As Long As / Provided That (-ㄴ/은/는 한)
-ㄴ/은/는 한 to set a continuous condition or limit for another action or state.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -려던 참이다 to express that you were just about to do something when an event interrupted you.
- Attach -려던 참이다 to the verb stem: 먹다 -> 먹으려던 참이다.
- Use it to explain why you were doing something or why you are doing it now.
- It implies a coincidence or a sudden interruption by another event.
Overview
The Korean grammatical pattern -ㄴ/은/는 한 ([-n/eun/neun han]) is a crucial advanced connector expressing a condition, a limit, or an extent. It functions much like "as long as," "provided that," or "to the extent that" in English, establishing a boundary within which a statement holds true. This construction highlights the speaker's recognition of a specific constraint or ongoing state that directly influences the subsequent clause.
Understanding -ㄴ/은/는 한 moves you beyond simple conditional statements like -(으)면 and into a more nuanced articulation of continuous dependence or restricted scope. It’s particularly valuable in formal and academic contexts, but also prevalent in everyday Korean to convey precise limitations on actions or knowledge.
This pattern derives its meaning from the noun 한 (限), signifying a "limit" or "boundary". When attached to verbs, adjectives, or nouns, it clearly delineates the scope of the following assertion. For instance, stating "비가 오지 않는 한, 경기는 계속될 겁니다" (Biga oji anneun han, gyeonggineun gyesokdoel geomnida – "As long as it doesn't rain, the game will continue") implies that the continuation of the game is directly contingent on the absence of rain, a specific, ongoing condition.
It is not merely a hypothetical "if it doesn't rain," but rather an active acknowledgment of a current or expected state forming a precondition. Mastering this pattern allows you to express sophisticated causal relationships and limitations, enriching your ability to communicate complex ideas in Korean.
How This Grammar Works
if statement, which often deals with singular, hypothetical scenarios.-ㄴ/은/는 한 implies a continuous or persistent condition. If this condition ceases to exist, the consequence or statement in the second clause is no longer guaranteed or valid. It's about establishing an ongoing state of affairs that serves as a prerequisite.네가 솔직한) is presented as an ongoing state. Your ability to trust (나는 널 믿을 수 있어) is entirely dependent on and bounded by this continuous honesty.-는 (or -ㄴ/은 for adjectives and past tense verbs) attached to the verb or adjective effectively nominalizes the preceding clause, turning it into a substantive phrase that 한 then modifies, signifying "the extent/limit of [doing something]".Formation Pattern
-는 for present tense verbs, -ㄴ/은 for present tense adjectives and past tense verbs/adjectives) to the stem, followed by 한.
-는 한 | 가는 한 (as long as one goes) | N/A | N/A |
-았/었는 한 | 갔는 한 (as long as one went) | N/A | N/A |
-ㄴ 한 (vowel stem) -은 한 (consonant stem) | N/A | 좋은 한 (as long as it's good) 바쁜 한 (as long as one is busy) | N/A |
-았/었는 한 | N/A | 좋았는 한 (as long as it was good) | N/A |
-인 한 | N/A | N/A | 학생인 한 (as long as one is a student) |
-이었/였던 한 | N/A | N/A | 학생이었던 한 (as long as one was a student) |
하다 (to do) → 하는 한 (as long as one does/is doing)
듣다 (to listen) → 듣는 한 (as long as one listens/is listening)
읽다 (to read) → 읽는 한 (as long as one reads/is reading)
오다 (to come) → 왔는 한 (as long as one came/has come)
배우다 (to learn) → 배웠는 한 (as long as one learned/has learned)
바쁘다 → 바쁜 한)
좋다 → 좋은 한)
예쁘다 (to be pretty) → 예쁜 한 (as long as it's pretty)
작다 (to be small) → 작은 한 (as long as it's small)
좋다 (to be good) → 좋았는 한 (as long as it was good)
아프다 (to be sick) → 아팠는 한 (as long as one was sick)
사람 (person) → 사람인 한 (as long as one is a person)
사실 (fact) → 사실인 한 (as long as it is a fact)
선생님 (teacher) → 선생님이었던 한 (as long as one was a teacher)
학생 (student) → 학생이었던 한 (as long as one was a student)
돕다 (to help, irregular ㅂ verb) becomes 돕는 한 in the present tense, not 돕는 한 as it acts like a consonant stem. However, since the present tense verb ending -는 한 attaches directly, this specific irregularity doesn't directly affect the -는 part itself. For ㄷ irregulars like 듣다, it's 듣는 한. For ㄹ irregulars like 만들다, it's 만드는 한. The irregularity rules for adjectives (e.g., 곱다 → 고운 한 (as long as it's beautiful)) apply when forming -ㄴ/은 forms. Always ensure the adnominal form is correct before adding 한.
