TL;DR 🦄
- 🫱 -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 [-(eu)l tta-reu-mi-da] means can only / nothing but / simply in a formal, restrained voice.
- 🎩 It is more literary and polished than everyday 뿐이다 [ppu-ni-da] “only / just,” so it fits essays, speeches, formal apologies, gratitude, and official statements.
- 🧭 Advanced skill = choosing the right nuance: 따름이다 [tta-reu-mi-da] sounds restrained; 수밖에 없다 [su-ba-kke eop-tta] sounds forced by circumstances.
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Open 
Korean Helper Widgets and type 감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] “I am simply grateful,” 기다릴 따름입니다 [gi-da-ril tta-reu-mim-ni-da] “all we can do is wait,” or 놀라울 따름입니다 [nol-la-ul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] “it is simply surprising” to hear the formal cadence. 🎧
🌈 The Big Picture
따름 [tta-reum] means only that / nothing beyond that. Add 이다 [i-da] “to be,” and you get 따름이다 [tta-reu-mi-da] — “it is only / it is nothing but.”
When a verb or descriptive verb takes -(으)ㄹ [-(eu)l] before it, the sentence becomes a formal limitation:
- 기다릴 따름입니다 [gi-da-ril tta-reu-mim-ni-da] → all we can do is wait ⏳
- 감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] → I am simply grateful 🙏
- 안타까울 따름입니다 [an-ta-kka-ul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] → it is simply regrettable 📝
Think of this ending as “formal only” with a calm face. It does not sound casual; it sounds like the speaker is being humble, restrained, apologetic, grateful, or helpless without over-explaining. 🎩
🎨 The Core Literary Limitation Family
1. Only one action is possible
- 이제 결과를 기다릴 따름입니다.
[i-je gyeol-gwa-reul gi-da-ril tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Now all we can do is wait for the result. ⏳
이제 [i-je] = now; 결과 [gyeol-gwa] = result; 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] = to wait.
2. Humble gratitude or apology
- 도와주셔서 감사할 따름입니다.
[do-wa-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
I am simply grateful that you helped. 🙏
도와주다 [do-wa-ju-da] = to help; 감사하다 [gam-sa-ha-da] = to be grateful.
- 불편을 드려 죄송할 따름입니다.
[bul-pyeo-neul deu-ryeo joe-song-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
I am simply sorry for causing inconvenience. 📨
불편 [bul-pyeon] = inconvenience; 죄송하다 [joe-song-ha-da] = to be sorry.
3. Restrained feeling or judgment
- 그 소식을 듣고 놀라울 따름입니다.
[geu so-si-geul deut-go nol-la-ul tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
I am simply surprised to hear that news. 📰
소식 [so-sik] = news; 듣다 [deut-tta] = to hear; 놀랍다 [nol-lap-tta] = to be surprising.
- 그 결과가 안타까울 따름입니다.
[geu gyeol-gwa-ga an-ta-kka-ul tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
The result is simply regrettable. 📝
결과 [gyeol-gwa] = result; 안타깝다 [an-ta-kkap-tta] = to be regrettable/sad.
4. Modest role-limiting
- 저는 사실을 전달할 따름입니다.
[jeo-neun sa-si-reul jeon-dal-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
I am merely conveying the facts. 📄
저 [jeo] = I, humble; 사실 [sa-sil] = fact; 전달하다 [jeon-dal-ha-da] = to convey.
🛠️ How They Work in a Sentence
Helpless waiting ⏳
모든 준비가 끝났으니 이제 기다릴 따름입니다.
[mo-deun jun-bi-ga kkeut-nat-sseu-ni i-je gi-da-ril tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
All preparations are finished, so now all we can do is wait.
모든 [mo-deun] = all/every; 준비 [jun-bi] = preparation; 끝나다 [kkeut-na-da] = to finish.
Humble gratitude 🙏
많은 도움을 받아 감사할 따름입니다.
[ma-neun do-u-meul ba-da gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
I received a lot of help, so I am simply grateful.
많다 [man-ta] = to be many/much; 도움 [do-um] = help; 받다 [bat-tta] = to receive.
Controlled frustration 🧱
아무 설명도 없어서 답답할 따름입니다.
[a-mu seol-myeong-do eop-seo-seo dap-da-pal tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
There is no explanation at all, so it is simply frustrating.
아무 [a-mu] = any; 설명 [seol-myeong] = explanation; 없다 [eop-tta] = to not exist; 답답하다 [dap-da-pa-da] = to be frustrating/stifling.
🧩 General Formation Rule
Use -(으)ㄹ [-(eu)l] before 따름이다 [tta-reu-mi-da]. In formal polite style, it usually appears as 따름입니다 [tta-reu-mim-ni-da].
Vowel stem + ㄹ 따름이다 [l tta-reu-mi-da]
- 하다 → 할 따름이다 [ha-da → hal tta-reu-mi-da] — to do → can only do
- 기다리다 → 기다릴 따름이다 [gi-da-ri-da → gi-da-ril tta-reu-mi-da] — to wait → can only wait
- 감사하다 → 감사할 따름이다 [gam-sa-ha-da → gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mi-da] — to be grateful → to be simply grateful
Consonant stem + 을 따름이다 [eul tta-reu-mi-da]
- 읽다 → 읽을 따름이다 [ik-tta → il-geul tta-reu-mi-da] — to read → merely read
- 믿다 → 믿을 따름이다 [mit-tta → mi-deul tta-reu-mi-da] — to believe → can only believe
ㄹ [l]-ending stem + 따름이다 [tta-reu-mi-da]
If the stem already ends in ㄹ [l], keep ㄹ [l] and add 따름이다 [tta-reu-mi-da].
- 알다 → 알 따름이다 [al-da → al tta-reu-mi-da] — to know → merely know
- 살다 → 살 따름이다 [sal-da → sal tta-reu-mi-da] — to live → merely live
- 만들다 → 만들 따름이다 [man-deul-da → man-deul tta-reu-mi-da] — to make → merely make
Spacing note
Because 따름 [tta-reum] is a dependent noun, write it separately from the modifier before it.
- ✅ 기다릴 따름입니다 [gi-da-ril tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — all we can do is wait
- ❌ 기다릴따름입니다 [gi-da-ril-tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — spacing is wrong
📚 Cross-check note
The meaning and spacing of 따름 [tta-reum] as a dependent noun used mainly in the -을 따름이다 [-eul tta-reu-mi-da] construction were cross-checked against korean.go.kr. The pattern is formal and means “only that / nothing beyond that.” ✅
🪞 Synonym Alert
- -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 [-(eu)l tta-reu-mi-da] → formal, literary, restrained “only / nothing but / can only.”
- -(으)ㄹ 뿐이다 [-(eu)l ppu-ni-da] → more common “only / just.”
- -(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 [-(eu)l su-ba-kke eop-tta] → “have no choice but to,” with stronger pressure from circumstances.
- -에 불과하다 [-e bul-gwa-ha-da] → “to be nothing more than,” formal and often evaluative.
