目錄
“감사할 따름입니다” and “기다릴 따름입니다” both use the Korean expression “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다,” but they should not be translated with exactly the same tone. The first sounds like an award speech being brought to a close with a single expression of gratitude, while the second acknowledges that nothing can be done before the result is announced except to wait.
The basic meaning of “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” is “that is all” or “there is nothing more than this.” It does not inherently express humility, nor does it always indicate helplessness. The emotion depends on what appears before it. When combined with gratitude or doing one’s best, it sounds restrained. When combined with waiting or accepting, it may convey resignation.
What Does Korean “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” Mean? Limiting the Scope to the Preceding Statement
The Korean expression “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” indicates that there is nothing beyond the state, action or judgment described in the preceding clause. Its function is to restrict the scope. Depending on the context, it can be translated as “just…,” “merely…,” “only…” or “can only….”
In this grammar pattern, “따름” is a dependent noun with a meaning close to “nothing beyond that.” The preceding verb, adjective or noun states the only remaining content, while “따름이다” excludes other possibilities.
Example: 저는 제가 해야 할 일을 했을 따름입니다.
Romanization: jeo-neun je-ga hae-ya hal i-reul hae-sseul tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: I merely did what I was supposed to do.
The speaker does not deny having performed the action. Instead, they limit their contribution to fulfilling their duty, which is often used as a restrained response after receiving praise.
Example: 여러분이 좋게 봐 주시니 감사할 따름입니다.
Romanization: yeo-reo-bun-i jo-ke bwa ju-si-ni gam-sa-hal tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: I can only be grateful that all of you have viewed me so favourably.
The preceding content is gratitude, so the sentence sounds formal and humble. This does not mean that “따름이다” itself always expresses humility.
Example: 결과가 발표될 때까지 기다릴 따름입니다.
Romanization: gyeol-gwa-ga bal-pyo-doel ttae-kka-ji gi-da-ril tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: Until the results are announced, all we can do is wait.
Waiting is the only remaining action, so the context creates a sense of resignation. The grammar pattern itself still functions by limiting the available options.
Korean “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” Conjugation Rules
Korean “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” can follow verbs and adjectives. Nouns use the form “N일 따름이다.” A stem ending in a final consonant takes “-을 따름이다,” while a stem with no final consonant or a final “ㄹ” takes “-ㄹ 따름이다.”
| Preceding Element | Conjugation Pattern | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verb or adjective with a final consonant | Stem＋-을 따름이다 | 먹다 → 먹을 따름이다 | Merely eat |
| Verb or adjective without a final consonant | Stem＋-ㄹ 따름이다 | 기다리다 → 기다릴 따름이다 | Merely wait |
| Stem ending in the final consonant “ㄹ” | Stem＋-ㄹ 따름이다 | 살다 → 살 따름이다 | Merely live |
| Noun | Noun＋일 따름이다 | 하나의 가능성일 따름이다 | Only one possibility |
| Polite form | -(으)ㄹ 따름입니다 | 감사할 따름입니다 | I can only be grateful |
| Past description | -(으)ㄹ 따름이었다 | 놀라울 따름이었다 | It was simply astonishing |
Korean “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” Usage: Gratitude, Emotion, Waiting and Limiting a Position
The basic function of “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” is always to restrict the scope. Humility, emotion and resignation are not separate grammatical meanings. They emerge from the preceding content and the context in which the expression is used.
Use ① of “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다”｜Expressing Gratitude and Humility in a Restrained Tone
Award speeches, interviews and formal addresses often use expressions such as “감사할 따름이다” and “고마울 따름이다.” The speaker limits what they can say at that moment to gratitude rather than continuing to emphasize their achievements or abilities, which creates a restrained tone.
These sentences do not mean that the speaker has no other emotions. Instead, they deliberately limit their public response to gratitude, fulfilling their duty or continuing to work hard. The tone is formal and is not commonly used in casual conversations between friends.
Example: 도움을 주신 모든 분께 감사드릴 따름입니다.
Romanization: do-u-meul ju-sin mo-deun bun-kke gam-sa-deu-ril tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: I can only express my gratitude to everyone who helped me.
The speaker minimizes their own contribution to an award or completed task and limits their public response to thanking those who provided assistance. This is appropriate for award speeches and formal expressions of thanks.