When To Use It
- 1Establishing a Necessary and Continuous Condition ("As long as," "Provided that"):
-(으)면 (if/when).- Example (Formal): "규칙을 준수하는 한, 문제될 것은 없습니다." (Gyuchigeul junsuhaneun han, munje-doel geoseun eopseumnida. – "As long as you comply with the rules, there will be no problem.") – This implies continuous adherence to rules is required.
- Example (Casual): "네가 진심인 한, 난 널 도와줄 거야." (Nega jinsimin han, nan neol dowajul geoya. – "As long as you're sincere, I'll help you.") – The sincerity must be ongoing for the help to be offered.
- Example (Professional): In a project brief, you might write: "예산 범위 내인 한, 추가적인 디자인 변경이 가능합니다." (Yesan beomwi naein han, chugajeogin dijain byeongyeongi ganeunghamnida. – "As long as it's within budget, additional design changes are possible.") This sets a clear financial boundary.
- 1Expressing the Extent of Knowledge or Information ("As far as..."):
- Example (General): "제가 아는 한, 그 사람은 결혼하지 않았어요." (Jega aneun han, geu sarameun gyeolhonhaji anasseoyo. – "As far as I know, that person is not married.") – You're not making an absolute claim, just reporting based on your current knowledge.
- Example (Formal): "현재까지 보고된 바에 의하면, 시스템 오류는 없는 한 정상 작동 중입니다." (Hyeonjaekkaji bogodoen bae uihaemyeon, siseutem oryuneun eomneun han jeongsang jakdong jungimnida. – "According to what has been reported so far, the system is operating normally, as far as there are no errors.") – This is a very common expression in reports or updates.
- Example (Social Media): A user might comment: "내가 본 한, 저 카페 진짜 예뻐!" (Naega bon han, jeo kape jinjja yeppeo! – "As far as I've seen, that cafe is really pretty!") – Limiting the compliment to their personal observation.
- 1Indicating an Unchanged State or Role ("As long as X remains Y"):
- Example (Identity): "우리가 가족인 한, 서로 사랑해야 합니다." (Uriga gajogin han, seoro saranghaeya hamnida. – "As long as we are family, we must love each other.") – The identity of "family" forms the continuous condition.
- Example (Role): "네가 이 팀의 리더인 한, 책임을 져야 해." (Nega i timui rideoin han, chaegimeul jyeoya hae. – "As long as you are the leader of this team, you must take responsibility.") – Leadership is the ongoing condition for responsibility.
- Example (Policy): A company policy might state: "이 정책이 유효한 한, 모든 직원은 이를 따라야 합니다." (I jeongchaegi yuhyohan han, modeun jigwoneun ireul ttaraya hamnida. – "As long as this policy is valid, all employees must follow it.")
- 1Conveying the Absolute Limit or Extent of Something ("To the extent that..."):
-ㄴ/은/는 한 can also express the maximum degree or scope to which something applies, though other patterns like -ㄹ/을 정도로 might be more common for direct "extent" meaning. However, -ㄴ/은/는 한 can imply it indirectly by setting the boundary.- Example (Effort): "제가 할 수 있는 한, 최선을 다할게요." (Jega hal su inneun han, choeseoneul dahalgeyo. – "I will do my best, to the extent that I can.") – This sets the speaker's capability as the boundary for their effort.
- Example (Knowledge): "나는 그가 아는 한 모든 것을 배웠다." (Naneun geuga aneun han modeun geoseul baewotda. – "I learned everything to the extent that he knew.") – The scope of learning is limited by the other person's knowledge.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing with
-는 동안(During/While):
-는 동안refers to a period of time during which an action or state occurs. It focuses on simultaneity.- Correct: "엄마가 잠든 동안, 조용히 게임을 했어요." (Eommaga jamdeun dong-an, joyonghi geimeul haesseoyo. – "While Mom was sleeping, I quietly played games.") (Focus: The duration of her sleep.)
