Present Progressive: -ing (고 있다)
~고 있다 to action verbs to describe what you are doing right this second.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -고 있다 to describe an action currently happening right now, similar to English 'is -ing'.
- Attach -고 있다 to the verb stem: 먹다 -> 먹고 있다 (eating).
- Use formal/informal endings: 먹고 있어요 (polite) or 먹고 있어 (casual).
- Only use with action verbs, not descriptive adjectives.
Overview
Korean, like English, distinguishes between habitual or general actions and actions that are actively in progress at a specific moment. The grammar pattern -고 있다 (-go itda) serves as the primary mechanism for expressing the present progressive, analogous to the English "be + -ing" (e.g., "I am eating"). Understanding this distinction is crucial for A2-level learners, as it allows for precise communication about ongoing events, a fundamental aspect of daily conversation.
At its core, -고 있다 literally translates to "[verb] and existing/being." This structure logically conveys that the action denoted by the verb is currently in existence or in the process of unfolding. It shifts the focus from a completed action or general truth to the dynamic, unfolding nature of an activity, situating the action firmly in the present moment of speech. Mastery of this pattern enables you to describe what you or others are actively doing, what temporary states are in effect, and even certain ongoing habits.
How This Grammar Works
-go) and the verb 있다 (itda). The interplay between these two elements is what creates the progressive meaning.있다.있다 loses its independent meaning of possession or simple existence and instead acts as an auxiliary verb, indicating the continuation or progress of the action. The conjugation of 있다 (e.g., 있어요, 있습니다, 있어) then determines the politeness level and tense of the entire progressive construction. This consistency is a hallmark of the pattern, as the main verb's stem remains unchanged, simplifying application for learners.밥을 먹고 있어요 (babeul meokgo isseoyo – "I am eating rice"), you are highlighting the process of eating that began earlier, is continuing now, and is expected to proceed for some time, without reference to its conclusion.밥을 먹었어요 (babeul meogeosseoyo – "I ate rice"), which focuses on the completed action.친구를 기다리고 있어요 (chingureul gidarigo isseoyo) means "I am waiting for a friend." Here, the action of waiting (기다리다) is connected by -고 to 있어요, signifying that the waiting started at some point and is still happening in the present. This ongoing action is what the speaker is currently engaged in, making it a powerful tool for real-time descriptions.Formation Pattern
하다 – to do, 먹다 – to eat, 가다 – to go).
다 suffix to obtain the pure verb stem (e.g., 하, 먹, 가).
-고 directly to the verb stem (e.g., 하고, 먹고, 가고).
있다 to match the desired politeness level and tense.
있다 when used with -고:
지금) | Past Tense (어제) | Future Tense (내일) | Example (Verb: 공부하다 - to study) |
-go isseo) | -고 있었어 (-go isseosseo) | -고 있을 거야 (-go isseul geoya) | 공부하고 있어 (studying) / 공부하고 있었어 (was studying) |
-go isseoyo) | -고 있었어요 (-go isseosseoyo) | -고 있을 거예요 (-go isseul geoyeyo) | 공부하고 있어요 (studying) / 공부하고 있었어요 (was studying) |
-go isseumnida) | -고 있었습니다 (-go isseosseumnida) | -고 있을 것입니다 (-go isseul geosimnida) | 공부하고 있습니다 (studying) / 공부하고 있었습니다 (was studying) |
-go gyeseyo) | -고 계셨어요 (-go gyesyeosseoyo) | -고 계실 거예요 (-go gyesil geoyeyo) | 선생님이 말씀하고 계세요 (teacher is speaking) |
있다 is replaced with its honorific counterpart, 계시다 (gyesida), which is then conjugated similarly. For example, if you are talking about an elder or a superior eating, you would not say 먹고 있어요 but rather 드시고 계세요 (deusigo gyeseyo), using the honorific verb 들다/드시(다) (to eat) and the honorific 계시다.
-고 and 있다 (or 계시다). For instance, it's 책을 읽고 있어요 (chaegeul ilkgo isseoyo), not 책을 읽고있어요. This indicates that -고 functions as a separate grammatical particle, not a direct suffix to 있다.
When To Use It
- Actions Happening Right Now: This is the most common and intuitive use. It indicates an action that you are actively engaged in at the time of speaking or the time being referred to.
지금 밥을 먹고 있어요.(jigeum babeul meokgo isseoyo.– "I am eating rice now.")친구가 저를 기다리고 있어요.(chinguga jeoreul gidarigo isseoyo.– "My friend is waiting for me.")아기가 자고 있어요.(agiga jago isseoyo.– "The baby is sleeping.")
