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-고 있다Korean expression · TOPIK 1

-go itda

TOPIK 1 1급Expressions 표현2 senses

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

An expression used to state that the act mentioned in the preceding statement is continued.

앞말이 나타내는 행동이 계속 진행됨을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs.

동사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

사진 속에서 우리 가족은 환하게 웃고 있었다.

In the photo, my family was smiling brightly.

벌써 아침 아홉 시가 넘었는데 승규는 아직도 자고 있다.

It's already past nine in the morning, and Seunggyu is still sleeping.

네가 먹고 있는 빵이 참 맛있어 보이는데.

The bread you're eating looks really delicious.

대화In conversation

출발했니? 언제쯤 도착할 것 같아?

Have you left? When do you think you'll arrive?

지금 가고 있으니까 십 분쯤 뒤에 도착할 거야.

I'm on my way now, so I'll get there in about ten minutes.

An expression used to state that the result of the act mentioned in the preceding statement is continued.

앞말이 나타내는 행동의 결과가 계속됨을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs.

동사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

나는 눈은 감고 있었지만 아직 잠든 것은 아니었다.

I had my eyes closed, but I wasn't asleep yet.

지수는 양쪽 손에 모두 짐을 들고 있어서 버스 손잡이를 잡기가 어려웠다.

Jisu was holding bags in both hands, so it was hard for her to grab the bus handle.

이 도시는 우리나라 중부에 자리 잡고 있다.

This city is located in the central part of our country.

대화In conversation

지금 어디쯤 오셨어요?

Where are you now?

지하철역을 나와서 걸어가고 있어요.

I'm walking out of the subway station.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.

-고 싶다 -go sipda An expression used to state that the speaker wants to do the act mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 1 -기 전에 -gi jeone -기 전 An expression used to state that a certain act occurs earlier than the act in the preceding statement. TOPIK 1 -어야 되다 -eoya doeda -아야 되다 · -여야 되다 An expression used to indicate that one needs or is obligated to do a certain thing. TOPIK 1 -은 후에 -eun hu-e -은 후 · -ㄴ 후 An expression used to indicate that one does a certain act mentioned in the preceding statement and a while later, does another thing. TOPIK 1 -을 수 있다 -eul su itda -ㄹ 수 있다 An expression used to indicate that one has an ability to do something. TOPIK 1 -지 못하다 -ji motada An expression used to indicate that the speaker cannot do the act mentioned in the preceding statement, or that things did not work out as the… TOPIK 1

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -고 있다 mean in Korean?

-고 있다 is a expression introduced at 1급 (TOPIK 1). An expression used to state that the act mentioned in the preceding statement is continued. It has 2 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use -고 있다?

Attaches after verbs.

What TOPIK level is -고 있다?

1급 — TOPIK 1, beginner. It is one of 45 grammar points at that level.

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