- 단지 [dan-ji] / 그저 [geu-jeo] → adverbs meaning “simply / merely.”
⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge
- ❌ 감사하는 따름입니다 [gam-sa-ha-neun tta-reu-mim-ni-da] → ✅ 감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] (Use -(으)ㄹ [-(eu)l], not -는 [-neun].)
- ❌ 만들을 따름입니다 [man-deu-reul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] → ✅ 만들 따름입니다 [man-deul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] (만들다 [man-deul-da] already ends in ㄹ [l].)
- ❌ Using 따름입니다 [tta-reu-mim-ni-da] for every casual “only.” → ✅ Use 뿐이에요 [ppu-ni-e-yo] in everyday speech.
- ❌ Treating it as identical to 수밖에 없다 [su-ba-kke eop-tta]. → ✅ 수밖에 없다 [su-ba-kke eop-tta] stresses no choice; 따름이다 [tta-reu-mi-da] sounds restrained and formal.
- ❌ Forgetting the tone. → ✅ 감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] sounds formal and polished, not chatty.
🫱 Final feel: -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 [-(eu)l tta-reu-mi-da] is formal “only” wearing a neat blazer — best for humility, apology, helpless waiting, and restrained judgment. 🎩
Try this exercise
Instructions: Complete each sentence with the correct -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 [-(eu)l tta-reu-mi-da] form. Say the completed sentence aloud, then open the Answer toggle to check the form and tone.
1. 이제 결과를 ＿＿＿＿.
[i-je gyeol-gwa-reul ＿＿＿＿]
Now all we can do is wait for the result. ⏳
Answer
기다릴 따름입니다 [gi-da-ril tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] has a vowel stem, so add ㄹ 따름입니다 [l tta-reu-mim-ni-da].
2. 도와주셔서 ＿＿＿＿.
[do-wa-ju-syeo-seo ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply grateful that you helped. 🙏
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — formal, humble gratitude.
3. 불편을 드려 ＿＿＿＿.
[bul-pyeo-neul deu-ryeo ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply sorry for causing inconvenience. 📨
Answer
죄송할 따름입니다 [joe-song-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — formal, restrained apology.
4. 좋은 결과를 ＿＿＿＿.
[jo-eun gyeol-gwa-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I can only hope for a good result. 🌤️
Answer
바랄 따름입니다 [ba-ral tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 바라다 [ba-ra-da] becomes 바랄 [ba-ral].
5. 그 소식은 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu so-si-geun ＿＿＿＿]
That news is simply surprising. 📰
Answer
놀라울 따름입니다 [nol-la-ul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 놀랍다 [nol-lap-tta] changes to 놀라울 [nol-la-ul].
6. 그 결과가 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu gyeol-gwa-ga ＿＿＿＿]
The result is simply regrettable. 📝
Answer
안타까울 따름입니다 [an-ta-kka-ul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 안타깝다 [an-ta-kkap-tta] changes to 안타까울 [an-ta-kka-ul].
7. 저는 사실을 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun sa-si-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I merely convey the facts. 📄
Answer
전달할 따름입니다 [jeon-dal-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 전달하다 [jeon-dal-ha-da] becomes 전달할 [jeon-dal-hal].
8. 주어진 자료를 ＿＿＿＿.
[ju-eo-jin ja-ryo-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I merely read the given materials. 📚
Answer
읽을 따름입니다 [il-geul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 읽다 [ik-tta] has a consonant stem, so add 을 따름입니다 [eul tta-reu-mim-ni-da].
9. 그 말을 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu ma-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I can only believe those words. 💬
Answer
믿을 따름입니다 [mi-deul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 믿다 [mit-tta] becomes 믿을 [mi-deul].
10. 필요한 자료를 ＿＿＿＿.
[pi-ryo-han ja-ryo-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I merely make the necessary materials. 🛠️
Answer
만들 따름입니다 [man-deul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 만들다 [man-deul-da] already ends in ㄹ [l], so do not add 을 [eul].
Vocabulary Box
- 따름이다 [tta-reu-mi-da] → to be only / nothing but
- 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] → to wait
- 감사하다 [gam-sa-ha-da] → to be grateful
- 죄송하다 [joe-song-ha-da] → to be sorry
- 바라다 [ba-ra-da] → to hope
- 놀랍다 [nol-lap-tta] → to be surprising
- 안타깝다 [an-ta-kkap-tta] → to be regrettable/sad
- 전달하다 [jeon-dal-ha-da] → to convey
- 읽다 [ik-tta] → to read
- 믿다 [mit-tta] → to believe
- 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
- 결과 [gyeol-gwa] → result
- 소식 [so-sik] → news
- 사실 [sa-sil] → fact
- 자료 [ja-ryo] → material/data
Tips 💡
- Vowel stem → ㄹ 따름입니다 [l tta-reu-mim-ni-da].
- Consonant stem → 을 따름입니다 [eul tta-reu-mim-ni-da].
- ㄹ [l]-stem → keep ㄹ [l], no extra 을 [eul].
Want more reps? The Practice Hub below trains polished limitation, humble emotion, contrast patterns, and pitfall fixes. 🫱
🎯 Practice Hub — Ending: -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 [-(eu)l tta-reu-mi-da]
Welcome to the formal-limitation lounge. 🛋️ This Practice Hub helps you decide when 따름입니다 [tta-reu-mim-ni-da] sounds elegant, humble, and precise — and when a simpler “only” pattern would do the job better. Think less “casual shrug,” more “polished final statement.” 🎩
🔊 Audio reminder: Use Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear the sentence rhythm before checking your answer.
📝 Instructions: Complete each sentence with the most natural form. Read the Korean line, say your answer aloud, compare it with the romanization shape, then open the Answer toggle for the form note.
Exercise 1 — Form Builder 🔧
A. 하다 → ＿＿＿＿ 따름입니다.
[ha-da → ＿＿＿＿ tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Change “to do” into the formal limitation form. 🛠️
Answer
할 [hal] — 하다 [ha-da] has a vowel stem, so use ㄹ [l].
B. 기다리다 → ＿＿＿＿ 따름입니다.
[gi-da-ri-da → ＿＿＿＿ tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Change “to wait” into the formal limitation form. ⏳
Answer
기다릴 [gi-da-ril] — vowel stem + ㄹ [l].
C. 감사하다 → ＿＿＿＿ 따름입니다.
[gam-sa-ha-da → ＿＿＿＿ tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Change “to be grateful” into the formal limitation form. 🙏
Answer
감사할 [gam-sa-hal] — formal gratitude: 감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da].
D. 죄송하다 → ＿＿＿＿ 따름입니다.
[joe-song-ha-da → ＿＿＿＿ tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Change “to be sorry” into the formal limitation form. 📨
Answer
죄송할 [joe-song-hal] — formal apology: 죄송할 따름입니다 [joe-song-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da].
E. 믿다 → ＿＿＿＿ 따름입니다.
[mit-tta → ＿＿＿＿ tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Change “to believe” into the formal limitation form. 💬
Answer
믿을 [mi-deul] — consonant stem + 을 [eul].
