-는 길에
neun gire
Grammar · 1 sense
While on the way
Examples
집에 가는 길에 빵을 샀어요.
I bought bread on my way home.
시장에 들르는 길에 커피를 샀어요.
On my way to the market, I bought some coffee.
친구를 만나러 나가는 길에 책을 반납할 거예요.
On my way out to meet a friend, I will return the book.
When you'd hear it
This is a neutral pattern used in everyday conversation and writing. It often appears when describing errands or actions done during a trip to or from a destination, such as in messages, workplace conversation, and dramas.
What learners get wrong
Unlike -는 동안, -는 길에 requires being on the way to a destination; it is not used for any activity that simply happens during a period of time. Compare 집에 가는 길에 with 집에 있는 동안.
Ask Ipsae about -는 길에
You looked up -는 길에 — Ipsae makes sure you still know it in three weeks.
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