- Temporary Situations or States: It can describe an ongoing state that has a defined or implied duration, often suggesting it's not a permanent condition.
저는 요즘 한국어를 배우고 있어요.(jeoneun yojeum hangugeoreul baeugo isseoyo.– "I am learning Korean these days.") This implies the learning process is active and ongoing.그는 대학교에 다니고 있어요.(geuneun daehakgyoe danigo isseoyo.– "He is attending university.") This describes his current academic status.회사에서 새 프로젝트를 진행하고 있어요.(hoesaseo sae peurojekteureul jinhaenghago isseoyo.– "We are working on a new project at the company.")
- Habitual Actions Over a Period: While the simple present (
-아요/어요) is for general habits, -고 있다 can be used when emphasizing that a habit or routine is currently in effect or has been consistently happening over a recent period. This distinguishes it from a timeless, general statement. 저는 매일 아침 조깅하고 있어요.(jeoneun maeil achim joginghago isseoyo.– "I am jogging every morning (these days).") – This highlights that jogging is your current routine, perhaps something new you started. Contrast this with저는 매일 아침 조깅해요(I jog every morning), which is a more general statement of habit.요즘 건강을 위해 운동하고 있어요.(yojeum geongangeul wihae undonghago isseoyo.– "These days, I am exercising for my health.")
- Verbs of Wearing, Holding, or Carrying (Resultant State): This is a crucial and often confusing aspect for learners. For a specific set of verbs that describe putting on, holding, or carrying items (e.g.,
입다– to wear clothes,신다– to wear shoes,쓰다– to wear a hat/glasses,들다– to hold in hand,메다– to carry on shoulder,끼다– to wear gloves/ring), -고 있다 does not mean the action of putting it on, but rather the state of wearing or holding it. It describes the resultant state of a completed action. 모자를 쓰고 있어요.(mojareul sseugo isseoyo.– "I am wearing a hat.") – Not "I am putting on a hat."가방을 메고 있어요.(gabangeul mego isseoyo.– "I am carrying a bag on my shoulder.") – Not "I am putting a bag on my shoulder."안경을 끼고 있어요.(angyeongeul kkigo isseoyo.– "I am wearing glasses.")
모자를 써요) can imply either the action of putting it on or wearing it habitually. When you specifically want to convey the ongoing state of wearing, -고 있다 is the correct choice. This subtle distinction reflects a linguistic mechanism where a progressive form can sometimes express a sustained state that results from an initial action.Common Mistakes
- Applying to Adjectives (Descriptive Verbs): This is perhaps the most frequent error. In Korean, adjectives (or descriptive verbs) describe qualities or states, not actions. Therefore, they cannot be used with -고 있다.
- Incorrect:
저는 예쁘고 있어요.(Incorrect: "I am being pretty.") - Correct:
저는 예뻐요.(jeoneun yeppeoyo.– "I am pretty.") - Incorrect:
저는 바쁘고 있어요.(Incorrect: "I am being busy.") - Correct:
저는 바빠요.(jeoneun bappayo.– "I am busy.") - Why it's a mistake: Adjectives describe an inherent or current state; they do not represent an action that can be in progress. You simply are pretty or are busy. The concept of "being pretty" is not an action that is actively unfolding.
- Applying to Verbs of Knowledge or Fixed State: Similar to adjectives, certain verbs inherently describe a state rather than an ongoing action. The most prominent examples are
알다(alda– to know) and모르다(moreuda– not to know). - Incorrect:
저는 알-고 있어요.(Incorrect: "I am knowing.") - Correct:
저는 알아요.(jeoneun arayo.– "I know.") - Incorrect:
저는 모르고 있어요.(Incorrect: "I am not knowing.") - Correct:
저는 몰라요.(jeoneun mollayo.– "I don't know.") - Why it's a mistake: Knowing or not knowing is a mental state, not an action in progress. You either possess knowledge or you don't. While
잊고 있다(itgo itda– to have forgotten / be in a state of forgetting) is an exception sometimes used,알다and모르다almost universally take the simple present.
