • 그랬으면 좋았을 텐데 (geuraesseumyeon joateul tende – it would have been good if I had)

용기를 내서 고백할 뻔했는데 못 했어요.

I almost mustered up the courage to confess, but I couldn’t.

MISTAKES TO AVOID

 -(으)ㄹ 뻔했다 describes a past situation where something almost happened.

Avoid using it for future possibilities.

Instead, use structures like -(으)ㄹ 텐데 (will probably) or -ㄹ 수도 있다 (could happen).

⛔
내일 비가 올 뻔했어요.
It almost rained tomorrow.

✅
내일 비가 올 텐데 우산을 가져가세요.
It will probably rain tomorrow, so take an umbrella.

In addition, remember that -(으)ㄹ 뻔했다 means something almost happened, while -(으)ㄹ 리가 없다 means there’s no way something happened or will happen. These have opposite meanings.

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FAQs

Can I use -(으)ㄹ 뻔했다 with future events?

No — this structure is typically used to talk about past situations that almost happened.

It describes something that could have occurred, but didn’t.

What’s the difference between -(으)ㄹ 뻔했다 and -(으)ㄹ 뻔했어요?

Grammatically, they are the same.

The difference lies in politeness: -(으)ㄹ 뻔했다 is informal/plain, while -(으)ㄹ 뻔했어요 is polite.

Can this expression be used for both positive and negative events?

Yes, but it’s more commonly used for negative or dangerous situations (e.g., “I almost got hurt”).

It can be used positively, but less frequently.

Is it okay to use this form in written Korean?

Yes, especially in narrative or diary-style writing.

However, it’s more common in spoken Korean due to its conversational tone.

Can I use it with non-action verbs or adjectives?

Not typically.

This structure is usually used with action verbs, as it implies an event that nearly took place. It doesn’t work well with descriptive verbs or states.

Can I study Korean at LTL?

Yes!

You can study with us in Seoul, in our Hongdae location, or online if you prefer learn from home.

Contact us here if you have any questions.

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