-(ㄴ/는)답시고
(n/neun)dapsigo
Grammar · 1 sense
trying to..., but...
Examples
동생이 휴대폰을 고친답시고 만지다가 망가뜨렸어.
My brother tried to fix the phone but ended up breaking it.
아기가 엄마를 도와준답시고 설거지를 하다가 주방을 엉망으로 만들었다.
The baby tried to help mom with the dishes but made a mess in the kitchen.
친구가 공부한답시고 도서관에 갔지만 잠만 잤다.
My friend claimed to study at the library but just slept.
When you'd hear it
This is common in casual conversation, especially when criticizing a family member, friend, or child. It also appears in written narratives and dialogue, but is uncommon in formal workplace speech.
What learners get wrong
Unlike -(으)려고, which neutrally expresses an intention, -(ㄴ/는)답시고 usually signals criticism because the action goes badly or falls short. It often carries a sarcastic “so-called” tone.
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