Let's learn how to use the V+(으)ㄹ 따름이다 Korean Grammar with some simple and easy-to-understand example sentences.
V+(으)ㄹ 따름이다 - “I only… / It is only that…
/ I am just…”
USE:
“I only… / It is only that… / I am just…”
This grammar expresses that you are simply doing something or that nothing more can be done beyond that action or feeling.
It often shows:
Limitation (“I can only do this much”)
Modesty (“I only did what I could”)
Emotional acceptance (“I can only feel this way”)
It sounds formal and humble, often used in writing or polite speech.
CONJUGATION RULE
Attach to verb stems:
Ends in vowel → -ㄹ 따름이다
믿다 → 믿을 따름이다
Ends in consonant → -을 따름이다
기다리다 → 기다릴 따름이다
Optional: You can add politeness:
-(으)ㄹ 따름이에요
-(으)ㄹ 따름입니다 (formal)
EXAMPLE SENTENCES:
1. 결과를 지켜볼 따름이에요.
→ I can only watch the result.
2. 저는 그냥 제 일을 했을 따름입니다.
→ I simply did my job.
3. 저는 도운 게 아니라 당연한 일을 했을 따름이에요.
→ I didn’t help— I just did what was natural.
4. 그 소식을 들으니 슬플 따름이에요.
→ Hearing that news, I can only feel sad.
5. 당신의 친절에 감사할 따름입니다.
→ I can only feel grateful for your kindness.
6. 이미 결정된 일이니 따를 따름입니다.
→ It’s already decided, so I can only follow.
Additional Notes
- Very polite, humble, and formal.
- Often used in speeches, interviews, polite announcements, or sincere expressions.
- Expresses a feeling of “just this and nothing more.”
- Similar to:
- -(으)ㄹ 뿐이다 → “It’s only…” (more neutral)
- -(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 → stronger meaning of “can’t help but…”
