Core Pattern Rule: -(으)려던 참이다
This pattern expresses that the speaker was on the verge of performing an action right at the moment of speaking. It translates to "was just about to..." or "was on the point of..."
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It indicates an action that was intended and imminent, often interrupted or made relevant by a new event or someone's words.
When to use: Use it to show a coincidence in timing. For example, if someone asks you to eat, and you were just about to get food, you can say, "I was just about to eat!"
Formation
This pattern combines a verb stem with -(으)려던 참이다.
Vowel or ㄹ ending stem + 려던 참이다:
가다 (to go) → 가려던 참이다
만들다 (to make) → 만들려던 참이다
Consonant ending stem + 으려던 참이다:
먹다 (to eat) → 먹으려던 참이다
씻다 (to wash) → 씻으려던 참이다
지금 막 나가려던 참이야. / 밥 먹으려던 참이야. / 그 말 하려던 참이야.
Native Nuance & Common Combinations
To sound more natural, pay attention to the context and common adverbs used with this pattern.
Emphasizing the Timing
This pattern is often paired with adverbs that highlight the perfect timing or coincidence. The most common ones are:
마침: (just in time, as it happens)
안 그래도: (even without you saying so, anyway)
지금 막: (right now, just this moment)
Using these adverbs makes your sentence sound more natural and emphatic.
Expressing Agreement or Coincidence
The pattern is frequently used to show you were thinking the same thing as the other person. It creates a sense of connection.
A: 우리 피자 시킬까요? (Shall we order pizza?)
B: 오, 마침 저도 그 말 하려던 참이었어요! (Oh, I was just about to say that!)
마침 너한테 전화하려던 참이었어. / 안 그래도 지금 막 나가려던 참이었어요. / 저도 그 생각 하려던 참이었어요.