- Confusing the "Wearing" Trap (Action vs. State): As discussed, this is a tricky one. Verbs like
입다(to wear),신다(to wear shoes),쓰다(to wear hat/glasses),들다(to hold),메다(to carry) often cause confusion. 옷을 입어요.(oseul ibeoyo.– "I put on clothes" or "I wear clothes habitually.") This focuses on the action of putting on or the general habit.옷을 입고 있어요.(oseul ibgo isseoyo.– "I am wearing clothes.") This describes the resultant state of having put clothes on, and still being clothed.- The Mistake: Using
입고 있어요to mean the action of currently putting on clothes. While입다as a verb of motion can technically take-고 있다to mean the action of putting something on, in common usage, for these specific verbs,-고 있다almost exclusively refers to the state of wearing or holding that began in the past and continues to the present. To explicitly say "I am putting on clothes," you might use context or another phrase, though입고 있어요often covers both meanings depending on context, favoring the resultant state.
- Using for Future Plans: English often uses the present progressive for definite future plans ("I am leaving tomorrow"). Korean -고 있다 is strictly for actions currently in progress or temporary ongoing situations. It cannot be used to express future intentions or scheduled events.
- Incorrect:
저는 내일 한국에 가고 있어요.(Incorrect: "I am going to Korea tomorrow.") - Correct:
저는 내일 한국에 갈 거예요.(jeoneun naeil hanguge gal geoyeyo.– "I will go to Korea tomorrow.") - Why it's a mistake: The core meaning of -고 있다 is present continuous. Future plans, even if definite, are not happening now.
- Incorrect Spacing: A minor but common written error is omitting the space between
-고and있다. - Incorrect:
밥먹고있어요. - Correct:
밥 먹고 있어요.(bap meokgo isseoyo.) - Why it's a mistake:
-고is a connective particle, not an integral part of the verb있다. Maintaining the space reflects its grammatical function.
Real Conversations
Understanding how -고 있다 is used in authentic, everyday Korean conversations illuminates its practical significance. From quick text messages to more formal discussions, this pattern is indispensable for describing ongoing activities.
1. Casual Text Exchange (Between friends):
- 친구 A: 뭐 해? (mwo hae? – "What are you doing?")
- 친구 B: 집에서 넷플릭스 보고 있어. (jibeseo netpeullikseu bogo isseo. – "I'm watching Netflix at home.")
- 친구 A: 오, 재미있어? 나도 봐야겠다! (o, jaemiisseo? nado bwayagetta! – "Oh, is it fun? I should watch it too!")
- 친구 B: 응, 완전 몰입하고 있어. (eung, wanjeon moriphago isseo. – "Yeah, I'm totally immersed (in it).")
Analysis
보고 있어 and 몰입하고 있어 concisely convey current activities in the casual 해체 form, common in texting.2. Polite Conversation (Among colleagues/acquaintances):
- 동료 A: 김대리님, 서류 작업 다 끝나셨어요? (gimdaerinim, seoryu jagop da kkeunnasyeosseoyo? – "Assistant Manager Kim, have you finished the document work?")
- 동료 B: 아니요, 아직 진행하고 있어요. 한 시간 정도 더 걸릴 것 같아요. (aniyo, ajik jinhaenghago isseoyo. han sigan jeongdo deo geollil geot gatayo. – "No, I'm still working on it. I think it will take about one more hour.")
- 동료 A: 알겠습니다. 필요한 거 있으면 말씀해주세요. (algesseumnida. piryohan geo isseumyeon malsseumhaejuseyo. – "Understood. Please tell me if you need anything.")
Analysis
진행하고 있어요 uses the polite 해요체 to explain an ongoing task at work, politely requesting understanding for the delay.3. Formal Situation (Report/Presentation):
- 현재 저희 팀은 신제품 개발에 총력을 기울이고 있습니다. (hyeonjae jeohui timeun sinjepum gae 발에 chongnyeogeul giurigo isseumnida. – "Currently, our team is putting all its efforts into new product development.")
- 고객 만족도 향상을 위해 끊임없이 노력하고 있습니다. (gogaek manjogdo hyangsangeul wihae kkeuneopseui noryeokhago isseumnida. – "We are continuously striving to improve customer satisfaction.")
Analysis
합니다체 (기울이고 있습니다, 노력하고 있습니다) is used in more formal settings like business reports or public speeches to describe ongoing endeavors of a team or organization.4. Describing a General, Ongoing Trend or Situation:
- 요즘 한국에는 외국인 관광객이 많이 늘어나고 있어요. (yojeum hangugeeneun oegugin gwangwanggaegi mani neureonago isseoyo. – "These days, the number of foreign tourists in Korea is increasing a lot.")
