⏱️

Just as I was about to: -(으)려던 참에

Agent Progress
Built
Build Order
40
Keywords
참에
Lesson #
S
Done
Section
Advanced Grammar
Use Korean Helper Widgets when you want sound practice. Type any Korean word or full sentence into the widget to hear it read aloud, then repeat it with the “almost… then suddenly!” rhythm. ⏱️
⏱️
TL;DR 🦄
  • ⏰ -(으)려던 참에 means “just when someone was about to…”
  • 🚪 The first action was planned and almost starting; the second event arrives at that exact moment.
  • 🎬 Use it for timing, not purpose, cause, or “while doing.”
🎯
TL;DR 🦄
  • ⏱️ -(으)려던 참에 [-(eu)ryeo-deon cha-me] means just as someone was about to do something, another event happened.
  • 🚪 Use it when the first action was right at the doorway: 나가려던 참에 비가 왔어요. [na-ga-ryeo-deon cha-me bi-ga wa-sseo-yo] — Just as I was about to go out, it rained.
  • 🧭 It is timing grammar, not “for the sake of.” For purpose, use -기 위해서 [-gi wi-hae-seo] or -(으)려고 [-(eu)ryeo-go].
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets to hear complete sentences aloud. Try 안 그래도 전화하려던 참에 메시지가 왔어요. [an geu-rae-do jeon-hwa-ha-ryeo-deon cha-me me-si-ji-ga wa-sseo-yo] — Actually, just as I was about to call, a message came. 📱

📚 Cross-check note

Forms and usage were cross-checked against korean.go.kr: -려던 [-ryeo-deon] is connected to -려고 하던 [-ryeo-go ha-deon], and 참 [cham] is used for a moment or occasion. ✅

🪞 Synonym Alert

  • -(으)려던 참에 [-(eu)ryeo-deon cha-me] — just as someone was about to do something; strong timing hinge ⏱️
  • -(으)려던 참이다 [-(eu)ryeo-deon cha-mi-da] — someone was just about to do something; complete “about to” statement 🚪
  • -(으)려는 순간 [-(eu)ryeo-neun sun-gan] — the moment someone was about to; a little more dramatic 🎬
  • -(으)려고 할 때 [-(eu)ryeo-go hal ttae] — when someone was trying/about to; neutral and less idiomatic 🧊

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • ❌ 먹려던 참에 [meok-ryeo-deon cha-me] → ✅ 먹으려던 참에 [meo-geu-ryeo-deon cha-me] (consonant stem needs 으). 🍚
  • ❌ 갈으려던 참에 [ga-reu-ryeo-deon cha-me] → ✅ 가려던 참에 [ga-ryeo-deon cha-me] (no extra 으 after vowel stems). 🚶
  • ❌ 밥을 먹던 참에 [ba-beul meok-deon cha-me] for “just about to eat” → ✅ 밥을 먹으려던 참에 [ba-beul meo-geu-ryeo-deon cha-me]. 먹던 참에 means eating was already happening. 🍱
  • ❌ 돕으려던 참에 [do-beu-ryeo-deon cha-me] → ✅ 도우려던 참에 [do-u-ryeo-deon cha-me]. 🤝
  • ❌ Using it for a vague plan next year → ✅ Use it when the action was about to happen soon.
 
🎉 Bottom line: -(으)려던 참에 freezes the second before an action and lets another event walk into the scene. Your Korean timing camera is on. 📸
 