Example: 저는 맡은 일을 성실히 했을 따름입니다.
Romanization: jeo-neun ma-teun i-reul seong-sil-hi hae-sseul tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: I simply carried out the work entrusted to me diligently.
When receiving praise, this sentence does not deny the actual result. It presents the action merely as fulfilling one’s responsibility and avoids exaggerating personal credit.
Example: 앞으로도 제 자리에서 최선을 다할 따름입니다.
Romanization: a-peu-ro-do je ja-ri-e-seo choe-seon-eul da-hal tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: I will simply continue to do my best in my position.
The sentence does not promise exaggerated achievements. It only states that the speaker will continue doing what they can, which is common in interviews and formal statements.
Use ② of “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다”｜Combining with Adjectives to Express Joy, Gratitude and Surprise
“-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” also frequently follows adjectives, as in “기쁠 따름이다,” “고마울 따름이다” and “놀라울 따름이다.” In these cases, the sentence indicates that the speaker’s feelings are almost entirely reduced to one emotion. Depending on the context, it can be translated as “I can only feel…,” “all I feel is…” or “it is truly….”
This usage demonstrates that “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” is not primarily limited to verbs. Adjectives are actually very common in formal remarks and written descriptions.
Example: 오랜만에 가족이 모두 모이니 기쁠 따름입니다.
Romanization: o-raen-man-e ga-jok-i mo-du mo-i-ni gi-ppeul tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: I can only feel delighted that the whole family has gathered again after such a long time.
The speaker reduces their present emotion to joy. The tone is more formal than “정말 기뻐요” and sounds more like a speech or written remark.
Example: 이렇게 건강한 모습으로 다시 만나니 고마울 따름입니다.
Romanization: i-reo-ke geon-gang-han mo-seu-beu-ro da-si man-na-ni go-ma-ul tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: I can only feel grateful that we have met again in such good health.
“고마울 따름이다” does not only express thanks directly toward another person. It can also express relief and gratitude for the present outcome.
Example: 짧은 시간 안에 이만큼 발전했다는 사실이 놀라울 따름입니다.
Romanization: jjal-beun si-gan an-e i-man-keum bal-jeon-haet-da-neun sa-sil-i nol-la-ul tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: It is simply astonishing that so much progress was made in such a short time.
“놀라울 따름이다” concentrates the evaluation on surprise and is common in formal commentary. It is less conversational than “깜짝 놀랐어요.”
Use ③ of “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다”｜Reducing the Available Options to Waiting, Accepting or Observing
When the preceding action is waiting, accepting, following or observing, “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” is often translated as “can only….” The sense of resignation comes from the circumstances having eliminated other actions, not from the grammar pattern inherently expressing compulsion.
Compared with “-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다,” “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” sounds more like a calm statement that this is currently the only action being taken. “수밖에 없다” more directly states that no other option exists.
Example: 공식 발표가 나올 때까지 기다릴 따름입니다.
Romanization: gong-sik bal-pyo-ga na-ol ttae-kka-ji gi-da-ril tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: Until the official announcement is released, all we can do is wait.
There is no new information and nothing that can be handled proactively, so the available action is limited to waiting.
Example: 이미 내려진 결정은 받아들일 따름입니다.
Romanization: i-mi nae-ryeo-jin gyeol-jeong-eun ba-da-deu-ril tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: We can only accept the decision that has already been made.
The decision can no longer be changed, so the context creates a sense of resignation, while the tone remains restrained.
Example: 현재로서는 상황을 지켜볼 따름입니다.
Romanization: hyeon-jae-ro-seo-neun sang-hwang-eul ji-kyeo-bol tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: For now, all we can do is monitor the situation.
“현재로서는” first limits the circumstances to the present stage, while the following clause states that observation is the only available action. This is common in news interviews and formal explanations.
Use ④ of “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다”｜Limiting the Scope of a Position or Judgment in Writing and Statements
“-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” can also indicate that a statement is merely an observation, possibility or personal position and is not intended to be expanded into a universal fact.
This usage often appears with verbs such as “제시하다,” “전하다” and “설명하다,” and can also use the form “N일 따름이다.” It reduces the scope of an assertion without suggesting that the speaker has no position on the subject.
