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-으려다가Korean expression · TOPIK 3

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TOPIK 3 3급Expressions 표현2 senses

One expression with 2 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.

형태Forms

-으려다가-려다가-으려다려다

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 act with an intention or purpose is stopped or changed to another act.

어떤 행동을 할 의도를 가지고 있다가 그 행동을 멈추거나 다른 행동을 하게 됨을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

A contracted form of -으려고 하다가.

‘-으려고 하다가’가 줄어든 말이다.

예문Examples

나비를 잡으려다가 벌에 쏘였어요.

I tried to catch a butterfly but got stung by a bee.

상대편의 공격을 막으려다가 넘어지고 말았어요.

I tried to block the opponent's attack but ended up falling.

아이스크림을 혼자 먹으려다가 동생에게 들켰어요.

I tried to eat the ice cream alone but my younger sibling caught me.

대화In conversation

엄마, 공원에서 꽃을 꺾으려다가 지나가는 아저씨한테 야단맞았어요.

Mom, I tried to pick a flower in the park but got scolded by a passing man.

왜 그랬니? 다시는 그러면 안 돼.

Why did you do that? You must never do that again.

An expression used to indicate that a certain situation or state is stopped or changed in the middle of a formation or change.

어떤 상황이나 상태가 이루어지거나 변화하는 과정에서 그 상황이 중단되거나 바뀜을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

A contracted form of -으려고 하다가.

‘-으려고 하다가’가 줄어든 말이다.

예문Examples

손을 주머니에 넣으려다가 넘어지고 말았어요.

I tried to put my hand in my pocket but ended up falling.

머리가 아파도 참으려다가 결국 진통제를 먹었어요.

I tried to endure the headache but finally took painkillers.

아이의 거짓말에 화가 치솟으려다가 겨우 가라앉았어요.

My anger was about to flare up at the child's lie but barely subsided.

대화In conversation

해가 구름 위로 솟으려다가 사라졌어요.

The sun was about to rise above the clouds but disappeared.

오늘은 날이 흐릴 모양이네요.

It looks like it will be cloudy today.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.

-게 하다 -ge hada An expression used to order someone to do a certain thing or to make something work. TOPIK 3 -고 나다 -go nada An expression used to indicate that the act denoted in the preceding statement has finished. TOPIK 3 -고 말다 -go malda An expression used to state that it is regrettable that the act mentioned in the preceding statement finally occurred. TOPIK 3 -고 싶어 하다 -go sipeo hada An expression used to indicate that the speaker wants to do an action or fall into the state mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 3 -기 위해 -gi wihaeseo -기 위해서 · -기 위한 · 을 위해 An expression used to indicate the intention, which is the goal for doing a certain thing. TOPIK 3 -기는 -gineun -긴 · -기는요 · -긴요 A sentence-final ending used when gently denying or refuting the other person's statement. TOPIK 3

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -으려다가 mean in Korean?

-으려다가 is a expression introduced at 3급 (TOPIK 3). An expression used to indicate that the act with an intention or purpose is stopped or changed to another act. It has 2 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use -으려다가?

A contracted form of -으려고 하다가. The other shape is -려다가, -으려다, 려다 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -으려다가 and -려다가?

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 -으려다가?

3급 — TOPIK 3, lower 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.