1. Expressing Resolution and Intent: V +(으)려던 참이다
2. Grammar Explanation
The Korean grammar structure V + (으)려던 참이다 is used to express that the speaker had been intending to do something and was either just about to do it or planned to do it very soon. This structure can only be used with verbs and is particularly useful in conversations where the speaker wants to convey their intentions or plans in response to someone else's actions or suggestions.
Formation:
For verbs ending in a consonant: -으려던 참이다
For verbs ending in a vowel or ㄹ : -려던 참이다
Usage:
Current Intentions: When the speaker is about to do something at that very moment.
Near Future Intentions: When the speaker had planned to do something very soon.
Key Points:
This expression cannot be used with future tense endings.
It can be combined with phrases like 마침, 그렇지 않아도, and 안 그래도 to emphasize that the speaker was already planning to do the suggested action.
3. Example Sentences
지금 운동을 하려던 참이에요.
I was just about to start exercising.
영화를 보려던 참이었는데 친구가 전화했어요.
I was about to watch a movie when my friend called.
저녁을 먹으려던 참이에요.
I was just about to have dinner.
회의를 시작하려던 참이었어요.
I was just about to start the meeting.
집을 청소하려던 참인데 손님이 왔어요.
I was about to clean the house when a guest arrived.
4. Sample Dialogues
Dialogue 1:
A: 영수야, 뭐하고 있어? (Hey 영수, what are you doing?)
B: 나는 책을 읽으려던 참이었어. (I was about to read.)
A: 거짓말하네. (That’s a lie.)
Dialogue 2:
A: 커피 마시러 갈래? (Want to go for a coffee?)
B: 마침 나도 커피 마시려던 참이었어. (I was about to go for a coffee.)
A: 그럼 너가 사. (Okay, then you buy coffee for me.)
5. Make Korean Sentences from English!
I was just about to go to the market.
My mom was about to make dinner.
My brother was about to start his homework.
I was about to call my friend.
My sister was about to leave the house.
The teacher was about to begin the lesson.
I was about to write a letter.
My friend was about to clean his room.
I was about to listen to music.
My mom was about to go for a walk.