Korean grammar patterns › Level 4
-(으)려다(가)
was going to … but (changed plans / something happened)
Level 4 · TOPIK II · intermediate
How to use it
The subject intended or was about to do clause 1, but stopped or did something else instead in clause 2.
Forming it
| 사다 | → 사려다가 |
| 먹다 | → 먹으려다가 |
| 전화하다 | → 전화하려다 |
| 만들다 | → 만들려다가 |
Same subject in both clauses. Clause 2 is usually past.
Examples
새 휴대폰을 사려다가 너무 비싸서 안 샀어요.
I was going to buy a new phone, but it was too expensive, so I didn't.
친구에게 전화하려다가 너무 늦어서 문자를 보냈어요.
I was going to call my friend, but it was too late, so I sent a text.
Compared with similar patterns
-다가 (G2-035) means an action actually started and then switched; -(으)려다가 means it was only intended. -(으)려던 참이다 (G4-038) means 'was just about to' with no change of plan.