F. 읽다 → ＿＿＿＿ 따름입니다.
[ik-tta → ＿＿＿＿ tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Change “to read” into the formal limitation form. 📚
Answer
읽을 [il-geul] — consonant stem + 을 [eul].
G. 알다 → ＿＿＿＿ 따름입니다.
[al-da → ＿＿＿＿ tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Change “to know” into the formal limitation form. 🧠
Answer
알 [al] — ㄹ [l]-stem, so keep ㄹ [l] and do not add 을 [eul].
H. 만들다 → ＿＿＿＿ 따름입니다.
[man-deul-da → ＿＿＿＿ tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Change “to make” into the formal limitation form. 🛠️
Answer
만들 [man-deul] — ㄹ [l]-stem, no extra 을 [eul].
I. 놀랍다 → ＿＿＿＿ 따름입니다.
[nol-lap-tta → ＿＿＿＿ tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Change “to be surprising” into the formal limitation form. 📰
Answer
놀라울 [nol-la-ul] — the natural modifier form is 놀라울 [nol-la-ul].
J. 안타깝다 → ＿＿＿＿ 따름입니다.
[an-ta-kkap-tta → ＿＿＿＿ tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Change “to be regrettable” into the formal limitation form. 📝
Answer
안타까울 [an-ta-kka-ul] — the natural modifier form is 안타까울 [an-ta-kka-ul].
Vocabulary Box
- 하다 [ha-da] → to do
- 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] → to wait
- 감사하다 [gam-sa-ha-da] → to be grateful
- 죄송하다 [joe-song-ha-da] → to be sorry
- 믿다 [mit-tta] → to believe
- 읽다 [ik-tta] → to read
- 알다 [al-da] → to know
- 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
- 놀랍다 [nol-lap-tta] → to be surprising
- 안타깝다 [an-ta-kkap-tta] → to be regrettable/sad
- 따름입니다 [tta-reu-mim-ni-da] → is only / is nothing but, formal polite
Tip 💡 This exercise is pure form: vowel + ㄹ [l], consonant + 을 [eul], and ㄹ [l]-stems keep ㄹ [l].
Exercise 2 — Humble Gratitude and Apology 🙏
A. 도와주셔서 ＿＿＿＿.
[do-wa-ju-syeo-seo ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply grateful that you helped. 🙏
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — formal, humble gratitude.
B. 불편을 드려 ＿＿＿＿.
[bul-pyeo-neul deu-ryeo ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply sorry for causing inconvenience. 📨
Answer
죄송할 따름입니다 [joe-song-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — formal apology.
C. 많은 도움을 받아 ＿＿＿＿.
[ma-neun do-u-meul ba-da ＿＿＿＿]
I received a lot of help, so I am simply grateful. 🤝
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — the feeling is gratitude.
D. 기대에 미치지 못해 ＿＿＿＿.
[gi-dae-e mi-chi-ji mo-tae ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply sorry that I did not meet expectations. 📉
Answer
죄송할 따름입니다 [joe-song-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — restrained apology fits the context.
E. 그저 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu-jeo ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply grateful. 🌿
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 그저 [geu-jeo] reinforces “simply.”
F. 걱정을 드려 ＿＿＿＿.
[geok-jeong-eul deu-ryeo ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply sorry for causing worry. 😟
Answer
죄송할 따름입니다 [joe-song-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — a formal apology chunk.
G. 기회를 주셔서 ＿＿＿＿.
[gi-hoe-reul ju-syeo-seo ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply grateful that you gave me the opportunity. 🚪
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — a polished gratitude line.
H. 답변이 늦어 ＿＿＿＿.
[dap-byeo-ni neu-jeo ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply sorry that the reply is late. 📩
Answer
죄송할 따름입니다 [joe-song-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — formal apology in writing.
I. 실망을 드려 ＿＿＿＿.
[sil-mang-eul deu-ryeo ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply sorry for causing disappointment. 🌧️
Answer
죄송할 따름입니다 [joe-song-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — formal, restrained regret.
J. 좋은 결과가 나와 ＿＿＿＿.
[jo-eun gyeol-gwa-ga na-wa ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply grateful because a good result came out. 🌤️
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — formal gratitude with a clear reason.
Vocabulary Box
- 도와주다 [do-wa-ju-da] → to help
- 감사하다 [gam-sa-ha-da] → to be grateful
- 죄송하다 [joe-song-ha-da] → to be sorry
- 불편 [bul-pyeon] → inconvenience
- 드리다 [deu-ri-da] → to give, humble form
- 많다 [man-ta] → to be many/much
- 도움 [do-um] → help
- 받다 [bat-tta] → to receive
- 기대 [gi-dae] → expectation
- 미치다 [mi-chi-da] → to reach
- 못하다 [mo-ta-da] → to be unable / fail to
- 그저 [geu-jeo] → simply / just
- 걱정 [geok-jeong] → worry
- 기회 [gi-hoe] → opportunity
- 답변 [dap-byeon] → reply
- 늦다 [neut-tta] → to be late
- 실망 [sil-mang] → disappointment
- 결과 [gyeol-gwa] → result
Tip 💡 감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] and 죄송할 따름입니다 [joe-song-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] are high-polish gratitude/apology chunks.
Exercise 3 — One Action Left ⏳
A. 이제 결과를 ＿＿＿＿.
[i-je gyeol-gwa-reul ＿＿＿＿]
Now all we can do is wait for the result. ⏳
Answer
기다릴 따름입니다 [gi-da-ril tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — the only remaining action is waiting.
B. 저는 맡은 일을 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun ma-teun i-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I merely do the work assigned to me. 🧰
Answer
할 따름입니다 [hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — modestly limits the speaker’s role.
C. 저는 사실을 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun sa-si-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I merely convey the facts. 📄
Answer
전달할 따름입니다 [jeon-dal-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — restrained, official-sounding.
D. 좋은 결과를 ＿＿＿＿.
[jo-eun gyeol-gwa-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I can only hope for a good result. 🌤️
Answer
바랄 따름입니다 [ba-ral tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — nothing else can be done except hope.
E. 저희는 최선을 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-hui-neun choe-seo-neul ＿＿＿＿]
We can only do our best. 🎯
Answer
다할 따름입니다 [da-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — common formal chunk: 최선을 다하다 [choe-seo-neul da-ha-da] “to do one’s best.”
F. 결정에 ＿＿＿＿.
[gyeol-jeong-e ＿＿＿＿]
I merely follow the decision. 🧭
Answer
따를 따름입니다 [tta-reul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 따르다 [tta-reu-da] “to follow” becomes 따를 [tta-reul].
G. 지금은 상황을 ＿＿＿＿.
[ji-geu-meun sang-hwang-eul ＿＿＿＿]
For now, we can only watch the situation. 👀
Answer
지켜볼 따름입니다 [ji-kyeo-bol tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — a formal “watch and wait” feeling.