- 점점 날씨가 따뜻해지고 있어요. (jeomjeom nalssiga ttatteuthaejigo isseoyo. – "The weather is gradually getting warmer.")
Analysis
늘어나고 있어요 and 따뜻해지고 있어요 describe gradual, ongoing changes or trends, illustrating the pattern's flexibility beyond instantaneous actions.5. Asking About Someone's Current Location/Status (Common Korean cultural context):
- 어디 가고 있어요? (eodi gago isseoyo? – "Where are you going?" / "Where are you on your way to?") This implies being in the middle of a journey.
- 버스 타고 있어요. (beoseu tago isseoyo. – "I'm riding the bus.")
Analysis
어디 가고 있어요? is a very common way to inquire about someone's destination when you know they are in transit. This shows how -고 있다 is deeply integrated into idiomatic expressions.Quick FAQ
- Q: Can -고 있다 be used for past actions (e.g., "I was doing...")?
- A: Yes, absolutely. To express an action that was in progress at a specific point in the past, you simply conjugate the
있다portion of the pattern into the past tense. This results in -고 있었어요 (-go isseosseoyo) for polite speech or -고 있었어 (-go isseosseo) for casual speech. - Example:
어제 저녁에 친구랑 밥 먹고 있었어요.(eoje jeonyeoge chingurang bap meokgo isseosseoyo.– "Yesterday evening, I was eating with a friend.") This clearly indicates the eating was ongoing, not completed, at that past time.
- Q: Can -고 있다 be used for future actions (e.g., "I will be doing...")?
- A: While less common than for present or past progressive, -고 있다 can be adapted to express a future progressive idea: an action that will be in progress at a future point. This is achieved by conjugating
있다into the future tense, resulting in -고 있을 거예요 (-go isseul geoyeyo) for polite speech or -고 있을 거야 (-go isseul geoya) for casual speech. - Example:
내일 이맘때쯤 시험 공부하고 있을 거예요.(naeil imanttaejeum siheom gongbuhago isseul geoyeyo.– "I will be studying for my exam around this time tomorrow.") This implies that at a specific future moment, the action of studying will be ongoing.
- Q: What's the difference between -고 있다 and -는 중이다?
- A: Both -고 있다 and -는 중이다 (
-neun jungida) express ongoing action, but they carry slightly different nuances. -는 중이다 (which typically attaches to a verb stem with-(으)ㄴor directly to a noun derived from a verb, e.g.,공부 중이다– to be in the middle of studying) literally means "to be in the middle of (doing something)." It often places a stronger emphasis on the midst of an activity, sometimes implying that an action is incomplete or that the speaker should not be disturbed. 지금 밥 먹는 중이에요.(jigeum bap meongneun jungieyo.– "I am in the middle of eating now.") This might carry a stronger implication of being busy with eating.지금 밥 먹고 있어요.(jigeum bap meokgo isseoyo.– "I am eating now.") This is a more general statement of ongoing action. While -는 중이다 is perfectly natural, -고 있다 is generally more versatile and used more broadly in everyday conversation for continuous actions.
- Q: Is there any verb that cannot take -고 있다?
- A: Yes, as detailed in the "Common Mistakes" section, descriptive verbs (adjectives like
예쁘다,바쁘다) and verbs of state (알다,모르다) generally cannot take -고 있다 because they describe fixed qualities or states, not actions in progress. However, almost all action verbs can utilize this pattern to express ongoing action or a resultant state.
- Q: What about verbs of movement like 가다 (to go) or 오다 (to come)? Do they behave differently?
- A: Verbs of movement like
가다(to go) and오다(to come) can indeed be used with -고 있다. When applied to these verbs, -고 있다 typically signifies that someone is currently in transit or on their way. 지금 학교에 가고 있어요.(jigeum hakgyoe gago isseoyo.– "I am going to school now / I am on my way to school now.")친구가 저에게 오고 있어요.(chinguga jeoege ogo isseoyo.– "My friend is coming to me now / My friend is on their way to me.")- This usage is very common in responses to inquiries about one's location or imminent arrival, highlighting the ongoing journey rather than just the intent to go or come.
Present Progressive Conjugation
| Verb | Stem | Progressive (Polite) | Progressive (Casual) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
먹다
|
먹
|
먹고 있어요
|
먹고 있어
|
|
가다
|
가
|
가고 있어요
|
가고 있어
|
|
하다
|
하
|
하고 있어요
|
하고 있어
|
|
읽다
|
읽
|
읽고 있어요
|
읽고 있어
|
|
자다
|
자
|
자고 있어요
|
자고 있어
|
|
보다
|
보
|
보고 있어요
|
보고 있어
|
Common Variations
| Full Form | Emphasis Form |
|---|---|
|
먹고 있어요
|
먹고 있는 중이에요
|
Meanings
Indicates an action that is currently in progress at the moment of speaking.