Try this exercise

Instructions: Complete each sentence with the correct -(으)려던 참에 form. Read the Korean line aloud, then open the Answer toggle.
1. 문을 닫＿＿＿＿ 고양이가 들어왔어요.
[mu-neul dat ＿＿＿＿ go-yang-i-ga deu-reo-wa-sseo-yo]
Just as I was about to close the door, the cat came in. 🐈‍⬛
Answer
닫으려던 참에 [da-deu-ryeo-deon cha-me] — 닫다 has a consonant stem.
2. 우산을 펴＿＿＿＿ 비가 그쳤어요.
[u-sa-neul pyeo ＿＿＿＿ bi-ga geu-cheo-sseo-yo]
Just as I was about to open the umbrella, the rain stopped. ☂️
Answer
펴려던 참에 [pyeo-ryeo-deon cha-me] — 펴다 has a vowel stem.
3. 자료를 찾＿＿＿＿ 메시지가 왔어요.
[ja-ryo-reul chat ＿＿＿＿ me-si-ji-ga wa-sseo-yo]
Just as I was about to look for the materials, a message came. 💬
Answer
찾으려던 참에 [cha-jeu-ryeo-deon cha-me] — 찾다 has a consonant stem.
4. 창문을 열＿＿＿＿ 바람이 들어왔어요.
[chang-mu-neul yeol ＿＿＿＿ ba-ra-mi deu-reo-wa-sseo-yo]
Just as I was about to open the window, wind came in. 🪟
Answer
열려던 참에 [yeol-lyeo-deon cha-me] — 열다 keeps ㄹ.
5. 동료를 돕＿＿＿＿ 다른 요청이 왔어요.
[dong-nyo-reul dop ＿＿＿＿ da-reun yo-cheong-i wa-sseo-yo]
Just as I was about to help a coworker, another request came. 🤝
Answer
도우려던 참에 [do-u-ryeo-deon cha-me] — 돕다 changes to 도우-.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 문 [mun] → door
  • 닫다 [dat-da] → to close
  • 고양이 [go-yang-i] → cat
  • 우산 [u-san] → umbrella
  • 펴다 [pyeo-da] → to open/spread
  • 자료 [ja-ryo] → materials
  • 찾다 [chat-da] → to look for
  • 열다 [yeol-da] → to open
  • 돕다 [dop-da] → to help
Tip 💡 Vowel or ㄹ stem → -려던 참에; consonant stem → -으려던 참에.
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — Just as I was about to: -(으)려던 참에
 
Welcome to the timing hinge gym. 🚪 You’ll practice the exact second before an intended action: calls before messages, doors before cats, files before phone calls, and plans before surprise rain.
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets when you want to hear a completed sentence aloud.
 

Exercise 1 — Form Builder 🔧

A. 나가다 → 막 ＿＿＿＿ 비가 왔어요.
[na-ga-da → mak ＿＿＿＿ bi-ga wa-sseo-yo]
Just as I was about to go out, it rained. 🌧️
Answer
나가려던 참에 [na-ga-ryeo-deon cha-me] — vowel stem + -려던 참에.
B. 먹다 → 밥을 ＿＿＿＿ 전화가 왔어요.
[meok-da → ba-beul ＿＿＿＿ jeon-hwa-ga wa-sseo-yo]
Just as I was about to eat, a call came. 🍚
Answer
먹으려던 참에 [meo-geu-ryeo-deon cha-me] — consonant stem + -으려던 참에.
C. 열다 → 문을 ＿＿＿＿ 친구가 왔어요.
[yeol-da → mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ chin-gu-ga wa-sseo-yo]
Just as I was about to open the door, my friend came. 🚪
Answer
열려던 참에 [yeol-lyeo-deon cha-me] — ㄹ-stem keeps ㄹ.
 

Exercise 2 — Choose the Better Connector 🚦

A. “Just as I was about to leave, it rained.”
① 나가려던 참에 비가 왔어요.
② 나가는 김에 비가 왔어요.
Answer
① — 참에 catches the moment before leaving.
B. “Since I was going out anyway, I checked the schedule too.”
① 나가려던 참에 일정도 확인했어요.
② 나가는 김에 일정도 확인했어요.
Answer
② — 김에 means “while at it / since already doing.”
 

Exercise 3 — Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. Fix: ❌ 먹려던 참에 전화가 왔어요.
Answer
✅ 먹으려던 참에 전화가 왔어요. — consonant stem needs 으.
B. Fix: ❌ 만들으려던 참에 메시지가 왔어요.
Answer
✅ 만들려던 참에 메시지가 왔어요. — ㄹ stem keeps ㄹ.
 