H. 주어진 자료를 ＿＿＿＿.
[ju-eo-jin ja-ryo-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I merely read the given materials. 📚
Answer
읽을 따름입니다 [il-geul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — consonant stem + 을 [eul].
I. 그 말을 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu ma-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I can only believe those words. 💬
Answer
믿을 따름입니다 [mi-deul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — “I can only believe.”
J. 필요한 자료를 ＿＿＿＿.
[pi-ryo-han ja-ryo-reul ＿＿＿＿]
I merely make the necessary materials. 🛠️
Answer
만들 따름입니다 [man-deul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 만들다 [man-deul-da] keeps final ㄹ [l].
Vocabulary Box
- 이제 [i-je] → now
- 결과 [gyeol-gwa] → result
- 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] → to wait
- 저 [jeo] → I, humble
- 저희 [jeo-hui] → we, humble
- 맡다 [mat-tta] → to take on / be assigned
- 일 [il] → work
- 하다 [ha-da] → to do
- 사실 [sa-sil] → fact
- 전달하다 [jeon-dal-ha-da] → to convey
- 좋다 [jo-ta] → to be good
- 바라다 [ba-ra-da] → to hope
- 최선 [choe-seon] → best effort
- 다하다 [da-ha-da] → to do fully
- 결정 [gyeol-jeong] → decision
- 따르다 [tta-reu-da] → to follow
- 지금 [ji-geum] → now
- 상황 [sang-hwang] → situation
- 지켜보다 [ji-kyeo-bo-da] → to watch over / keep watching
- 주어지다 [ju-eo-ji-da] → to be given
- 자료 [ja-ryo] → material/data
- 읽다 [ik-tta] → to read
- 말 [mal] → words / speech
- 믿다 [mit-tta] → to believe
- 필요하다 [pi-ryo-ha-da] → to be necessary
- 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
Tip 💡 This set practices “only one action is left,” especially in formal statements.
Exercise 4 — Contrast Compass 🧭
A. 감사할 ＿＿＿＿.
[gam-sa-hal ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply grateful. Formal and restrained. 🙏
Answer
따름입니다 [tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — polished gratitude.
B. 기다릴 ＿＿＿＿.
[gi-da-ril ＿＿＿＿]
I’m just waiting. More ordinary “only.” ⏳
Answer
뿐이에요 [ppu-ni-e-yo] — everyday “only / just.”
C. 기다릴 ＿＿＿＿.
[gi-da-ril ＿＿＿＿]
There is no choice but to wait. 🧱
Answer
수밖에 없어요 [su-ba-kke eop-seo-yo] — stronger “no alternative.”
D. 그건 변명에 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu-geon byeon-myeong-e ＿＿＿＿]
That is nothing more than an excuse. 🧾
Answer
불과해요 [bul-gwa-hae-yo] — -에 불과하다 [-e bul-gwa-ha-da] is evaluative “nothing more than.”
E. 그저 감사할 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu-jeo gam-sa-hal ＿＿＿＿]
I am simply grateful. Formal. 🌿
Answer
따름입니다 [tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 그저 [geu-jeo] pairs naturally with the restrained feeling.
F. 그저 기다릴 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu-jeo gi-da-ril ＿＿＿＿]
I will just wait. Neutral and simpler. ⏱️
Answer
뿐이에요 [ppu-ni-e-yo] — simpler, more everyday.
G. 안타까울 ＿＿＿＿.
[an-ta-kka-ul ＿＿＿＿]
It is simply regrettable. Formal. 📝
Answer
따름입니다 [tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — restrained emotional judgment.
H. 기다릴 ＿＿＿＿ 없습니다.
[gi-da-ril ＿＿＿＿ eop-sseum-ni-da]
There is no choice but to wait. Formal. 🧱
Answer
수밖에 [su-ba-kke] — no alternative.
I. 단지 사실을 전달할 ＿＿＿＿.
[dan-ji sa-si-reul jeon-dal-hal ＿＿＿＿]
I simply convey the facts. Formal. 📄
Answer
따름입니다 [tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — role-limiting and formal.
J. 그건 시작일 ＿＿＿＿.
[geu-geon si-ja-gil ＿＿＿＿]
That is only the beginning. Ordinary “only.” 🌱
Answer
뿐이에요 [ppu-ni-e-yo] — use 뿐이다 [ppu-ni-da] for simple “only.”
Vocabulary Box
- 감사하다 [gam-sa-ha-da] → to be grateful
- 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] → to wait
- 따름이다 [tta-reu-mi-da] → to be only / nothing but, formal
- 뿐이다 [ppu-ni-da] → to be only / just
- 수밖에 없다 [su-ba-kke eop-tta] → to have no choice but to
- 불과하다 [bul-gwa-ha-da] → to be nothing more than
- 변명 [byeon-myeong] → excuse
- 그저 [geu-jeo] → simply / just
- 단지 [dan-ji] → merely / simply
- 안타깝다 [an-ta-kkap-tta] → to be regrettable/sad
- 사실 [sa-sil] → fact
- 전달하다 [jeon-dal-ha-da] → to convey
- 시작 [si-jak] → beginning/start
Tip 💡 Choose by nuance: formal restraint = 따름이다; ordinary only = 뿐이다; no choice = 수밖에 없다; nothing more than = 불과하다.
Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️
A. 감사하는 따름입니다 → ＿＿＿＿.
[gam-sa-ha-neun tta-reu-mim-ni-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the modifier ending. 🛠️
Answer
✅ 감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — use -(으)ㄹ [-(eu)l], not -는 [-neun].
B. 만들을 따름입니다 → ＿＿＿＿.
[man-deu-reul tta-reu-mim-ni-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the ㄹ [l]-stem. 🛠️
Answer
✅ 만들 따름입니다 [man-deul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 만들다 [man-deul-da] already ends in ㄹ [l].
C. 놀랍는 따름입니다 → ＿＿＿＿.
[nol-lam-neun tta-reu-mim-ni-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the descriptive-verb form. 📰
Answer
✅ 놀라울 따름입니다 [nol-la-ul tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — the natural form from 놀랍다 [nol-lap-tta] is 놀라울 [nol-la-ul].
D. 죄송할 뿐이에요 or 죄송할 따름입니다?
[joe-song-hal ppu-ni-e-yo / joe-song-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Choose the formal apology. 📨
Answer
✅ 죄송할 따름입니다 [joe-song-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — more formal and restrained.
E. 기다릴 따름입니다 or 기다릴 수밖에 없어요?
[gi-da-ril tta-reu-mim-ni-da / gi-da-ril su-ba-kke eop-seo-yo]
Choose the stronger “no choice” meaning. 🧱
Answer
✅ 기다릴 수밖에 없어요 [gi-da-ril su-ba-kke eop-seo-yo] — 수밖에 없다 [su-ba-kke eop-tta] directly stresses no alternative.
F. 감사할따름입니다 → ＿＿＿＿.
[gam-sa-hal-tta-reu-mim-ni-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the spacing. ✍️
Answer
✅ 감사할 따름입니다 [gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — write 따름 [tta-reum] separately.