-는 한refers to a continuous condition or limit. It focuses on the prerequisite for something else to be true.- Incorrect: "한국에 사는 동안, 외롭지 않을 거예요." (While living in Korea, I won't be lonely.) – This phrasing is unnatural because not being lonely isn't something that happens during the act of living, but rather a condition that applies as long as one lives there.
- Correct: "한국에 사는 한, 외롭지 않을 거예요." (Hanguge saneun han, oeropji aneul geoyeyo. – "As long as I live in Korea, I won't be lonely.") (Focus: Living in Korea is the ongoing condition preventing loneliness.)
-는 동안. If the first action enables or limits the second, use -는 한.- 1Misapplying Adjective Conjugation:
-ㄴ 한 (vowel stem) or -은 한 (consonant stem), not -는 한. Applying the verb form to adjectives is a common grammatical slip.- Incorrect: "날씨가 좋은는 한, 소풍 갈래?" (As long as the weather is good, shall we go on a picnic?) –
좋다is an adjective, so-는 한is incorrect. - Correct: "날씨가 좋은 한, 소풍 갈래?" (Nalssiga joeun han, sopung gallae? – "As long as the weather is good, shall we go on a picnic?")
다 that might be mistaken for verbs.- 1Using for Single, Hypothetical Events (When
-(으)면is more appropriate):
-ㄴ/은/는 한 implies a condition, it's generally for continuous, sustained, or acknowledged conditions. For simple, one-time, or hypothetical "if/when" statements, -(으)면 is the natural choice.- Awkward/Incorrect: "네가 오면 한, 파티 시작하자." (As long as you come, let's start the party.) – The coming is a single event, not a continuous state forming a condition.
- Correct: "네가 오면, 파티 시작하자." (Nega omyeon, pati sijakaja. – "If/When you come, let's start the party.")
-ㄴ/은/는 한 feels weighty; reserve it for conditions that are ongoing or define a sphere of possibility, not just simple trigger events. The choice between -(으)면 and -ㄴ/은/는 한 often hinges on whether the condition is temporary/event-based or enduring/state-based.- 1Overlapping with
-는 이상(Given that/Since it's a fact that):
-는 이상(以上) literally means "more than" or "beyond a certain point," implying "now that X is true," or "given that X is the case." It often carries a stronger sense of logical consequence, obligation, or inevitability once a certain state is established as fact.- Example: "약속을 한 이상, 지켜야지." (Yaksogeul han isang, jikyeoyaji. – "Now that you've made a promise, you must keep it.") – The obligation is a direct, strong consequence of the fact that a promise was made.
-ㄴ/은/는 한implies a continuous boundary or a prerequisite condition. The focus is on the duration or existence of the condition. The consequence holds true within the confines of that condition.- Example: "약속을 하는 한, 지켜야 한다고 생각해요." (Yaksogeul haneun han, jikyeoya handago saenggakhaeyo. – "As long as one makes promises, I think one should keep them.") – This frames "making promises" as the ongoing condition for the general principle of keeping them.
-는 이상 often establishes a new status quo from which obligations or consequences naturally flow, whereas -ㄴ/은/는 한 maintains a dynamic condition that must persist for the second clause to remain valid. If you want to emphasize "because X is true, therefore Y must follow," use -는 이상. If you want to emphasize "Y holds true as long as X continues," use -ㄴ/은/는 한.Real Conversations
In authentic Korean communication, -ㄴ/은/는 한 appears across various registers, from casual chat to formal reports, demonstrating its versatility and natural integration into spoken and written language. It allows speakers to qualify their statements, set parameters, and express nuanced conditions.
- Casual Chat (KakaoTalk / Texting):
- Friend A: "내일 비 올 것 같아. 산책 갈 수 있을까?" (Naeil bi ol geot gata. Sanchek gal su isseulkka? - "I think it'll rain tomorrow. Can we go for a walk?")
