Learn Korean for Free | Beginner Korean Grammar #24
What are you doing right now? V-고 있다 shows that an action is in progress or continuing.
What Does V-고 있다 Mean?
Attach -고 있다 to an action verb to mean “be doing.” In polite conversation, 있다 becomes 있어요: 공부하고 있어요 (am studying).
The Rule
Remove 다 and add -고 있어요: 먹다 → 먹고 있어요, 읽다 → 읽고 있어요, 운동하다 → 운동하고 있어요. To ask a question, use the same form with question intonation: 뭐 하고 있어요?
Useful Korean Words
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 공부하다 | to study |
| 먹다 | to eat |
| 읽다 | to read |
| 기다리다 | to wait |
| 일하다 | to work |
| 운동하다 | to exercise |
| 전화하다 | to call |
| 지금 | now |
Korean Grammar Examples
지금 한국어를 공부하고 있어요.
I am studying Korean now.
친구가 점심을 먹고 있어요.
My friend is eating lunch.
도서관에서 책을 읽고 있어요.
I am reading a book at the library.
버스를 기다리고 있어요.
I am waiting for the bus.
요즘 서울에서 일하고 있어요.
I am working in Seoul these days.
A Short Dialogue
A: 지금 뭐 하고 있어요? — What are you doing now?
B: 숙제하고 있어요. — I’m doing homework.
A: 민수 씨도 공부하고 있어요? — Is Minsu studying too?
B: 아니요, 민수 씨는 운동하고 있어요. — No, Minsu is exercising.
A Common Mistake to Avoid
Do not add the ordinary present ending before -고 있다: say 먹고 있어요, not 먹어요고 있어요. This pattern is mainly for an ongoing action. Some Korean verbs describe a continuing state in ways that differ from English; for example, 옷을 입고 있어요 can mean that someone is wearing clothes.
Quick Quiz 🎯
Change to an action in progress: ① 책을 읽어요. ② 버스를 기다려요. ③ 친구하고 이야기해요. ④ 저녁을 만들어요.
Answers and Explanation
① 책을 읽고 있어요. ② 버스를 기다리고 있어요. ③ 친구하고 이야기하고 있어요. ④ 저녁을 만들고 있어요. Attach -고 있어요 directly to each verb stem.
Try It in Your Own Life
Write two original sentences with V-고 있다 about your real schedule, plans, travel, food, or Korean study. Read them aloud, then change one word or time expression and say them again. This turns the pattern into language you can use instead of a sentence you only recognize.
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