G. 알을 따름입니다 → ＿＿＿＿.
[a-reul tta-reu-mim-ni-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Fix the ㄹ [l]-stem. 🧠
Answer
✅ 알 따름입니다 [al tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — 알다 [al-da] keeps ㄹ [l], no 을 [eul].
H. 그저 ＿＿＿＿ 따름입니다.
[geu-jeo ＿＿＿＿ tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Complete: “I am simply grateful.” 🌿
Answer
✅ 감사할 [gam-sa-hal] — full sentence: 그저 감사할 따름입니다 [geu-jeo gam-sa-hal tta-reu-mim-ni-da].
I. 저는 사실을 전달할 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun sa-si-reul jeon-dal-hal ＿＿＿＿]
Complete the formal “I merely convey the facts.” 📄
Answer
✅ 따름입니다 [tta-reu-mim-ni-da] — modest, role-limiting statement.
J. 따름입니다 is best for which tone?
[tta-reu-mim-ni-da]
Pick the vibe, not just the grammar. 🎩
Answer
✅ Formal, restrained, humble, apologetic, grateful, or helpless. For casual “only,” use simpler 뿐이다 [ppu-ni-da].
Vocabulary Box
- 감사하다 [gam-sa-ha-da] → to be grateful
- 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
- 놀랍다 [nol-lap-tta] → to be surprising
- 죄송하다 [joe-song-ha-da] → to be sorry
- 기다리다 [gi-da-ri-da] → to wait
- 알다 [al-da] → to know
- 그저 [geu-jeo] → simply / just
- 저 [jeo] → I, humble
- 사실 [sa-sil] → fact
- 전달하다 [jeon-dal-ha-da] → to convey
- 따름입니다 [tta-reu-mim-ni-da] → is only / nothing but, formal
- 뿐이다 [ppu-ni-da] → to be only / just
- 수밖에 없다 [su-ba-kke eop-tta] → to have no choice but to
Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol checklist: correct modifier, correct spacing, correct tone, and no extra 을 [eul] after ㄹ [l]-stems.
🎉 You’ve got the advanced flavor: -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 [-(eu)l tta-reu-mi-da] is not just “only.” It is formal, restrained, and quietly powerful — the grammar equivalent of a composed bow. 🫱✨
TL;DR 🦄
- 🪶 -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 means “only / nothing but / all one can do is...” in a formal, literary, restrained style.
- 🙇 It often appears in humble gratitude, apology, regret, admiration, public statements, editorials, essays, and speeches: 감사할 따름입니다 (I am simply grateful).
- 🧭 The advanced skill is not just forming it — it is choosing it when the speaker wants limited action + restrained stance, not casual “just” or forced “no choice.”
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Open Korean Helper Widgets and type phrases like 기다릴 따름입니다 (all we can do is wait), 송구할 따름입니다 (I am deeply sorry), and 놀라울 따름입니다 (it is simply astonishing) to hear the polished formal rhythm.
🌈 The Big Picture
따름 is a bound noun meaning only that / nothing beyond that. In -(으)ㄹ 따름이다, it comes after the adnominal ending -(으)ㄹ, creating a formal sentence-final expression: “There is nothing beyond this action, feeling, or judgment.”
At an intermediate level, this pattern is “only / nothing but.” At an advanced level, the important nuance is stance. The speaker sounds controlled, humble, literary, or institutionally restrained — like someone choosing careful wording instead of emotional overflow. 🫖
Compare the mood:
- 기다릴 뿐이에요. — I’m just waiting. (ordinary, flexible)
- 기다릴 수밖에 없어요. — I have no choice but to wait. (forced by circumstance)
- 기다릴 따름입니다. — All we can do is wait. (formal, restrained, polished)
So this lesson is not a repeat of “only.” It is about literary limitation + humility: the speaker narrows the sentence to one response and removes extra drama. Elegant, slightly solemn, and very useful in advanced reading. 🪶
🎨 The Core Literary-Limitation Family
1. Humble gratitude or apology 🙇
Use -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 when gratitude or apology is presented as the speaker’s only proper response.
- 귀한 조언을 주셔서 감사할 따름입니다.
I am simply grateful that you gave valuable advice.
귀하다 = to be valuable, 조언 = advice, 주시다 = to give honorifically, 감사하다 = to be grateful.
- 불편을 끼쳐 드려 송구할 따름입니다.
I am deeply sorry for causing inconvenience.
불편 = inconvenience, 끼치다 = to cause, 드리다 = to give/do humbly, 송구하다 = to be deeply sorry.
2. Powerless action: “all we can do is...” ⏳
Use it when the speaker presents one remaining action as the only dignified option.
- 지금은 결과를 기다릴 따름입니다.
For now, all we can do is wait for the result.
지금 = now, 결과 = result, 기다리다 = to wait.
- 저희는 맡은 책임을 다할 따름입니다.
We can only fulfill the responsibility entrusted to us.
저희 = we humbly, 맡다 = to take on / be entrusted with, 책임 = responsibility, 다하다 = to fulfill / do completely.
3. Restrained emotion: “nothing but...” 🫧
Use it with emotional adjectives when the speaker deliberately keeps the tone dignified.
- 그 소식을 듣고 안타까울 따름입니다.
Hearing that news, I feel nothing but regret/sadness.
소식 = news, 듣다 = to hear, 안타깝다 = to be regretful / sad.
- 현장의 헌신이 놀라울 따름입니다.
The dedication at the site is simply astonishing.
현장 = site / scene, 헌신 = dedication, 놀랍다 = to be astonishing.
4. Literary evaluation in essays and commentary 📰
In editorials, reviews, and formal essays, this pattern can evaluate a situation while sounding polished rather than blunt.
- 그 선택은 신중할 따름이었다.
That choice was simply cautious.
선택 = choice, 신중하다 = to be cautious.
- 그의 태도는 담담할 따름이었다.
Their attitude was nothing but calm.
태도 = attitude, 담담하다 = to be calm / composed.
🛠️ How They Work in a Sentence
Pattern A: action verb stem + -(으)ㄹ 따름이다
- 남은 절차를 차분히 따를 따름입니다.
We will simply follow the remaining procedure calmly. 🧾
남다 = to remain, 절차 = procedure, 차분히 = calmly, 따르다 = to follow.
Nuance: the speaker is not arguing or dramatizing; they are presenting one restrained course of action.
Pattern B: descriptive verb/adjective stem + -(으)ㄹ 따름이다
- 그 침착함이 존경스러울 따름입니다.
That composure is simply admirable. 🕯️
침착함 = composure, 존경스럽다 = to be admirable.
Nuance: often used for admiration, regret, gratitude, sorrow, surprise, or humility.
Pattern C: past literary narration + -(으)ㄹ 따름이었다
- 그는 긴 설명 없이 미소 지을 따름이었다.
They merely smiled without a long explanation. 🪞
길다 = to be long, 설명 = explanation, 없이 = without, 미소 짓다 = to smile.
Nuance: in narration, it can make the action feel quiet, literary, and controlled.
