-중
In the Middle of, During
-중 attaches to nouns to mean 'in the middle of' or 'during'. It shows an ongoing process. For example, '회의 중' means 'in the middle of a meeting'.
How It Works
The pattern -중 is used to express that an action or state is ongoing. It attaches directly to nouns.
1. Usage with Action Nouns
It is very commonly used with nouns that describe an action or event.
- 회의 (meeting) → 회의 중 (in a meeting)
- 식사 (meal) → 식사 중 (in the middle of a meal)
- 수업 (class) → 수업 중 (during class)
- 공사 (construction) → 공사 중 (under construction)
2. Usage with Time-related Nouns
It can also be used with nouns that denote a period of time.
- 방학 (school vacation) → 방학 중 (during the vacation)
- 휴가 (vacation/leave) → 휴가 중 (on vacation)
3. In Sentences
-중 is often followed by the verb 이다 (to be) or a particle like 에.
Examples:
• 지금 회의 중입니다. (I am in a meeting right now.)
• 수업 중에 떠들지 마세요. (Please don't talk during class.)
4. Distinction from -는 중
While -중 attaches to nouns, the related pattern -는 중 attaches to verb stems to express the same meaning of being 'in the process of doing' something.
• 식사 중 (during a meal) vs. 식사하는 중 (in the process of having a meal)
• 공부 중 (in the middle of studying) vs. 공부하는 중 (in the process of studying)
Examples (4)
- 사장님은 지금 회의 중이십니다.
The boss is in a meeting right now.
Word by Word: The boss now meeting in the middle of is (honorific).
- 이 건물은 공사 중이라서 들어갈 수 없어요.
This building is under construction, so you can't enter.
Word by Word: This building construction in the middle of because enter cannot.
- 수업 중에 질문이 있으면 손을 드세요.
If you have a question during class, please raise your hand.
Word by Word: Class during question if there is hand please raise.
- 전화를 걸었는데 계속 통화 중이었어요.
I called, but the line was continuously busy.
Word by Word: Phone called but continuously phone call in the middle of was.
Common Mistakes
Using -중 directly with a verb stem instead of a noun.
Not Quite저는 지금 먹다 중이에요.Better저는 지금 식사 중이에요.-중 attaches to nouns, not verb stems. To express an ongoing action with a verb, you should use the -는 중 pattern, like '먹는 중' (in the process of eating). Alternatively, you can use the noun form of the action, like '식사' (meal), and say '식사 중'.
Learn This First
To express 'in the middle of', you need to understand verb stem attachment.
Related Patterns
- -는 중In the Process of Doing
-중 attaches to nouns, while -는 중 attaches to verb stems to express 'in the process of doing' an action. They are very similar in meaning but different in grammatical usage. For example, '식사 중' (during a meal) and '식사하는 중' (in the process of eating a meal).
- 동안During, While
Both -중 and 동안 can mean 'during'. However, 동안 typically refers to a specific duration or period of time (e.g., '방학 동안' - during the vacation), while -중 often emphasizes being in the middle of an activity or state (e.g., '수업 중' - in the middle of class).
- -고 있다Be -ing
-고 있다 is the primary way to express the present progressive tense ('be -ing'). It's very similar in meaning to -는 중. For example, '밥을 먹고 있어요' and '밥을 먹는 중이에요' both mean 'I am eating.'
- -는 동안While, During
Similar to 동안, -는 동안 attaches to verb stems to mean 'while doing something'. It focuses on the entire duration of an action, whereas -는 중 emphasizes being in the middle of it. For example, '운전하는 동안' (while driving) vs. '운전하는 중' (in the middle of driving).