Advanced Estimated read: 3 mins

-(느)ㄴ다는 것이

Used when someone had the intention to do one thing but ended up doing something else by mistake.

Summary

Equivalent

I intended to [X], but I mistakenly [Y] instead

Also: -(느)ㄴ다는 게

Example

I intended to take the bus to Myeongdong, but I mistakenly took the one going in the opposite direction.

명동으로 가는 버스를 탄다는 것이 실수로 반대 방향 버스를 탔어요.

Grammar rules

  • It implies 'My plan was [X], but the result was [Y] (a mistake).' Often shortened to '-(느)ㄴ다는 게' in conversation.
  • Only attaches to verbs.

Patterns

1

V (Verbs)

현재 (Present) · -(느)ㄴ다는 것이

Example sentences

V (Verbs) · 현재 (Present) · -(느)ㄴ다는 것이

I intended to take the bus to Myeongdong, but I mistakenly took the one going in the opposite direction.

명동으로 가는 버스를 탄다는 것이 실수로 반대 방향 버스를 탔어요.

V (Verbs) · 현재 (Present) · -(느)ㄴ다는 것이

I meant to put in sugar, but I accidentally put in salt, so the coffee tastes weird.

설탕을 넣는다는 것이 소금을 넣어서 커피 맛이 이상해졌어요.

V (Verbs) · 현재 (Present) · -(느)ㄴ다는 것이

I intended to wake up early, but I didn't hear the alarm and overslept.

일찍 일어난다는 게 알람을 못 들어서 늦잠을 잤네요.

Conversation

A: Why didn't you come to the gathering yesterday?

어제 왜 모임에 안 왔어요?

B: I intended to get ready and head out, but I mistakenly fell fast asleep and couldn't make it. Sorry.

준비하고 나온다는 것이 깜빡 잠이 들어 버려서 못 갔어요. 미안해요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct 'intended to but mistakenly...' phrase.

Called the wrong person.

Got off at the wrong station.