🧩 General Formation Rule
Use the verb/adjective stem plus -(으)ㄹ 따름이다. The -(으)ㄹ here is an adnominal ending before the bound noun 따름; it does not automatically mean future tense. 🧠
- Vowel stem + ㄹ 따름이다
기다리다 → 기다릴 따름이다 (to wait → all one can do is wait)
감사하다 → 감사할 따름이다 (to be grateful → simply grateful)
- Consonant stem + 을 따름이다
믿다 → 믿을 따름이다 (to believe → can only believe)
읽다 → 읽을 따름이다 (to read → merely read)
- ㄹ-ending stem: keep ㄹ and add 따름이다
알다 → 알 따름이다 (to know → merely know)
따르다 is not an ㄹ-ending stem; it forms 따를 따름이다 (to follow → merely follow).
- ㅂ-irregular descriptive verbs often become 우 before ㄹ
놀랍다 → 놀라울 따름이다 (to be surprising → simply surprising)
안타깝다 → 안타까울 따름이다 (to be regretful → simply regretful)
Spacing note
Write 따름 as a separate bound noun after the modifier:
- ✅ 감사할 따름입니다 — I am simply grateful.
- ✅ 기다릴 따름입니다 — All we can do is wait.
- ❌ 감사할따름입니다
📚 Cross-check note
The meaning of 따름 as “only that and nothing beyond it,” its spacing as a bound noun, and common examples such as 기쁠 따름이다, 당황할 따름이었다, and 고마울 따름이다 were cross-checked against National Institute of Korean Language materials at korean.go.kr. ✅
🪞 Synonym Alert
- -(으)ㄹ 뿐이다 — only / merely; more flexible and less literary.
저는 사실을 말할 뿐입니다. (I am only stating the facts.)
- -(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 — have no choice but to; emphasizes external pressure or lack of alternatives.
기다릴 수밖에 없습니다. (We have no choice but to wait.)
- -에 불과하다 — be nothing more than; formal, evaluative, often used with nouns.
그 주장은 추측에 불과합니다. (That claim is nothing more than speculation.)
- 그저 / 다만 / 오직 — merely / simply / only; adverbs that can soften or intensify limitation.
그저 고마울 뿐입니다. (I am simply grateful.)
Advanced shortcut: 따름이다 is best when formal limitation and speaker stance matter at the same time. If you only need ordinary “just,” choose a lighter pattern. 🧭
⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge
- ❌ 감사하는 따름입니다 → ✅ 감사할 따름입니다 (Use the -(으)ㄹ modifier before 따름.)
- ❌ 놀랍을 따름입니다 → ✅ 놀라울 따름입니다 (놀랍다 is ㅂ-irregular.)
- ❌ 저는 커피만 마실 따름입니다 for casual “I only drink coffee.” → ✅ 저는 커피만 마셔요 or 커피만 마실 뿐이에요 (Avoid the literary pattern for plain daily habits.)
- ❌ Treating 따름이다 as identical to 수밖에 없다. → ✅ 수밖에 없다 stresses no alternative; 따름이다 presents one response in a restrained formal tone.
- ❌ 감사할따름입니다 → ✅ 감사할 따름입니다 (Keep the spacing.)
🪶 Bottom line: -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 is formal “only,” but its real power is dignified limitation. Use it when the sentence should sound humble, restrained, literary, or institutionally careful — not when you just want everyday “just.” ✨
Try this exercise
Instructions: Complete each sentence with the most natural -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 form. Focus on tone: formal limitation, humble apology, restrained emotion, or literary narration.
1. 귀한 조언을 주셔서 ＿＿＿＿.
I am simply grateful that you gave valuable advice. 🙇
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 — 감사하다 takes ㄹ: formal humble gratitude.
2. 불편을 끼쳐 드려 ＿＿＿＿.
I am deeply sorry for causing inconvenience. 📨
Answer
송구할 따름입니다 — 송구하다 is a formal humble apology word.
3. 지금은 결과를 ＿＿＿＿.
For now, all we can do is wait for the result. ⏳
Answer
기다릴 따름입니다 — vowel stem 기다리다 + ㄹ 따름입니다.
4. 현장의 헌신이 ＿＿＿＿.
The dedication at the site is simply astonishing. 🕯️
Answer
놀라울 따름입니다 — 놀랍다 is ㅂ-irregular: 놀라울.
5. 저희는 맡은 책임을 ＿＿＿＿.
We can only fulfill the responsibility entrusted to us. 🧾
Answer
다할 따름입니다 — 다하다 means to fulfill / do completely.
6. 그는 긴 설명 없이 ＿＿＿＿.
They merely smiled without a long explanation. 🪞
Answer
미소 지을 따름이었다 — literary narration often uses 따름이었다.
7. Fix it: ❌ 감사하는 따름입니다
Correct the formal limitation pattern. ✍️
Answer
✅ 감사할 따름입니다 — use -(으)ㄹ, not -는, before 따름.
8. Fix it: ❌ 안타깝을 따름입니다
Correct the irregular descriptive verb. 🌧️
Answer
✅ 안타까울 따름입니다 — 안타깝다 is ㅂ-irregular.
9. Choose the better casual sentence for “I only drink tea.” 🍵
① 차만 마실 따름입니다
② 차만 마셔요
Answer
② 차만 마셔요 — the first sounds overly formal/literary for a daily habit.
10. 따름이다 most strongly adds which tone? 🧭
A. playful slang / B. restrained formal limitation / C. command
Answer
B. restrained formal limitation — it narrows the speaker’s response in a polished way.
Vocabulary Box
- 귀하다 → to be valuable
- 조언 → advice
- 감사하다 → to be grateful
- 불편 → inconvenience
- 끼치다 → to cause
- 송구하다 → to be deeply sorry
- 결과 → result
- 기다리다 → to wait
- 현장 → site / scene
- 헌신 → dedication
- 놀랍다 → to be astonishing
- 저희 → we, humble
- 책임 → responsibility
- 다하다 → to fulfill
- 설명 → explanation
- 미소 짓다 → to smile
- 안타깝다 → to be regretful / sad
- 차 → tea
- 마시다 → to drink
Tip 💡 If the sentence sounds like a speech, formal apology, editorial, or literary narration, 따름이다 may fit.
Want more reps? The Practice Hub below trains formation, literary tone, humble statements, and contrast with nearby “only” patterns. 🪶
🎯 Practice Hub — Ending: -(으)ㄹ 따름이다
Welcome to the polished-limitation studio. 🪶 This Practice Hub helps you recognize when -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 sounds appropriately formal, humble, literary, or restrained — and when a lighter “only” expression would be better.
🔊 Audio reminder: Use Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a formal sentence aloud.
📝 Instructions: Complete each Korean sentence, say it aloud, then open the Answer toggle. Pay attention to both form and tone: this pattern is about controlled stance, not just the dictionary meaning “only.”
Exercise 1 — Formation Precision 🔧
A. 감사하다 → 귀한 배려에 ＿＿＿＿.
I am simply grateful for your valuable consideration. 🙇
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 — vowel stem + ㄹ 따름입니다.
