Processing keyword: ~(으)려다가 [(eu)ryeodaga] (Was about to, tried to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)려다가 [(eu)ryeodaga] (Was about to, tried to)

The Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)려다가 [(eu)ryeodaga] (Was About To, Tried To)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing a change in plans or an interrupted intention is common in daily conversations. The grammar pattern ~(으)려다가 is used to convey that someone was about to do something but ended up doing something else instead. It adds nuance to your speech by indicating that an initial intention was altered due to certain circumstances.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~(으)려다가 is used to express that the subject was about to or tried to do an action but then did something else or the action was interrupted. It highlights a shift from an intended action to a different outcome.

Structure

Verb Stem + ~(으)려다가 + Resulting Action

Formation Diagram

How to Form ~(으)려다가

1. Identify the Verb Stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form.
2. Attach the Appropriate Ending:
   • If the verb stem ends with a consonant (except 'ㄹ'), add 으려다가.
   • If it ends with a vowel or the consonant 'ㄹ', add 려다가.

Examples

• 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으려다가
• 가다 (to go) → 가려다가
• 만들다 (to make) → 만들려다가
• 읽다 (to read) → 읽으려다가

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. ~(으)려고 하다 (Intend to, Plan to)

• Usage: Indicates an intention or plan to do something.
• Example: 영화를 보려고 해요. (I'm planning to watch a movie.)
• Difference: ~(으)려다가 implies the action was about to happen but didn't, while ~(으)려고 하다 simply expresses an intention without indicating whether it was carried out.

2. ~다가 (While doing)

• Usage: Describes an action that was in progress and then another action occurred.
• Example: 공부하다가 잠들었어요. (I fell asleep while studying.)
• Difference: ~다가 is used for actions that were actually in progress, whereas ~(으)려다가 is for actions that were intended but not started or completed.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

Formal Situations

1. 공원에 가려다가 비가 와서 안 갔어요. I was about to go to the park, but it rained, so I didn't go.
2. 회의에 참석하려다가 급한 일이 생겼습니다. I was about to attend the meeting, but something urgent came up.

Informal Situations

3. 책을 읽으려다가 친구랑 놀았어. I was about to read a book but hung out with a friend instead.
4. 저녁을 만들려다가 시켜 먹었어. I was about to cook dinner but ended up ordering food.

Written Context

5. 편지를 쓰려다가 생각이 바뀌었다. I was about to write a letter but changed my mind.

Spoken Context

6. 영화를 보려다가 시간이 없어서 못 봤어요. I was about to watch a movie but couldn't because I had no time.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The ending ~(으)려다가 itself doesn't change formality levels.
• Politeness is adjusted through the verb endings that follow.
  • Formal Polite Ending: -습니다/습니까
  • Informal Polite Ending: -아요/어요
  • Informal Ending: -아/-어

Idiomatic Expressions Using ~(으)려다가

• 말하려다가 말았어요. I was about to say something but didn't.
• 울려다가 웃었어요. I was about to cry but laughed instead.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using With Adjectives
   • Incorrect: 예쁘려다가 (adjective usage)
   • Correct: This pattern is used with action verbs, not adjectives.
2. Confusing With ~려고
   • Incorrect: 학교에 가려고 집을 나갔어요. (Intends to go to school)
   • Correct: 학교에 가려다가 집에 돌아왔어요. (Was about to go to school but returned home.)

Tips

• Remember the Intention Change: Use ~(으)려다가 when an intended action did not happen due to a change.
• Contraction Practice: Practice with verbs you use frequently to get comfortable with the pattern.
• Mnemonic Device: Think "I was about to... but then..."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~(으)려다가 expresses an interrupted intention or a change in plans.
• Attach 으려다가 to verb stems ending with a consonant (except 'ㄹ'), and 려다가 to stems ending with a vowel or 'ㄹ'.
• It's used with action verbs, not adjectives.
• Adjust formality with the verb endings that follow.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of ~(으)려다가: 집에서 나가_____ 우산을 가져왔어요. (나가다)
   Answer

   나가려다가
2. Is this sentence correct? If not, correct it: 저는 영어를 배우려다가 한국어를 배웠어요.
   Answer

   Correct.
3. Translate to Korean using ~(으)려다가: She was about to cry but smiled.
   Answer

   그녀는 울려다가 웃었어요.

By mastering ~(으)려다가, you'll be able to express nuanced changes in your intentions and plans, making your Korean communication more natural and versatile. Keep practicing with different verbs and scenarios to internalize this grammar pattern!