안녕하세요! Today we’re looking at -고 있어요 — the Korean present progressive. This is how you say “I am doing…” right now, and once you’ve got it, you’ll start catching it everywhere in dramas and everyday conversations!
You use 고 있어요 for actions that are happening right now or that are ongoing. It’s the equivalent of adding “-ing” to a verb in English, and it’s really simple to make!
Conjugation
VERB STEM + 고 있어요
- Take a verb i.e. 가다
- Drop “다” i.e. 가
- Add 고 있어요
- 먹다 –> 먹 + 고 있어요 –> 먹고 있어요
- 보다 –> 보 + 고 있어요 –> 보고 있어요
- 사다 –> 사 + 고 있어요 –> 사고 있어요
- 하다 –> 하 + 고 있어요 –> 하고 있어요
To form the present progressive, drop 다 from the dictionary form of the verb and add 고 있어요. That’s basically it!
Conjugation Examples
For example, let’s take the verb “먹다” (to eat). To form the present progressive tense, we remove “다” and add “-고 있다” to the stem “먹”. The resulting sentence is “저는 지금 밥을 먹고 있어요” (I am eating food right now).
Similarly, for the verb “가다” (to go), we add “-고 있다” to the stem “가” to form the present progressive tense. The resulting sentence is “저는 학교에 가고 있어요” (I am going to school).
It is important to note that the present progressive tense in Korean is not used as frequently as it is in English. Instead, the simple present tense is often used to describe an ongoing action. However, the present progressive tense can be used to emphasize the ongoing nature of the action.
Using the Present Progressive for Future Plans
Additionally, the present progressive tense can also be used to describe a future action that is planned or scheduled. In this case, the present progressive tense is used to indicate the intention or plan to carry out the action in the near future.
For example, let’s take the verb “놀다” (to play). To describe a future action, we can use the present progressive tense and add a time marker to indicate the future time. The resulting sentence is “내일 친구들과 놀고 있을 거예요” (Tomorrow, I will be playing with my friends).
You can also use this structure in the past tense — this is called the past progressive, and it describes an ongoing action that was happening in the past. For example, take the verb 공부하다 (to study). The verb stem is “공부하”, so you add -고 있었다: 저는 어제 하루종일 공부하고 있었어요 (I was studying all day yesterday).
In summary, the present progressive tense in Korean is used to describe an ongoing action that is happening at the moment of speaking or is planned for the near future. It is formed by adding “-고 있다” to the stem of a verb, and can be used to emphasize the ongoing nature of an action. If you want to test your understanding, check out our Korean present progressive practice questions.
Examples
- 사다 –> 사 –> 사 + 고 있어요 –> 사고 있어요 (I am buying).
- 먹다 –> 먹 –> 먹 + 고 있어요 –> 먹고 있어요 (I am eating).
- 보다 –> 보 –> 보 + 고 있어요 –> 보고 있어요 (I am looking).
- 하다 –> 하 –> 하 + 고 있어요 –> 하고 있어요 (I am doing).
- 오다 –> 오 –> 오 + 고 있어요 –> 오고 있어요 (I am coming).
Usage and context
The present progressive tense “고 있어요” in Korean is versatile and widely used in various contexts. Understanding where and how to apply this tense correctly can greatly enhance your conversational fluency. Let’s explore the different scenarios where “고 있어요” is typically used.
Describing Ongoing Actions:
- The primary use of “고 있어요” is to indicate actions that are currently happening.
- Example: “저는 지금 책을 읽고 있어요.” – “I am reading a book right now.”
Expressing Current States:
- It’s also used to describe current states or conditions that are in progress.
- Example: “밖에 눈이 오고 있어요.” – “It is snowing outside.”
Advanced Usage Notes
Talking About Temporary Situations:
- “고 있어요” is useful for describing temporary situations or actions that are not habitual.
- Example: “그는 요즘 한국어를 배우고 있어요.” – “He is learning Korean these days.”
In Questions to Ask About Current Activities:
- When inquiring about what someone is doing at the moment, “고 있어요” is commonly used.
- Example: “뭐 하고 있어요?” – “What are you doing?”
Contextual Nuances:
- Unlike the simple present tense, which can imply habitual actions, “고 있어요” specifically focuses on the present moment.
- It’s important not to confuse this with future tense constructions, as “고 있어요” only refers to ongoing actions.
Understanding these various applications of “고 있어요” will allow you to convey more nuanced and precise information about your actions and surroundings in Korean. It’s a key element in painting a vivid and immediate picture of what is happening in your life.
Exercise 1
Conjugate these verbs to present progressive tense.
- 찾다
- 만들다
- 생각하다
- 듣다
- 보다
- 하다
Practice 2
Fill the blanks with correctly conjugated word.
- 지금 저녁 ___________________ (지금 – now, 저녁 – dinner) I am eating dinner now.
- 어제 한국어____________________(어제 – yesterday, 한국어 – Korean) I was studying Korean yesterday.
- 책 ____________________(책 – book) I am reading a book.
- 비가 많이 ____________________(비 – rain, 많이 – a lot) It was raining a lot.
Below Are the Answers for Exercise 1
- 찾다 – 찾고 있어요
- 만들다 – 만들고 있어요
- 생각하다 – 생각하고 있어요
- 듣다 – 듣고 있어요
- 보다 – 보고 있어요
- 하다 – 하고 있어요
Check Your Answers for Practice 2
- 지금 저녁 먹고 있어요. – I am eating dinner now.
- 어제 한국어 공부하고 있었어요. – I was studying Korean yesterday.
- 책 읽고 있어요. – I am reading a book.
- 비가 많이 오고 있었어요. – It was raining a lot.
Conclusion
Mastering the present progressive tense “고 있어요” is a significant milestone in your journey of learning Korean. This tense is not just a grammatical concept; it brings your conversations to life by allowing you to express actions as they unfold. Whether you’re describing your current activities, asking someone about what they’re doing, or narrating an ongoing event, “고 있어요” is your key to painting a vivid picture of the present moment in Korean. You may also want to explore the Korean present tense and -는 중이에요, which is another way to express ongoing actions.
The level of politeness changes the ending slightly, just like with other Korean verb conjugations — 고 있어요 for polite, 고 있어 for casual. Easy!
Keep Practicing
Now go practice using 고 있어요 in a few sentences! What are you doing right now? What is someone near you doing? Try to describe it all in Korean. 화이팅!
We’d Love to Hear from You:
- How have you used “고 있어요” in your Korean conversations?
- Do you have any tips or memorable experiences related to using the present progressive tense?
- Are there specific areas of Korean grammar or conversation that you find challenging or particularly interesting?
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) for reading, and as always, 화이팅 (Hwaiting) in your Korean learning endeavors!