B. 믿다 → 저는 그 약속을 ＿＿＿＿.
I can only believe that promise. 🤝
Answer
믿을 따름입니다 — consonant stem + 을 따름입니다.
C. 알다 → 저는 알려진 사실만 ＿＿＿＿.
I merely know only the known facts. 📌
Answer
알 따름입니다 — 알다 keeps ㄹ before 따름.
D. 따르다 → 남은 절차를 ＿＿＿＿.
We will simply follow the remaining procedure. 🧾
Answer
따를 따름입니다 — 따르다 is a vowel-ending stem, so it becomes 따를.
E. 읽다 → 저는 공개된 자료를 ＿＿＿＿.
I merely read the publicly released materials. 📄
Answer
읽을 따름입니다 — consonant stem + 을.
F. 바라다 → 무사한 귀환을 ＿＿＿＿.
I can only hope for a safe return. 🕊️
Answer
바랄 따름입니다 — 바라다 becomes 바랄.
G. 안타깝다 → 이번 결과가 ＿＿＿＿.
This result is simply regrettable. 🌧️
Answer
안타까울 따름입니다 — ㅂ-irregular: 안타깝다 → 안타까울.
H. 고맙다 → 그 마음이 ＿＿＿＿.
That heart/kindness is simply appreciated. 💌
Answer
고마울 따름입니다 — 고맙다 is ㅂ-irregular: 고마울.
I. 만들다 → 필요한 기록을 ＿＿＿＿.
I merely make the necessary record. 🗂️
Answer
만들 따름입니다 — 만들다 keeps final ㄹ.
J. 놀랍다 → 그 변화가 ＿＿＿＿.
That change is simply astonishing. 🌪️
Answer
놀라울 따름입니다 — 놀랍다 → 놀라울.
Vocabulary Box
- 감사하다 → to be grateful
- 배려 → consideration
- 믿다 → to believe
- 약속 → promise
- 알다 → to know
- 사실 → fact
- 따르다 → to follow
- 절차 → procedure
- 읽다 → to read
- 자료 → materials
- 바라다 → to hope
- 귀환 → return
- 안타깝다 → to be regretful / sad
- 결과 → result
- 고맙다 → to be thankful
- 마음 → heart / feeling
- 만들다 → to make
- 기록 → record
- 놀랍다 → to be astonishing
- 변화 → change
Tip 💡 Formation checklist: vowel + ㄹ, consonant + 을, ㄹ-stem keeps ㄹ, ㅂ-irregular often becomes 우.
Exercise 2 — Humble Public Statements 🙇
A. 많은 관심을 보내 주셔서 ＿＿＿＿.
We are simply grateful that you sent so much interest. 📬
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 — public gratitude often pairs naturally with this formal ending.
B. 혼란을 드려 ＿＿＿＿.
We are deeply sorry for causing confusion. 🌀
Answer
송구할 따름입니다 — 송구하다 is more formal and humble than everyday “sorry.”
C. 기회를 허락해 주셔서 ＿＿＿＿.
I am simply grateful that you allowed this opportunity. 🗝️
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 — humble gratitude in a formal setting.
D. 기대에 미치지 못해 ＿＿＿＿.
I am simply sorry for not meeting expectations. 📉
Answer
죄송할 따름입니다 — formal apology after failing to meet expectations.
E. 걱정을 끼쳐 드려 ＿＿＿＿.
I am deeply sorry for causing worry. 🧣
Answer
송구할 따름입니다 — very formal and humble.
F. 격려의 말씀에 ＿＿＿＿.
I am simply grateful for your encouraging words. 🌱
Answer
고마울 따름입니다 — 고맙다 becomes 고마울.
G. 부족한 점을 보여 ＿＿＿＿.
I am simply ashamed/sorry for showing shortcomings. 🪞
Answer
부끄러울 따름입니다 — restrained self-critical tone; 부끄럽다 → 부끄러울.
H. 응원의 뜻을 전해 주셔서 ＿＿＿＿.
I am simply thankful that you conveyed support. 🕊️
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 — polished gratitude.
I. 상황을 늦게 알리게 되어 ＿＿＿＿.
I am simply sorry that I ended up informing you late. ⏰
Answer
죄송할 따름입니다 — formal apology; -게 되어 explains the circumstance.
J. 귀중한 시간을 내 주셔서 ＿＿＿＿.
I am simply grateful that you made precious time. ⌛
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 — classic formal thanks.
Vocabulary Box
- 관심 → interest
- 보내다 → to send
- 감사하다 → to be grateful
- 혼란 → confusion
- 드리다 → to give/do humbly
- 송구하다 → to be deeply sorry
- 기회 → opportunity
- 허락하다 → to allow
- 기대 → expectation
- 미치다 → to reach
- 죄송하다 → to be sorry
- 걱정 → worry
- 끼치다 → to cause
- 격려 → encouragement
- 말씀 → words, honorific
- 고맙다 → to be thankful
- 부족하다 → to be lacking
- 부끄럽다 → to be ashamed
- 응원 → support / cheering
- 전하다 → to convey
- 상황 → situation
- 알리다 → to inform
- 귀중하다 → to be precious
- 시간 → time
- 내다 → to make / set aside
Tip 💡 In public statements, 감사할 따름입니다, 죄송할 따름입니다, and 송구할 따름입니다 sound formal and restrained.
Exercise 3 — Literary Narration and Restrained Emotion 🪶
A. 그는 창밖을 ＿＿＿＿.
They merely looked out the window. 🪟
Answer
바라볼 따름이었다 — literary narration: one quiet action, no extra explanation.
B. 그 결정은 ＿＿＿＿.
That decision was simply cautious. ⚖️
Answer
신중할 따름이었다 — formal evaluation using a descriptive verb.
C. 방 안의 공기는 ＿＿＿＿.
The air in the room was nothing but still. 🕯️
Answer
고요할 따름이었다 — restrained literary description.
D. 그의 대답은 ＿＿＿＿.
Their answer was simply calm. 🫖
Answer
담담할 따름이었다 — 담담하다 expresses composed restraint.
E. 나는 오래된 편지를 ＿＿＿＿.
I merely read the old letter. ✉️
Answer
읽을 따름이었다 — one quiet action in narration.
F. 그 풍경은 ＿＿＿＿.
That scenery was simply beautiful. 🌄
Answer
아름다울 따름이었다 — 아름답다 → 아름다울.
G. 그 소식 앞에서 모두 ＿＿＿＿.
In front of that news, everyone could only be silent. 🤐
Answer
침묵할 따름이었다 — 침묵하다 means to be silent.
H. 아이의 용기가 ＿＿＿＿.
The child’s courage was simply admirable. 🕯️
Answer
존경스러울 따름이었다 — 존경스럽다 → 존경스러울.
I. 그는 사과 한마디 없이 ＿＿＿＿.
They merely left without a single apology. 🚪
Answer
떠날 따름이었다 — literary narration can emphasize emotional distance.