Ongoing Action
Action happening right now.
“비가 오고 있어요.”
“친구를 기다리고 있어요.”
Extended State
Action happening over a period of time.
“요즘 운동을 하고 있어요.”
“한국에서 살고 있어요.”
Past Progressive
Action that was in progress in the past.
“어제 공부하고 있었어요.”
“전화하고 있었어요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + 고 있다
|
공부하고 있어요
|
|
Negative
|
안 + Stem + 고 있다
|
안 공부하고 있어요
|
|
Question
|
Stem + 고 있어요?
|
공부하고 있어요?
|
|
Past
|
Stem + 고 있었다
|
공부하고 있었어요
|
|
Honorific
|
Stem + 고 계시다
|
공부하고 계세요
|
|
In Progress
|
Stem + 고 있는 중이다
|
공부하고 있는 중이에요
|
Formality Spectrum
식사하고 있습니다. (Dining)
밥을 먹고 있어요. (Dining)
밥 먹고 있어. (Dining)
밥 먹는 중. (Dining)
Progressive Concept Map
Time
- 지금 now
Action
- 먹다 eat
Examples by Level
밥을 먹고 있어요.
I am eating rice.
공부하고 있어요.
I am studying.
자고 있어요.
I am sleeping.
뭐 하고 있어요?
What are you doing?
지금 친구를 기다리고 있어요.
I am waiting for a friend now.
비가 오고 있어요.
It is raining.
영화를 보고 있지 않아요.
I am not watching a movie.
어디 가고 있어요?
Where are you going?
요즘 한국어를 배우고 있어요.
I am learning Korean these days.
선생님께서 말씀하고 계세요.
The teacher is speaking (honorific).
그때는 숙제를 하고 있었어요.
I was doing homework then.
음악을 듣고 있는 중이에요.
I am in the middle of listening to music.
그는 지금 회의를 진행하고 있습니다.
He is conducting a meeting now.
많은 사람들이 변화를 요구하고 있어요.
Many people are demanding change.
그녀는 계속해서 웃고 있었어요.
She kept on laughing.
우리는 새로운 프로젝트를 준비하고 있어요.
We are preparing a new project.
그는 자신의 운명을 개척하고 있는 중이다.
He is in the process of pioneering his own destiny.
정부가 새로운 정책을 검토하고 있습니다.
The government is reviewing new policies.
그들은 서로를 비난하고 있었던 것이다.
They were blaming each other.
모든 것이 빠르게 변하고 있는 상황입니다.
Everything is in a situation of changing rapidly.
그는 고통 속에서도 희망을 품고 살아가고 있었다.
He was living on while holding onto hope amidst the pain.
역사는 끊임없이 반복되고 있는 듯하다.
History seems to be repeating itself endlessly.
그녀는 눈물을 흘리며 말을 잇지 못하고 있었다.
She was unable to continue speaking while shedding tears.
이 현상은 전 세계적으로 확산되고 있는 추세입니다.
This phenomenon is a trend that is spreading globally.
Easily Confused
Both use '있다', but -아/어 있다 is for state, -고 있다 is for action.
Learners use simple present for 'now'.
Very similar to -고 있다.
Common Mistakes
예쁘고 있어요
예뻐요
먹고있다
먹고 있다
가고다
가고 있다
공부고 있어요
공부하고 있어요
알고 있어요 (in the sense of 'I am knowing')
알아요
비가 오고 있었다 (when meaning now)
비가 오고 있어요
안 먹고 있다요
안 먹고 있어요
말씀하고 계시다 (to oneself)
말하고 있어요
살고 있다 (as a permanent state)
살아요
입고 있어요 (for a state of wearing)
입고 있어요 (can be both)
변하고 있는 중이다 (when simple is better)
변하고 있다
기다리고 있는 중이다 (when simple is better)
기다리고 있다
반복되고 있는 중이다
반복되고 있다
Sentence Patterns
저는 지금 ___을/를 하고 있어요.
요즘 ___을/를 배우고 있어요.
그때 저는 ___을/를 하고 있었어요.
지금 ___이/가 변하고 있는 중이에요.