🎉 Practice complete. You can now catch the tiny Korean moment before the action: 나가려던 참에, 먹으려던 참에, and 전화하려던 참에. Excellent timing — your grammar stopwatch is awake. ⏱️✨
🚀
Want more reps? Visit the Practice Hub when you're ready! Timing grammar gets friendlier once your brain hears the “almost started… then something happened!” rhythm. ⏱️
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — Just as I was about to: -(으)려던 참에
Welcome to the timing hinge gym. 🚪 You’ll practice the exact second before an intended action: reports before calls, reservations before notices, doors before surprises, and plans before sudden updates. By the end, 참에 should feel less like a grammar goblin and more like a tiny scene cut. 🎬
🔊 Audio reminder: Use Korean Helper Widgets to listen to any completed sentence that feels rhythmically tricky.
📝 Instructions: Complete each Korean prompt, choose the natural timing sentence, or fix the mistake. Read the English line first, then open the Answer toggle to check the form and nuance.

Exercise 1 — Stem Shapes 🔧

A. 출발하다 → 막 ＿＿＿＿ 알림이 왔어요.
Just as I was about to leave, a notification came. 🔔
Answer
출발하려던 참에 — 출발하다 becomes 출발하려던 참에.
B. 적다 → 주소를 ＿＿＿＿ 펜이 망가졌어요.
Just as I was about to write down the address, the pen broke. 🖊️
Answer
적으려던 참에 — 적다 ends in a consonant.
C. 풀다 → 문제를 ＿＿＿＿ 힌트가 공개됐어요.
Just as I was about to solve the problem, a hint was revealed. 🧠
Answer
풀려던 참에 — 풀다 keeps ㄹ.
D. 고치다 → 보고서를 ＿＿＿＿ 수정본이 도착했어요.
Just as I was about to fix the report, the revised version arrived. 📝
Answer
고치려던 참에 — vowel stem + -려던 참에.
E. 넣다 → 서류를 봉투에 ＿＿＿＿ 봉투가 찢어졌어요.
Just as I was about to put the papers in the envelope, the envelope tore. ✉️
Answer
넣으려던 참에 — consonant stem + -으려던 참에.
F. 공유하다 → 화면을 ＿＿＿＿ 보안 알림이 떴어요.
Just as I was about to share the screen, a security alert popped up. 🛡️
Answer
공유하려던 참에 — 공유하다 becomes 공유하려던 참에.
G. 사다 → 표를 ＿＿＿＿ 매진 안내가 나왔어요.
Just as I was about to buy a ticket, a sold-out notice appeared. 🎫
Answer
사려던 참에 — vowel stem + -려던 참에.
H. 받다 → 영수증을 ＿＿＿＿ 직원이 이메일을 물었어요.
Just as I was about to receive the receipt, the staff member asked for my email. 🧾
Answer
받으려던 참에 — consonant stem + -으려던 참에.
I. 내리다 → 결론을 ＿＿＿＿ 새 증거가 발견됐어요.
Just as we were about to reach a conclusion, new evidence was found. 🕵️
Answer
내리려던 참에 — 결론을 내리다 means “to reach a conclusion.”
J. 밀다 → 의자를 ＿＿＿＿ 바퀴가 빠졌어요.
Just as I was about to push the chair, a wheel came off. 🪑
Answer
밀려던 참에 — 밀다 keeps ㄹ.
Vocabulary hub
  • 알림 → notification
  • 주소 → address
  • 힌트 → hint
  • 수정본 → revised version
  • 서류 → papers/documents
  • 봉투 → envelope
  • 화면 → screen
  • 표 → ticket
  • 매진 → sold out
  • 증거 → evidence
Tip 💡 First classify the stem; then attach -려던 참에 or -으려던 참에.