J. 남은 것은 서로를 ＿＿＿＿.
What remained was only trusting each other. 🤝
Answer
믿을 따름이었다 — 믿다 + 을 따름이었다.
Vocabulary Box
- 창밖 → outside the window
- 바라보다 → to look at / gaze
- 결정 → decision
- 신중하다 → to be cautious
- 방 → room
- 공기 → air
- 고요하다 → to be still / quiet
- 대답 → answer
- 담담하다 → to be calm / composed
- 편지 → letter
- 읽다 → to read
- 풍경 → scenery
- 아름답다 → to be beautiful
- 소식 → news
- 침묵하다 → to be silent
- 아이 → child
- 용기 → courage
- 존경스럽다 → to be admirable
- 사과 → apology
- 떠나다 → to leave
- 서로 → each other
- 믿다 → to trust / believe
Tip 💡 In narration, 따름이었다 often makes a sentence feel quiet, literary, and emotionally controlled.
Exercise 4 — Choose the Right “Only” 🧭
A. Formal apology: 불편을 드려 ＿＿＿＿.
I am simply sorry for causing inconvenience. 📨
Answer
죄송할 따름입니다 — formal, restrained apology.
B. Casual habit: 저는 아침에 물만 ＿＿＿＿.
I only drink water in the morning. 💧
Answer
마셔요 — daily habits usually use 만 or 뿐, not literary 따름이다.
C. Forced circumstance: 막차를 놓쳐서 택시를 탈 ＿＿＿＿.
I missed the last train, so I have no choice but to take a taxi. 🚕
Answer
수밖에 없어요 — external pressure/no alternative calls for 수밖에 없다.
D. Formal gratitude: 도움을 받아 ＿＿＿＿.
I am simply grateful for receiving help. 🧰
Answer
감사할 따름입니다 — formal, humble thanks.
E. Neutral “nothing more than”: 그 주장은 추측에 ＿＿＿＿.
That claim is nothing more than speculation. 🔍
Answer
불과합니다 — noun evaluation often uses -에 불과하다.
F. Restrained grief: 갑작스러운 소식이 ＿＿＿＿.
The sudden news is simply heartbreaking/regrettable. 🌧️
Answer
안타까울 따름입니다 — formal emotional restraint.
G. Everyday “just waiting”: 저는 여기서 기다릴 ＿＿＿＿.
I’m just waiting here. 🪑
Answer
뿐이에요 — ordinary “just,” not necessarily literary.
H. Formal limited role: 저는 사실을 전달할 ＿＿＿＿.
I am merely conveying the facts. 📢
Answer
따름입니다 — polished limitation of one’s role.
I. Strong no alternative: 규정상 거절할 ＿＿＿＿.
According to the rules, we have no choice but to refuse. 🚧
Answer
수밖에 없습니다 — rule-based necessity is direct “no choice.”
J. Literary admiration: 그 침착함이 ＿＿＿＿.
That composure is simply admirable. 🕯️
Answer
존경스러울 따름입니다 — formal admiration with restrained tone.
Vocabulary Box
- 불편 → inconvenience
- 죄송하다 → to be sorry
- 아침 → morning
- 물 → water
- 마시다 → to drink
- 막차 → last train
- 놓치다 → to miss
- 택시 → taxi
- 타다 → to ride / take
- 도움 → help
- 감사하다 → to be grateful
- 주장 → claim
- 추측 → speculation
- 불과하다 → to be nothing more than
- 갑작스럽다 → to be sudden
- 소식 → news
- 안타깝다 → to be regretful / sad
- 기다리다 → to wait
- 사실 → fact
- 전달하다 → to convey
- 규정상 → according to regulations
- 거절하다 → to refuse
- 침착함 → composure
- 존경스럽다 → to be admirable
Tip 💡 Choose by tone: 뿐이다 for ordinary only, 수밖에 없다 for no choice, 따름이다 for restrained formal limitation.
Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️
A. Fix it: ❌ 감사하는 따름입니다.
I am simply grateful. 🙇
Answer
✅ 감사할 따름입니다. — use -(으)ㄹ before 따름, not -는.
B. Fix it: ❌ 놀랍을 따름입니다.
It is simply astonishing. 🌪️
Answer
✅ 놀라울 따름입니다. — 놀랍다 is ㅂ-irregular.
C. Fix it: ❌ 만들을 따름입니다.
I merely make it. 🛠️
Answer
✅ 만들 따름입니다. — 만들다 keeps the final ㄹ.
D. Fix it: ❌ 죄송할따름입니다.
I am simply sorry. ✍️
Answer
✅ 죄송할 따름입니다. — keep spacing before the bound noun 따름.
E. Choose the better sentence for casual “I only watch movies on weekends.” 🎬
① 주말에는 영화만 봐요.
② 주말에는 영화를 볼 따름입니다.
Answer
✅ ① 주말에는 영화만 봐요. — casual routine; 따름입니다 is too formal/literary.
F. Choose the better sentence for “We can only hope for recovery” in a formal statement. 🕊️
① 회복을 바랄 따름입니다.
② 회복만 바라요.
Answer
✅ ① 회복을 바랄 따름입니다. — formal, restrained hope.
G. Choose the no-choice pattern: 폭설 때문에 일정을 미룰 ＿＿＿＿.
Because of heavy snow, we have no choice but to postpone the schedule. ❄️
Answer
✅ 수밖에 없습니다 — external constraint, so 수밖에 없다 is clearer.
H. Complete the literary narration: 그는 말없이 고개를 ＿＿＿＿.
They merely lowered their head without words. 🕯️
Answer
✅ 숙일 따름이었다 — quiet literary narration with one restrained action.
I. Fix the tone: ❌ 저는 피자만 먹을 따름입니다. for casual “I only eat pizza.” 🍕
Answer
✅ 저는 피자만 먹어요. or 피자만 먹을 뿐이에요. — use lighter everyday “only.”
J. Final boss: Which sentence best shows humble, formal limitation? 🧠
① 저는 그냥 기다리고 있어요.
② 저희는 결과를 기다릴 따름입니다.
Answer
✅ ② 저희는 결과를 기다릴 따름입니다. — humble 저희 plus formal limitation creates the advanced tone.
Vocabulary Box
- 감사하다 → to be grateful
- 놀랍다 → to be astonishing
- 만들다 → to make
- 죄송하다 → to be sorry
- 주말 → weekend
- 영화 → movie
- 보다 → to watch / see
- 회복 → recovery
- 바라다 → to hope
- 폭설 → heavy snow
- 일정 → schedule
- 미루다 → to postpone
- 말없이 → without words
- 고개 → head
- 숙이다 → to lower / bow
- 피자 → pizza
- 먹다 → to eat
- 기다리다 → to wait
- 결과 → result
Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol checklist: correct modifier, irregulars, spacing, and tone. If the situation is casual or forced by outside pressure, choose a different “only” pattern.
🎉 Beautiful work — you can now read 감사할 따름입니다, 안타까울 따름입니다, and 기다릴 따름입니다 as more than “only.” You can feel the polished restraint behind them. 🪶✨
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