- Friend B: "비 안 오는 한, 괜찮아! 우산 챙겨 갈게." (Bi an oneun han, gwaenchana! Usan chaenggyeo galge. - "As long as it doesn't rain, it's fine! I'll bring an umbrella.")
Here, Friend B sets a clear condition for the walk, highlighting a relaxed but firm boundary. The 해체 form 괜찮아 fits the casual context perfectly.
- Work Environment (Email / Meeting):
- Manager: "이번 프로젝트는 2주 안에 끝낼 수 있겠습니까?" (Ibeon peurojekteuneun 2ju ane kkeunnael su itgetseumnikka? - "Can we finish this project within 2 weeks?")
- Team Lead: "팀원들이 지금처럼 협력하는 한, 가능하다고 봅니다." (Timwondeuri jigeumcheoreom hyeomnyeokhaneun han, ganeunghadago bomnida. - "As long as team members cooperate as they are now, I believe it's possible.")
This response uses the 합니다체 and carefully sets the condition for success, implicitly urging continued teamwork. It's a professional way to state a condition for a positive outcome.
- News Reports / Formal Statements:
- Headline: "정부가 경제 위기를 극복하는 한, 국민의 지지는 계속될 것." (Jeongbuga gyeongje wigireul geukbokhaneun han, gungminui jijineun gyesokdoel geot. - "As long as the government overcomes the economic crisis, public support will continue.")
This exemplifies its use in formal, often predictive contexts, where one outcome is contingent on an ongoing state.
- Everyday Conversation / Opinion:
- Person A: "결혼 꼭 해야 한다고 생각해?" (Gyeolhon kkok haeya handago saenggakhae? - "Do you think one must get married?")
- Person B: "혼자서 행복하게 살 수 있는 한, 굳이 그럴 필요는 없다고 봐." (Honjaseo haengbokhage sal su inneun han, gudi geureol piryoneun eopdago bwa. - "As long as you can live happily alone, I don't see the absolute need for it.")
This expresses a personal philosophy or condition for marriage, using 해체 for a casual yet thoughtful opinion.
- Limiting Knowledge / Softening Statements:
- Colleague: "김 대리님 이직했대요?" (Kim daerimnim ijikhaetdaeyo? - "Did Assistant Manager Kim change jobs?")
- You: "제가 알기로는 아직 이직 안 한 한, 계속 저희 회사 다니는 걸로 알아요." (Jega algironeun ajik ijik an han han, gyesok jeohui hoesa danineun geollo arayo. - "As far as I know, he hasn't changed jobs yet; I understand he's still working at our company.")
This is a very common way to express your knowledge, explicitly stating its boundary. The phrase 제가 알기로는 (as far as I know/understand) often precedes or implies this usage of -는 한.
These examples highlight how -ㄴ/은/는 한 is not merely a textbook pattern but a dynamic tool for communication, used to establish clear boundaries, express conditional dependence, or responsibly limit the scope of one's statements in diverse social and professional settings. Its presence elevates the sophistication of your Korean communication, demonstrating a deeper understanding of nuance.
Quick FAQ
The pattern -ㄴ/은/는 한 itself is neutral in terms of formality. Its level of politeness is determined entirely by the ending of the sentence it's a part of. You can use it in highly formal situations with -(스)ㅂ니다 endings, or in casual conversations with -(아/어)요 or 해체 endings.
- Formal: "법을 준수하는 한, 안전은 보장됩니다." (Beobeul junsuhaneun han, anjeoneun bojangdoemnida. – "As long as laws are obeyed, safety is guaranteed.")
- Casual: "시간이 있는 한, 내가 도와줄게." (Sigani inneun han, naega dowajulge. – "As long as I have time, I'll help you.")
Absolutely. This pattern is very often used to set conditions for future events or states. The condition itself might refer to a future possibility or an ongoing state leading into the future.
- Example: "내일 비가 오지 않는 한, 우리는 등산 갈 거예요." (Naeil biga oji anneun han, urineun deungsan gal geoyeyo. – "As long as it doesn't rain tomorrow, we will go hiking.") Here, "not raining" is a future condition that impacts a future action.
