Processing keyword: ~(으)려는 참이다 [(eu)ryeoneun chamida] (I really want to)
Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)려는 참이다 [(eu)ryeoneun chamida] (I really want to)
1. Introduction
Welcome to today's Korean grammar lesson! We will explore the grammar point ~(으)려는 참이다, which is used to express that someone is just about to do something or intends to do something very soon. Mastering this structure will help you convey your immediate intentions naturally in Korean conversations.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
~(으)려는 참이다 is used to indicate that the speaker is on the verge of doing something or was just about to do it. It translates to:
- "I was just about to..."
- "I am just intending to..."
- "I am about to..."
Structure
Formation Diagram
- Verb Stem + (으)려는 참이다
How to Attach
- If the verb stem ends with a consonant (except 'ㄹ'):
- Add 으려는 참이다
- If the verb stem ends with a vowel or the consonant 'ㄹ':
- Add 려는 참이다
Formation Table
| Verb Infinitive | Verb Stem | Ending Characteristic | Attachment | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가 | Ends with vowel | 려는 참이다 | 가려는 참이다 |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | Ends with consonant | 으려는 참이다 | 먹으려는 참이다 |
| 만들다 (to make) | 만들 | Ends with consonant 'ㄹ' | 려는 참이다 | 만들려는 참이다 |
Detailed Explanation
- Identify the Verb Stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
- 예: 가(다), 먹(다), 만들(다)
- Attach the Appropriate Ending:
- Consonant Ending (except 'ㄹ'): Add 으려는 참이다
- 예: 먹 + 으려는 참이다 → 먹으려는 참이다
- Vowel Ending or 'ㄹ': Add 려는 참이다
- 예: 가 + 려는 참이다 → 가려는 참이다
- 예: 만들 + 려는 참이다 → 만들려는 참이다
- Consonant Ending (except 'ㄹ'): Add 으려는 참이다
- Usage: This structure is used to express an immediate intention or action that is about to occur.
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with Similar Grammar Points
~(으)려고 하다
- Meaning: "to intend to", "to plan to"
- Usage: General intention or future plans.
- Difference: Less immediate than ~(으)려는 참이다, which implies the action is about to happen very soon.
막 ~(으)려던 참이다
- Meaning: "I was just about to..."
- Usage: Emphasizes that the action was just about to happen a moment ago.
- Difference: 막 adds emphasis on the immediacy or that something was just about to occur.
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Example 1: Informal Spoken
- A: 뭐 해? (What are you doing?)
- B: 지금 집에 가려는 참이야.
(I’m just about to go home.)
Example 2: Formal Spoken
- A: 회의 시작합니까? (Is the meeting starting?)
- B: 네, 시작하려는 참입니다.
(Yes, we're just about to start.)
Example 3: Written
- 프로젝트를 제출하려는 참입니다.
(I am about to submit the project.)
Example 4: Polite Conversation
- A: 점심 드셨어요? (Have you had lunch?)
- B: 아니요, 막 먹으려는 참이었어요.
(No, I was just about to eat.)
Example 5: Using with '막' for Emphasis
- 영화가 막 시작되려는 참이었어요.
(The movie was just about to start.)
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Korean culture, expressing intentions clearly and politely is important in social interactions. Using ~(으)려는 참이다 allows the speaker to:
- Politely decline or accept offers by explaining their immediate plans.
- Show consideration by informing others of their imminent actions.
Politeness Levels and Formality
- Informal Polite: ~~려는 참이야
- Formal Polite: ~~려는 참입니다
- Use Appropriately: Adjust the ending to match the level of formality required in the situation.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 막 ~려던 참이다: "Was just about to..."
- Adds emphasis on the immediacy.
- 예: 지금 막 전화하려던 참이었어요.
(I was just about to call you.)
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Incorrect Attachment of Endings
- Incorrect: 가으려는 참이다 ❌
- Correct: 가려는 참이다 ✔️
- Since 가 ends with a vowel, attach 려는 참이다 without 으.
- Confusing with ~(으)려고 하다
- Mistake: Using ~(으)려고 하다 when immediate action is implied.
- Tip: Use ~(으)려는 참이다 to express actions about to happen imminently.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of 참이다 as "the point"—you're at the point of doing something.
- Practice with Common Verbs:
- Write sentences using verbs you frequently use.
- 예: 읽다 (to read) → 읽으려는 참이다.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~(으)려는 참이다 is used to express immediate intentions or actions about to occur.
- Attach 으려는 참이다 after consonant-ending verb stems (except 'ㄹ'), and 려는 참이다 after vowel or 'ㄹ' ending stems.
- Adjust politeness levels by changing the sentence ending.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank with the correct form of ~(으)려는 참이다: 보고서를 ____ _____. (I am just about to write the report.)
- Choose the correct sentence: a) 만나려는 참이에요. b) 만날으려는 참이에요.
- What is the primary difference between ~(으)려는 참이다 and ~(으)려고 하다?
Answers:
- 보고서를 쓰려는 참입니다.
- a) 만나려는 참이에요. ✔️
- ~(으)려는 참이다 expresses that an action is about to happen imminently, whereas ~(으)려고 하다 indicates a general intention or plan for the future.
Keep practicing by creating your own sentences using ~(으)려는 참이다. This will help solidify your understanding and make your Korean conversations more natural!