Exercise 2 — Perfect Timing 🎯

A. 마침 좌석을 예약＿＿＿＿ 취소 자리가 생겼어요.
Just as I was about to reserve a seat, a canceled seat became available. 💺
Answer
예약하려던 참에 — 마침 adds “as it happened.”
B. 안 그래도 담당자에게 연락＿＿＿＿ 답장이 왔어요.
Actually, just as I was about to contact the person in charge, a reply came. 📩
Answer
연락하려던 참에 — 연락하다 means “to contact.”
C. 마침 약속을 취소＿＿＿＿ 상대가 먼저 날짜를 바꿨어요.
Just as I was about to cancel the appointment, the other person changed the date first. 🗓️
Answer
취소하려던 참에 — 취소하다 means “to cancel.”
D. 안 그래도 예산을 확인＿＿＿＿ 회계팀이 파일을 보냈어요.
Actually, just as I was about to check the budget, the accounting team sent the file. 💰
Answer
확인하려던 참에 — 확인하다 means “to check.”
E. 마침 메뉴를 주문＿＿＿＿ 품절 안내가 떴어요.
Just as I was about to order the menu item, a sold-out notice popped up. 🍜
Answer
주문하려던 참에 — 주문하다 means “to order.”
F. 안 그래도 자료를 정리＿＿＿＿ 새 기준이 발표됐어요.
Actually, just as I was about to organize the materials, a new standard was announced. 📂
Answer
정리하려던 참에 — 정리하다 means “to organize.”
G. 마침 문을 잠그＿＿＿＿ 관리자가 들어왔어요.
Just as I was about to lock the door, the manager came in. 🔑
Answer
잠그려던 참에 — 잠그다 ends in a vowel.
H. 안 그래도 초안을 보내＿＿＿＿ 편집자가 전화를 했어요.
Actually, just as I was about to send the draft, the editor called. ✍️
Answer
보내려던 참에 — 초안 means “draft.”
I. 마침 할인 쿠폰을 쓰＿＿＿＿ 결제 창이 닫혔어요.
Just as I was about to use the discount coupon, the payment window closed. 🧾
Answer
쓰려던 참에 — 쓰다 means “to use” here.
J. 안 그래도 회의실을 옮기＿＿＿＿ 더 큰 방이 비었어요.
Actually, just as we were about to move meeting rooms, a bigger room became available. 🏢
Answer
옮기려던 참에 — 옮기다 means “to move/transfer.”
Vocabulary hub
  • 좌석 → seat
  • 담당자 → person in charge
  • 답장 → reply
  • 약속 → appointment
  • 예산 → budget
  • 회계팀 → accounting team
  • 품절 → sold out
  • 초안 → draft
  • 할인 쿠폰 → discount coupon
  • 회의실 → meeting room
Tip 💡 안 그래도 is excellent when the speaker was already about to do the action.

