-(으)ㄹ 뻔했다
Used to describe a situation that almost happened but ultimately did not. The critical point: the event did NOT actually occur.
Summary
Equivalent
Almost... / Nearly...
Also: 하마터면 -(으)ㄹ 뻔했다 (Almost... nearly... — 하마터면 intensifies the near miss)
Example
While crossing the road I almost got hit by a car.
길을 건너다가 차에 치일 뻔했어요.
Grammar rules
- Often paired with '하마터면' for emphasis: '하마터면 넘어질 뻔했어요' (I almost fell).
- The second clause is implicit — the reader understands the near miss was avoided.
- Positive events can also be expressed: '합격할 뻔했어요' (I almost passed — but didn't). This can express disappointment rather than relief.
하마터면 지갑을 잃어버릴 뻔했어요. (I almost lost my wallet.)
Patterns
Verbs (Narrowly Avoided)
Past · Verb Stem + (으)ㄹ 뻔했다
Example sentences
While crossing the road I almost got hit by a car.
길을 건너다가 차에 치일 뻔했어요.
I was watching a funny video and almost spat out my coffee.
웃기는 동영상을 보다가 커피를 뿜을 뻔했어요.
I almost missed the plane, but thankfully I made it.
하마터면 비행기를 놓칠 뻔했는데 다행히 탔어요.
Conversation
A: Why are you so late? I was worried.
왜 이렇게 늦었어요? 걱정했잖아요.
B: Sorry. I was dozing on the subway and almost missed my stop.
죄송해요. 지하철에서 졸다가 지나칠 뻔했어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Express something that almost happened.
Almost fell.
Almost forgot.