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Lv 3Grammar expressionIntermediate · TOPIK II

-는 중이다

-neun jung-ida

be in the middle of; be in progress

Attaches to a verb stem to indicate that an action is currently in progress.

Form

Attaches to
Verb, Auxiliary

Meanings

  1. 1

    An expression used to indicate that a certain thing is in progress.

    어떤 일이 진행되고 있음을 나타내는 표현.

    ※ 동사 뒤에 붙여 쓰고, ‘-는 중에’로도 쓴다.

Examples

  • 그는 대학 진학을 위해 적성에 맞는 전공을 생각하는 중이다.

    He's in the middle of thinking about a major that suits his aptitude for going to college.

  • 연말이라 어려운 사람들을 위한 기부금이나 물품을 모으는 중입니다.

    Since it's the end of the year, we're currently collecting donations and goods for people in need.

  • 지수는 학교 앞에서 유민이를 만나기로 해서 기다리는 중이다.

    Jisu arranged to meet Yumin in front of the school and is currently waiting.

  • 우리 학교는 오래전에 지어진 낡은 건물을 방학을 이용해서 보수하는 중이다.

    Our school is currently renovating an old building that was built long ago, using the vacation period.

  • 승규 씨, 하던 일은 다 됐어요? 네, 잠깐만요. 지금 마무리하는 중이에요.

    Mr. Seunggyu, have you finished what you were working on? Yes, just a moment. I'm wrapping it up right now.

  • 승규 씨, 하던 일은 다 됐어요?

    Mr. Seunggyu, have you finished what you were working on?

Examples: 한국어기초사전, CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.

Don’t confuse with

Forms with a close meaning — a favourite source of wrong answers on TOPIK.

Quick check

  1. 1. What does ‘-는 중이다’ mean?

  2. 2. Which form means “be in the middle of; be in progress”?