Exercise 3 — Choose the Natural Sentence 🧭

A. “Just as I was about to enter the elevator, the door closed.” 🛗
① 엘리베이터를 타려던 참에 문이 닫혔어요.
② 엘리베이터를 타는 김에 문이 닫혔어요.
Answer
① — 타려던 참에 means “just when I was about to ride/take it.”
B. “Since I was already going to the office, I picked up the documents too.” 🏢
① 회사에 가려던 참에 서류도 받았어요.
② 회사에 가는 김에 서류도 받았어요.
Answer
② — 가는 김에 means “while going / since I was going anyway.”
C. “I was just about to print it now.” 🖨️
① 지금 인쇄하려는 참이에요.
② 지금 인쇄하려던 참에요.
Answer
① — 참이에요 completes the “I’m about to” sentence.
D. “Just when I was about to print it, the printer showed an error.” ⚠️
① 인쇄하려던 참에 프린터가 오류를 냈어요.
② 인쇄하는 동안 프린터가 오류를 낼 뻔했어요.
Answer
① — the printing had not started; the error arrived right before it.
E. “I called for my younger sibling’s sake.” 🤝
① 동생을 위해서 전화했어요.
② 동생을 전화하려던 참에 했어요.
Answer
① — 위해서 means “for the sake of / in order to.”
F. “Just as I was about to delete the photo, a warning appeared.” 🖼️
① 사진을 삭제하려던 참에 경고가 떴어요.
② 사진을 삭제하기 위해서 경고가 떴어요.
Answer
① — the sentence is about timing, not purpose.
G. “While I was writing the email, the lights went out.” 💡
① 메일을 쓰려던 참에 불이 꺼졌어요.
② 메일을 쓰는 중에 불이 꺼졌어요.
Answer
② — 쓰는 중에 means the writing was already in progress.
H. “Just as I was about to write the email, the lights went out.” 📧
① 메일을 쓰려던 참에 불이 꺼졌어요.
② 메일을 쓰고 나서 불이 꺼졌어요.
Answer
① — 쓰려던 참에 means the writing was about to start.
I. “Just when we were about to apply the rule, an exception was added.” 📏
① 규칙을 적용하려던 참에 예외가 추가됐어요.
② 규칙을 적용한 덕분에 예외가 추가됐어요.
Answer
① — 적용하려던 참에 marks the timing before applying the rule.
J. “Because I applied the rule, the result changed.” 🔁
① 규칙을 적용하려던 참에 결과가 바뀌었어요.
② 규칙을 적용해서 결과가 바뀌었어요.
Answer
② — 적용해서 gives the cause: “because I applied it.”
Vocabulary hub
  • 엘리베이터 → elevator
  • 타다 → to ride; to take
  • 회사 → office/company
  • 인쇄하다 → to print
  • 오류 → error
  • 삭제하다 → to delete
  • 경고 → warning
  • 적용하다 → to apply
  • 예외 → exception
Tip 💡 If the action was already happening, use another pattern. If the action was about to happen, 참에 fits.

Exercise 4 — Translate the Timing Hinge 📝

A. 약을 먹＿＿＿＿ 의사가 다시 전화했어요.
Just as I was about to take the medicine, the doctor called again. 💊
Answer
먹으려던 참에 — 약을 먹다 means “to take medicine.”
B. 문제를 해결하＿＿＿＿ 서버가 복구됐어요.
Just as we were about to solve the problem, the server recovered. 🖥️
Answer
해결하려던 참에 — 해결하다 means “to solve/resolve.”
C. 손잡이를 잡＿＿＿＿ 문이 저절로 열렸어요.
Just as I was about to grab the handle, the door opened by itself. 🚪
Answer
잡으려던 참에 — 잡다 means “to grab.”
D. 회의록을 저장하＿＿＿＿ 화면이 멈췄어요.
Just as I was about to save the meeting notes, the screen froze. 🧊
Answer
저장하려던 참에 — 저장하다 means “to save.”
E. 책상을 치우＿＿＿＿ 중요한 메모를 발견했어요.
Just as I was about to clear the desk, I found an important memo. 📝
Answer
치우려던 참에 — 치우다 means “to clear away/tidy.”
F. 신청서를 내＿＿＿＿ 마감일이 연장됐어요.
Just as I was about to submit the application, the deadline was extended. 📄
Answer
내려던 참에 — 내다 can mean “to submit/turn in.”
G. 계획을 세우＿＿＿＿ 조건이 바뀌었어요.
Just as we were about to make a plan, the conditions changed. 🧭
Answer
세우려던 참에 — 계획을 세우다 means “to make/set up a plan.”
H. 비밀번호를 입력하＿＿＿＿ 인증 문자가 왔어요.
Just as I was about to enter the password, a verification text arrived. 🔐
Answer
입력하려던 참에 — 입력하다 means “to enter/input.”
I. 냉장고를 열＿＿＿＿ 정전이 됐어요.
Just as I was about to open the fridge, the power went out. 🧊
Answer
열려던 참에 — 열다 keeps ㄹ.
J. 답장을 쓰＿＿＿＿ 상대가 직접 찾아왔어요.
Just as I was about to write a reply, the other person came in person. ✉️
Answer
쓰려던 참에 — 쓰다 means “to write.”
Vocabulary hub
  • 약 → medicine
  • 의사 → doctor
  • 서버 → server
  • 복구되다 → to be recovered/restored
  • 손잡이 → handle
  • 회의록 → meeting notes/minutes
  • 신청서 → application form
  • 마감일 → deadline
  • 비밀번호 → password
Tip 💡 Translate “just as I was about to…” as a planned action plus -(으)려던 참에.