- Example: "문제가 없는 한, 계획대로 진행할 겁니다." (Munjega eomneun han, gyehoekdaero jinhaenghal geomnida. – "As long as there are no problems, we will proceed as planned.")
While they can sometimes appear interchangeable, the core nuance differs.
- -ㄴ/은/는 한: Emphasizes a continuous condition or limit that must persist for the second clause to remain valid. Think of it as "within the boundary of X." It focuses on the existence or duration of the prerequisite. The implication is often a dynamic dependency.
- "살아있는 한, 희망은 있다." (Sarainneun han, huimangeun itda. – "As long as one is alive, there is hope.") (Focus: The continuous state of being alive.)
- -는 이상: Emphasizes a conclusive state or fact from which a logical consequence, obligation, or inevitability arises. Think of it as "now that X is true, then Y." It focuses on the established reality that compels the second clause.
- "시작한 이상, 끝을 봐야지." (Sijakhan isang, kkeuteul bwayaji. – "Now that you've started, you must see it through to the end.") (Focus: The fact of having started creates the obligation.)
Yes, absolutely. It's very common to use this pattern with negative forms to express a condition of absence or non-occurrence.
- Example (Negated Verb): "바쁘지 않는 한, 언제든지 연락하세요." (Bappuji anneun han, eonjedeunji yeollakhasyeoyo. – "As long as you are not busy, please contact me anytime.") (Here,
바쁘다is an adjective, but the지 않다negation turns it into a verbal-like phrase before-는 한.) - Example (Negated Adjective): "가격이 비싸지 않은 한, 구매할 의향이 있습니다." (Gyeogyeogi bissaji aneun han, gumaehal uihyangi itseumnida. – "As long as the price is not expensive, I intend to purchase it.") (Here,
비싸지 않다is the negated adjective form). - Example (Negative ending - 없다/없다): "위험이 없는 한, 이 길로 가는 것이 안전합니다." (Wiheomi eomneun han, i gillo ganeun geosi anjeonhamnida. – "As long as there is no danger, going this way is safe.")
Yes, "제가 아는 한" (Jega aneun han – "As far as I know") is an extremely common fixed expression. It's used ubiquitously to preface statements where you want to qualify your knowledge or acknowledge that your information might not be exhaustive.
- Example: "제가 아는 한, 그 소문은 사실이 아니에요." (Jega aneun han, geu somuneun sasiri anieyo. – "As far as I know, that rumor isn't true.")
-ㄴ/은/는 한 enables speakers to communicate with greater precision and responsibility, especially when conveying information that might be incomplete.Conjugation Table
| Verb Stem | Form | Polite | Formal |
|---|---|---|---|
|
가다
|
가려던 참이다
|
가려던 참이에요
|
가려던 참입니다
|
|
먹다
|
먹으려던 참이다
|
먹으려던 참이에요
|
먹으려던 참입니다
|
|
하다
|
하려던 참이다
|
하려던 참이에요
|
하려던 참입니다
|
|
읽다
|
읽으려던 참이다
|
읽으려던 참이에요
|
읽으려던 참입니다
|
|
자다
|
자려던 참이다
|
자려던 참이에요
|
자려던 참입니다
|
|
오다
|
오려던 참이다
|
오려던 참이에요
|
오려던 참입니다
|
Meanings
Indicates that the speaker was on the verge of performing an action just before a specific moment or event occurred.
Impending Action
Expresses an intention that was interrupted.
“전화하려던 참이었어요.”
“자려던 참인데 왜요?”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + 려던 참이다
|
가려던 참이에요
|
|
Past
|
Stem + 려던 참이었다
|
가려던 참이었어요
|
|
Question
|
Stem + 려던 참인가요?
|
가려던 참인가요?
|
|
Formal
|
Stem + 려던 참입니다
|
가려던 참입니다
|
|
Negative
|
Stem + 지 않으려던 참이다
|
가지 않으려던 참이에요
|
Formality Spectrum
나가려던 참이었습니다. (Leaving a meeting)
나가려던 참이에요. (Leaving a meeting)
나가려던 참이야. (Leaving a meeting)
나갈 참이었어. (Leaving a meeting)
The Timing of -려던 참이다
Action
- 가다 to go
Moment
- 참 moment
Result
- 중단 interruption
Examples by Level
가려던 참이에요.