Real World Usage
뭐 하고 있어?
회의를 진행하고 있습니다.
사진을 찍고 있어요.
음식을 만들고 있어요.
지금 여행하고 있어요!
사건이 발생하고 있습니다.
Space Matters
No Adjectives
Honorifics
Emphasis
Smart Tips
Use -고 있어요 for natural flow.
Always use -고 계세요.
Use -는 중이에요.
Use -고 있었어요.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'g' sound in -고 often links to the 'i' in 있다.
Rising
하고 있어요↗?
Question
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Go' (고) as 'Going' forward in time while 'Itda' (있다) means 'exists'—so the action exists in the 'going' phase.
Visual Association
Imagine a person running on a treadmill. The treadmill is the '고' (going) and the person standing on it is the '있다' (existing).
Rhyme
When the action is in the flow, add 고 and then 있다, you know!
Story
Min-su is in the kitchen. He is holding an apple. He is eating it. He says, '사과를 먹고 있어요!' (I am eating an apple).
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room and describe 3 things happening using -고 있어요.
Cultural Notes
Koreans often use '중' (middle) to emphasize the progressive nature.
Derived from the verb '있다' (to exist) and the connective particle '-고'.
Conversation Starters
지금 뭐 하고 있어요?
요즘 어떤 책을 읽고 있어요?
한국에서 무엇을 배우고 싶어요?
요즘 사회적으로 어떤 문제가 대두되고 있다고 생각해요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
저는 지금 공부___ 있어요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
저는 밥을 먹고있다.
Order: [있어요 / 지금 / 공부하고]
What is the progressive?
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
먹고 있어요 -> ?
A: 뭐 해요? B: ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises저는 지금 공부___ 있어요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
저는 밥을 먹고있다.
Order: [있어요 / 지금 / 공부하고]
What is the progressive?
Match: [먹고 있어요, 자고 있어요, 가고 있어요]
먹고 있어요 -> ?
A: 뭐 해요? B: ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises지금 뭐 ___ 있어요? (하다 - to do)
Translate: 'I am drinking coffee.' (Polite)
Teacher is reading a book. (Use honorifics)
I am studying. (Casual/Banmal)
어제 저는 ___ 있었어요. (자다 - to sleep)
Match the base verb to the -ing form.
Pick the word that sounds wrong with -고 있다.
서울에 ___ 있어요. (살다)
Which spacing is correct?
Wait / I / am / . (polite)
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, only action verbs. Descriptive verbs (adjectives) cannot be used.
-는 중이다 emphasizes the 'middle' of the action more strongly.
Use '안' before the verb or '-지 않다'.
No, it is for present or past progressive.
Because '있다' is an auxiliary verb, it must be separated.
Use -고 계시다.
Yes, it is extremely common.
Yes, use -고 있었다.
Scaffolded Practice
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3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Estar + gerundio
Spanish conjugates the auxiliary for person; Korean does not.
Être en train de
French is a periphrastic construction; Korean is a morphological one.
Am ... sein
German is colloquial; Korean is standard.
-te iru
Japanese 'iru' is for animate objects; Korean '있다' is universal.
正在 (zhèngzài)
Chinese marks the start of the verb; Korean marks the end.
عَمَّ (amma)
Arabic is prefix-based; Korean is suffix-based.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Being & Having (있다/없다)
Overview In Korean, the verbs `있다` (itda) and `없다` (eopda) are fundamental for expressing both **existence** and **p...
Connective Ending -고 (and then)
Overview In Korean grammar, constructing complex sentences that flow naturally hinges on your command of connective endi...
Related Grammar Rules
No choice but to... (-ㄹ/을 수밖에 없다)
Overview The Korean grammar pattern `-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다` is a powerful expression of inevitability. It conveys that du...
To the Absolute Max: (-ㄹ/을 대로)
Overview Korean grammar employs `-(ㄹ/을) 대로` to express that a state or action has reached its absolute **utmost limi...
Just/Only: Emphatic Limitation (-ㄹ/을 뿐이다)
Overview At the B2 CEFR level in Korean, you're moving beyond basic sentence construction to express nuanced ideas, subt...
Logically Likely: -ㄹ/을 법하다
Overview `-(으)ㄹ 법하다` is a Korean grammar pattern that expresses a logical likelihood, plausibility, or reasonable e...
Blaming Others: -탓에 and -바람에
Overview Korean grammar provides nuanced ways to express causality, especially when the outcome is undesirable. While `...