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. Fix: ❌ 읽려던 참에 불이 꺼졌어요.
Just as I was about to read, the lights went out. 💡
Answer
✅ 읽으려던 참에 불이 꺼졌어요. — 읽다 ends in a consonant.
B. Fix: ❌ 만들으려던 참에 전화가 왔어요.
Just as I was about to make it, a call came. ☎️
Answer
✅ 만들려던 참에 전화가 왔어요. — 만들다 keeps ㄹ.
C. Choose: “I’m just about to review it now.” 🔎
① 지금 검토하려는 참이에요.
② 지금 검토하려던 참에요.
Answer
① — 참이에요 completes the sentence.
D. Choose: “Just as I was about to review it, the manager arrived.” 👔
① 검토하려던 참에 부장님이 도착했어요.
② 검토하는 동안 부장님이 도착할 뻔했어요.
Answer
① — the review had not started yet; the manager arrived at the timing point.
E. Fix the purpose meaning: ❌ 아이를 위해서 간식을 만들려던 참에 했어요. 🍪
Answer
✅ 아이를 위해서 간식을 만들었어요. — For “for the child’s sake,” use 위해서 with a normal predicate.
F. Choose the natural sentence:
① 점심을 먹으려던 참에 회의 요청이 왔어요.
② 점심을 먹으려던 참에 점심을 먹었어요. 🍱
Answer
① — the second event should arrive at that timing point; repeating the same action sounds odd.
G. Fix: ❌ 닫려던 참에 바람이 멈췄어요.
Just as I was about to close it, the wind stopped. 🌬️
Answer
✅ 닫으려던 참에 바람이 멈췄어요. — 닫다 ends in a consonant.
H. Translate: “Actually, just as I was about to contact the client, a reply arrived.” 📬
Answer
안 그래도 고객에게 연락하려던 참에 답장이 왔어요. — 안 그래도 adds the “actually, I was already about to” nuance.
I. What does -던 add in -(으)려던 참에? ⏳
Answer
It gives an unfinished, recalled intention feeling: the action was about to happen, but another event arrived before it fully began.
J. Choose the polished alternative for writing:
① 자료를 정리하려던 차에 새 지침을 받았다.
② 자료를 정리하는 바람에 새 지침을 받았다. 🖋️
Answer
① — -(으)려던 차에 is a polished/written alternative meaning “just when someone was about to.”
Vocabulary hub
  • 불이 꺼지다 → the lights go out
  • 부장님 → manager/director
  • 아이 → child
  • 간식 → snack
  • 점심 → lunch
  • 요청 → request
  • 고객 → client/customer
  • 답장 → reply
  • 차에 → at the point when; just when
Final Boss Tip 💡 -(으)려던 참에 is timing, not purpose, cause, or duration. It freezes the almost-started action.
Reference mini-hub 🧭
  • 나가려던 참에 → just when someone was about to go out
  • 먹으려던 참에 → just when someone was about to eat
  • 열려던 참에 → just when someone was about to open
  • 확인하려던 참에 → just when someone was about to check
  • 안 그래도 연락하려던 참이었어요. → Actually, I had been just about to contact you.
  • 마침 보내려던 참에 답장이 왔어요. → Just as I was about to send it, a reply came.
You caught the timing gremlin and turned it into a storytelling tool. Beautifully done. ⏱️🎉