I was just about to go.
먹으려던 참이에요.
I was just about to eat.
전화하려던 참이에요.
I was just about to call.
자려던 참이에요.
I was just about to sleep.
마침 나가려던 참이었어요.
I was just about to go out, as it happens.
공부하려던 참이었는데.
I was just about to study, actually.
청소하려던 참이었어요.
I was just about to clean.
운동하려던 참이었어요.
I was just about to exercise.
도와주려던 참이었어요.
I was just about to help you.
연락하려던 참이었는데 잘됐네요.
I was just about to contact you, that's perfect.
쉬려던 참이었는데.
I was just about to take a break.
사려던 참이었어요.
I was just about to buy it.
말씀드리려던 참이었습니다.
I was just about to tell you (formal).
그만두려던 참이었어요.
I was just about to quit.
확인하려던 참이었는데 감사합니다.
I was just about to check, thank you.
시작하려던 참이었어요.
I was just about to start.
포기하려던 참에 연락이 왔어요.
Just as I was about to give up, I got a call.
떠나려던 참에 비가 오기 시작했어요.
Just as I was about to leave, it started raining.
결정하려던 참이었는데 고민이 되네요.
I was just about to decide, but now I'm worried.
해결하려던 참에 문제가 생겼어요.
Just as I was about to solve it, a problem arose.
그를 만나려던 참에 운명처럼 마주쳤다.
Just as I was about to meet him, we crossed paths like fate.
진실을 밝히려던 참에 방해를 받았다.
Just as I was about to reveal the truth, I was interrupted.
새로운 시작을 하려던 참에 과거가 발목을 잡았다.
Just as I was about to make a new start, the past held me back.
모든 걸 내려놓으려던 참에 희망이 보였다.
Just as I was about to let everything go, I saw hope.
Easily Confused
Both express intention.
Often confused with -려던 참이다.
Both involve 'almost'.
Common Mistakes
가려던 참이다 (future)
갈 거예요
먹려던 참이다
먹으려던 참이다
자려던 참이다 (long ago)
자려고 했어요
공부하려던 참이에요 (no intention)
공부할 거예요
가려던 참이다 (with non-volitional)
갈 예정이에요
하려던 참이다 (formal context)
하려던 참이었습니다
가려던 참이다 (as a question)
가려던 참인가요?
가려던 참에 (as a sentence end)
가려던 참이에요
먹으려던 참이다 (with '어제')
먹으려던 참이었어요
가려던 참이다 (with '내일')
갈 거예요
가려던 참이다 (in formal writing)
가려던 차였습니다
가려던 참이다 (with passive verb)
가려던 참이다 (active)
가려던 참이다 (with '항상')
항상 가려고 해요
가려던 참이다 (with '이미')
이미 가려던 참이었다
Sentence Patterns
___하려던 참이에요.
___하려던 참에 ___가 왔어요.
마침 ___하려던 참이었어요.
___하려던 참인데 ___해도 될까요?
Real World Usage
나 지금 나가려던 참이야!
그 부분을 말씀드리려던 참이었습니다.
조리하려던 참입니다.
자려던 참에 인스타 확인 중.
체크아웃하려던 참이었어요.
보고하려던 참이었어요.
The 'As Far As I Know' Power Move
제가 아는 한... is an essential phrase. It lets you share information confidently while also showing humility that your knowledge might be limited. Use it often in conversations to sound more natural and less like a robot.Don't Confuse with '-는 동안'
-는 한 sets a *condition* (like 'if'), while -는 동안 sets a *timeframe* (like 'while'). If you can swap it with 'if', use -는 한. If you can swap it with 'during', use -는 동안.Check Your Adjectives
-ㄴ/은 한). Always double-check if your word is a verb or an adjective before attaching an ending. A quick check can save you from a common error.Subtle Nuances Matter
-는 한 and the similar -는 이상 can change the tone of your sentence from a simple condition to a strong obligation. When in doubt, -는 한 is often the softer and safer choice.Smart Tips
Use '안 그래도 하려던 참이었어요' to sound proactive.
Use '___하려던 참이었는데' to explain your state.
Use '마침 ___하려던 참이었어요' to highlight the coincidence.
