-(으)려다가
Used when the subject had an intention to do one thing but then changed their mind or stopped during the process.
Summary
Equivalent
I was going to [X], but then...
Also: -(으)려고 하다가 · -(으)려다
Example
I was going to call, but it seemed too late so I didn't.
전화하려다가 너무 늦은 것 같아서 그만두었어요.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'I was about to do [X], but [Y happened / I changed my mind].' Shortened from '-(으)려고 하다가'.
- Can also be shortened to '-(으)려다'.
Patterns
V (Verbs)
현재 (Present) · -(으)려다가
Example sentences
I was going to call, but it seemed too late so I didn't.
전화하려다가 너무 늦은 것 같아서 그만두었어요.
I was about to order pizza, but I thought I'd gain weight so I held back.
피자를 주문하려다가 살이 찔 것 같아서 참았어요.
I was going to buy a new car, but I changed my mind and decided to drive my current one for another year.
새 차를 사려다가 일 년 더 타기로 마음을 바꿨어요.
Conversation
A: How was the exhibition yesterday?
어제 전시회 어땠어요?
B: I was going to go, but I felt a bit weird going alone, so I just stayed home.
가려다가 혼자 가기 좀 그래서 그냥 집에 있었어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct phrase for 'was going to do X but changed mind'.
Changed mind about cleaning.
Was about to ask but hesitated.