🟠 Using -고 있다 for Present Progressive (Intermediate Level, TOPIK 3-4)

Master how to describe ongoing actions in Korean using -고 있다. Perfect for intermediate learners preparing for TOPIK 3–4!

🟠 Introduction
📝 Key Korean Expressions
📚 Grammar Explanation
💬 Practice Sentences
🧠 Did You Know?
💡 Final Thoughts

🟠 Introduction

Have you ever wanted to say "I'm studying" or "She's eating" in Korean? The present progressive form -고 있다 allows you to describe what someone is doing at the moment. In this lesson, we'll explore how to use this structure naturally in conversation.

📝 Key Korean Expressions

공부하고 있어요 (Gongbuhago isseoyo) – I am studying
먹고 있어요 (Meokgo isseoyo) – I am eating
운동하고 있어요 (Undonghago isseoyo) – I am exercising
일하고 있어요 (Ilhago isseoyo) – I am working
자고 있어요 (Jago isseoyo) – I am sleeping

📚 Grammar Explanation

The present progressive form in Korean is created by adding -고 있다 to the verb stem. It shows that an action is currently in progress.

Structure: Verb stem + 고 있다

Polite form: -고 있어요

Plain form: -고 있다

Examples:

보다 → 보고 있다 → 영화를 보고 있어요. (I’m watching a movie.)
읽다 → 읽고 있다 → 책을 읽고 있어요. (I’m reading a book.)
마시다 → 마시고 있다 → 커피를 마시고 있어요. (I’m drinking coffee.)

💬 Practice Sentences

저는 한국어를 배우고 있어요. (Jeoneun hangugeoreul baeugo isseoyo) – I’m learning Korean.
친구가 전화를 하고 있어요. (Chinguga jeonhwareul hago isseoyo) – My friend is on the phone.
아이들이 놀고 있어요. (Aideuri nolgo isseoyo) – The children are playing.
지금 뭐 하고 있어요? (Jigeum mwo hago isseoyo?) – What are you doing now?
우리는 여행을 준비하고 있어요. (Urineun yeohaengeul junbihago isseoyo) – We are preparing for a trip.

🧠 Did You Know?

In Korean, the form -고 있다 can also express continuous states with some verbs. For example, "입고 있다" means "wearing" (not just "putting on"). So 옷을 입고 있어요 means "I'm wearing clothes", not "I'm putting on clothes".

💡 Final Thoughts

Understanding -고 있다 is essential for everyday conversations in Korean. It helps you express what you're doing right now, making your Korean sound more natural and fluent. Try using it in your daily journal or conversation practice to solidify your understanding!

I hope that while reading various posts on my blog, you’ll learn Korean and grow to love Korea. As a Korean, I sincerely wish for that. Please come back anytime to discover new expressions and cultural insights!

👉 Check out related posts: Korean Particles Explained | Describing Your Day in Korean

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