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HOW TO USE -(으)려던 참이다
In Korean, the expression -(으)려던 참이다 is used to say “I was just about to…” when you were on the verge of doing something.
It’s a great way to show timing, coincidence, or alignment with another person’s request or suggestion.
IMMEDIATE INTENTION
The grammar structure -(으)려던 참이다 is used to describe an action that someone was just about to do or had immediate intention to do at a particular moment.
It conveys a sense of readiness or a plan to take action, but often, something else may intervene, delaying or preventing the action.
This structure is used when expressing that an action was about to happen right before another event or interruption.
The nuance is one of immediate intention, highlighting that the speaker was on the verge of doing something.
English Equivalents:
• Was just about to…
• Was planning to…
• Was in the middle of intending to…
PATTERN
Verb stem + -으려던 참이다
| 여행을 가려던 참이었어요. | I was just about to go on a trip. |
| 이메일을 보내려던 참이었어요. | I was just about to send an email. |
See More Examples:
| 가방을 챙기려던 참이었어요. | I was about to pack my bag. |
| 공항에 가려던 참이었는데, 비가 와서 늦었어요. | I was about to go to the airport, but it rained, so I was late. |
| 티켓을 사려던 참이었어요. | I was just about to buy a ticket. |
USEFUL VOCABULARY
When preparing for a trip or an event, this grammar structure is often used in the context of preparing, planning, or thinking about what to do right before the actual action.
Here are some useful vocabulary words related to this theme.
| 여행을 준비하다 | to prepare for a trip |
| 비행기를 예약하다 | to book a flight |
| 짐을 싸다 | to pack luggage |
| 여권을 준비하다 | to prepare a passport |
| 옷을 고르다 | to choose clothes |
| 선물을 준비하다 | to prepare a gift |
| 호텔을 예약하다 | to book a hotel |
| 여행 계획을 세우다 | to make a travel plan |
| 일정표를 만들다 | to make a schedule |
| 기차표를 예매하다 | to book a train ticket |
| 티켓을 사다 | to buy a ticket |
| 공항에 가다 | to go to the airport |
| 비자를 받다 | to get a visa |
| 체크리스트를 작성하다 | to make a checklist |
| 여행 가방을 싸다 | to pack a travel bag |
See More Examples:
| 호텔에 가려던 참이었어요. | I was just about to go to the hotel. |
| 여권을 준비하려던 참이었어요. | I was about to prepare my passport. |
| 옷을 고르려던 참이었어요. | I was just about to choose clothes. |
| 비행기를 타려던 참이었는데, 비행기 시간이 바뀌었어요. | I was about to board the flight, but the flight time changed. |
| 차를 타려던 참이었어요. | I was just about to take the car. |
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FAQs
What does -(으)려던 참이다 mean in Korean?
It means “I was just about to…” or “I was on the verge of…” and is used to express that you were planning to do something very soon—often in response to someone else mentioning it.
How is -(으)려던 참이다 different from -(으)려고 하다?
While both express intention, -(으)려던 참이다 emphasizes immediacy or coincidence (e.g., “I was just about to do that”), whereas -(으)려고 하다 simply states a general intention.
Can I use this expression in the past or future tense?
It’s typically used in the present tense to talk about an action you’re just about to do. It’s rarely used in the past or future.
What types of verbs work best with -(으)려던 참이다?
It’s most commonly used with daily actions or tasks, like 가다 (to go), 먹다 (to eat), 전화하다 (to call), etc., especially when those actions are about to happen.
Can I use this expression in formal or polite conversation?
Yes! You can use it politely by adding -입니다 (e.g., 하려던 참입니다) or -이에요/예요 depending on the level of formality needed.
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.