Use '나가려던 참이에요' instead of '나갈 거예요'.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'ㄹ' in '려던' links to the next syllable.
Falling
가려던 참이에요↘
Statement of fact.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '려던' as 'ready-to' and '참' as 'time'. You were in the 'ready-to-time' zone.
Visual Association
Imagine standing at a door with your hand on the knob, just as someone knocks. That frozen moment is the '참'.
Rhyme
Just about to go, 가려던 참이에요, don't you know.
Story
I was holding my keys. I was about to leave. My phone rang. I said, 'I was just about to leave!'
Word Web
Challenge
For the next hour, every time you start an action, say the phrase out loud.
Cultural Notes
Using this shows you are proactive and not just waiting for orders.
It is a polite way to decline a request by saying you were already going to do it.
Used to show you are listening to parents.
Derived from the prospective suffix -려 and the retrospective modifier -던.
Conversation Starters
지금 뭐 하려던 참이었어요?
제가 부탁하기 전에 하려던 참이었나요?
어제 나가려던 참에 무슨 일이 있었어요?
자려던 참에 전화가 오면 어떡해요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
저는 지금 ___ 참이에요. (가다)
___ 참이었어요. (먹다)
Find and fix the mistake:
내일 가려던 참이에요.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I was just about to sleep.
Answer starts with: 자려던...
A: 청소 좀 해줄래? B: ___
Use '전화하다' and '참이다'.
Which is most formal?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises저는 지금 ___ 참이에요. (가다)
___ 참이었어요. (먹다)
Find and fix the mistake:
내일 가려던 참이에요.
참 / 나가려던 / 이에요
I was just about to sleep.
A: 청소 좀 해줄래? B: ___
Use '전화하다' and '참이다'.
Which is most formal?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises네가 행복______ 나도 행복해.
우리가 친구는 한, 서로 믿어야 돼.
않는 한 / 시험에 / 떨어질 리가 없어요 / 큰 실수를
As far as I can see, there are no problems.
Choose the correct sentence.
Match the stems to the correct form of `-ㄴ/은/는 한`.
제 기억이 맞______ 그 사람은 여기 없었어요.
이 길이 막히지 않은 동안, 10분 안에 도착할 거예요.
법을 어기지 않는 한, 처벌받지 않을 것입니다.
A: 이 프로젝트를 정말 끝내야 할까? B: 응, 시작______ 끝을 봐야지.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, it is strictly for past or present intention.
Just add -려던 참이다.
Yes, it is very polite and natural.
Only with volitional verbs.
It means 'moment' or 'time'.
It is more common in speech.
Yes, but it is less common.
It is more immediate.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
was just about to
English uses 'was' while Korean uses the retrospective '던'.
estar a punto de
Korean emphasizes the past state of mind.
im Begriff sein
Korean is more colloquial and frequent.
〜ようとしていた
Korean adds the '참' (moment) nuance.
على وشك
Arabic lacks the specific retrospective aspect.
正要
Chinese is less focused on the 'moment' aspect.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Continue With
Korean 'As Long As': Setting Conditions (-ㄴ/은/는 한)
Overview In Korean, expressing a condition is fundamental, but not all conditions are created equal. While `-면` (`-mye...
Since / Now That (-ㄴ/은/는 이상)
Overview At the upper-intermediate level of Korean, expressing simple cause and effect with `-아/어서` or `-(으)니까` i...
Related Grammar Rules
Formal 'By' Agent (-에 의해)
Overview In Korean, expressing agency – the 'by' in 'done by' – isn't a one-size-fits-all matter as it often is in Engli...
Based On: -을/를 바탕으로
Overview In Korean, expressing that an action, creation, or judgment is **based on** a particular source is crucial for...
The 'Double Passive' Vibe (Advanced Causative Passive)
Overview Korean, like many languages, employs grammatical mechanisms to shift focus within a sentence. The **Double Pass...
The Inference Ending: It looks like... (-나/는가 보다)
Overview As you navigate the complexities of B2-level Korean, you encounter grammar that allows for more nuanced express...
Expressing Shock: -다니 (How Could...)
Overview **-다니** (romanized: -dani) is an upper-intermediate (B2) Korean grammar pattern used to express strong surpr...
