-을 따름이다Korean expression · TOPIK 4

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TOPIK 4 4급 Expressions 표현

An expression used to indicate that the state or situation mentioned in the preceding statement is the only option.

형태Forms

-을 따름이다-ㄹ 따름이다

Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.

An expression used to indicate that the state or situation mentioned in the preceding statement is the only option.

앞에 오는 말이 나타내는 상태나 상황 이외에 다른 어떤 것도 없음을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ or the past -었-.

‘ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사와 형용사 또는 ‘-었-’ 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

나는 그냥 얼굴만 보러 왔을 따름이야.

I just came to see your face, that's all.

저는 묵묵히 노력하고 있을 따름입니다.

I'm just quietly doing my best.

그는 실력을 발휘할 기회가 없었을 따름이지 실력이 없었던 것은 아니다.

He just never had the chance to show his skills; it's not that he lacked them.

대화In conversation

정말 수고 많았어요. 고마워요.

You really worked hard. Thank you.

아닙니다. 저는 해야 할 일을 했을 따름인데요.

Not at all. I just did what I had to do.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one, starting with the ones the dictionary names as equivalents.

-고 들다 -go deulda An expression used to press someone to do the preceding act. TOPIK 4 -고 보다 -go boda An expression indicating that the action implied by the preceding word is done first and the subsequent events are thought about later. TOPIK 4 -고 해서 -go haeseo An expression used to state that the content of the preceding statement is one of several reasons for doing the act mentioned in the following… TOPIK 4 -나 싶다 -na sipda An expression used to indicate that the speaker is making a subjective and uncertain guess about the preceding statement. TOPIK 4 -는 김에 -neun gime -ㄴ 김에 · -은 김에 An expression used to indicate that one is doing a certain act, after the act mentioned in the preceding statement or while doing a similar behavior… TOPIK 4 -는 대로 -neun daero -ㄴ 대로 · -은 대로 An expression used to indicate that something is the same as the present act or state mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 4

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -을 따름이다 mean in Korean?

-을 따름이다 is a expression introduced at 4급 (TOPIK 4). An expression used to indicate that the state or situation mentioned in the preceding statement is the only option.

When do you use -을 따름이다?

Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ or the past -었-. The other shape is -ㄹ 따름이다 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -을 따름이다 and -ㄹ 따름이다?

None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same expression, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.

What TOPIK level is -을 따름이다?

4급 — TOPIK 4, upper intermediate. It is one of 67 grammar points at that level.

Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.