가고 있어요
gago isseoyo
The English phrase "I am going" is translated into Korean as 가고 있어요 (gago isseoyo).
This phrase is used to state that you are currently in the process of traveling to a destination or are on your way to a meeting point.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 가다 (to go) combined with the progressive aspect –고 있다 (am/is/are doing).
How does it change in a sentence?
In formal settings, the phrase becomes 가고 있습니다. When speaking to someone of equal or lower social status, the phrase can be shortened to 가고 있어.
How do you pronounce it?
gago isseoyo
Did you know?
- If you are running late, instead of saying 'I am going', Koreans often say 거의 다 왔어요, which literally means 'I am almost arrived'. This sounds more reassuring to the person waiting.
- In a social context, saying 가고 있어요 over the phone when you have not actually left your house is a common 'white lie' used to soften the blow of being late.
- The word 가다 can also be used in expressions like 'the wind is going' or 'the time is going', where English would use 'blow' or 'pass'.
Examples in context
- 회의실로 가고 있습니다I am going to the conference room.
- 친구 집에 가요I am going to my friend's house.
- 피자를 주문하러 간다I am going to order pizza.
- 지금 집으로 가고 있어요.jigeum jibeuro gago isseoyo.I am going home now.
- 학교에 가고 있어요.hakgyoe gago isseoyo.I am going to school.
- 친구네 집에 가고 있어요.chin-gu-ne jibe gago isseoyo.I am going to a friend's house.
Example conversation
Subin calls Minjun to check his location.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 지금 어디예요?Minjun ssi, jigeum eodiye-yo?Minjun, where are you now?
- 민준 Min-jun지금 약속 장소로 가고 있어요.jigeum yaksok jangsoro gago isseoyo.I am going to the meeting place now.
- 수빈 Su-bin천천히 조심히 와요.cheoncheonhi josimhi wayo.Come slowly and safely.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 금방 갈게요.ne, geumbang galgeyo.Okay, I'll be there soon.