Example: 이 글은 하나의 가능성을 제시할 따름입니다.
Romanization: i geu-reun ha-na-ui ga-neung-seong-eul je-si-hal tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: This article merely presents one possibility.
The sentence limits the function of the article to offering a possibility and does not claim that it is the only explanation.
Example: 확인된 사실을 있는 그대로 전할 따름입니다.
Romanization: hwak-in-doen sa-si-reul it-neun geu-dae-ro jeon-hal tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: I am merely conveying the confirmed facts as they are.
“있는 그대로” indicates that no additional speculation is being added, while “전할 따름이다” limits the speaker’s role to communicating information.
Example: 그 내용은 개인적인 의견일 따름입니다.
Romanization: geu nae-yong-eun gae-in-jeok-in ui-gyeon-il tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: That is nothing more than a personal opinion.
The noun “의견” becomes “의견일 따름이다,” distinguishing an individual view from an official position.
What Is the Difference Between Korean “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다,” “-(으)ㄹ 뿐이다” and “-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다”?
Both “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” and “-(으)ㄹ 뿐이다” can mean “that is all,” but the former is more formal and creates a stronger sense of bringing the statement to a close. “-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다” explicitly indicates that no other option exists and carries the strongest sense of restriction or compulsion.
| Point of Comparison | -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 | -(으)ㄹ 뿐이다 | -(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic meaning | Limited to the preceding statement | Merely the preceding statement | No option other than the preceding action |
| Main tone | Formal, restrained and conclusive | Neutral and directly restrictive | Compelled and without alternatives |
| Common register | Statements, speeches, commentary and writing | Everyday conversation and general writing | Both everyday and formal contexts |
| Common preceding content | Gratitude, emotions, positions and actions | Various actions and facts | Actions that must be taken |
| Sense of humility | Depends on the preceding content | Usually neutral | Usually absent |
| Sense of resignation | Depends on the context | Possible but weaker | Very clear |
| Representative example | 감사할 따름입니다 | 감사할 뿐이에요 | 기다릴 수밖에 없어요 |
“-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” Is More Formal Than “-(으)ㄹ 뿐이다”
Both expressions can exclude other possibilities, but “-(으)ㄹ 뿐이다” is more suitable for ordinary descriptions. “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” frequently appears in public remarks, interview responses and written articles. It sounds as though the speaker has considered the matter and brought their position to a close in one sentence.
Example: 도와주신 분들께 감사할 따름입니다.
Romanization: do-wa-ju-sin bun-deul-kke gam-sa-hal tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: I can only be grateful to those who helped me.
This is suitable for a formal speech and sounds restrained and solemn.
Example: 도와주신 분들께 감사할 뿐이에요.
Romanization: do-wa-ju-sin bun-deul-kke gam-sa-hal ppun-i-e-yo.
Translation: I am simply grateful to those who helped me.
The meaning is similar, but the interpersonal distance is smaller, making it more natural in an ordinary interview or conversation.
“-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” Does Not Necessarily Mean There Is No Other Choice
“-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” merely limits the content to the preceding statement and does not necessarily mean that the speaker is being forced. “-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다” directly states that actual circumstances make every other option impossible.
Example: 저는 제 의견을 말씀드릴 따름입니다.
Romanization: jeo-neun je ui-gyeon-eul mal-sseum-deu-ril tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: I am merely expressing my personal opinion.
This sentence limits the scope of the speaker’s remarks. It does not imply external compulsion.
Example: 규정이 바뀌었으니 새 절차를 따를 수밖에 없습니다.
Romanization: gyu-jeong-i ba-kkwi-eo-sseu-ni sae jeol-cha-reul tta-reul su-ba-kke eop-seum-ni-da.
Translation: The regulations have changed, so we have no choice but to follow the new procedure.
The external regulations eliminate all other methods, so “수밖에 없다” is more precise.
How Does the Sense of Compulsion Differ Between “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” and “-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다”?
❌ Insufficient sense of compulsion: 시간이 없어서 택시를 탈 따름이에요.
✅ Clear sense of compulsion: 시간이 없어서 택시를 탈 수밖에 없어요.Because there is no time, I have no choice but to take a taxi.
The lack of time directly eliminates other transportation options, so “수밖에 없다” is more natural. “탈 따름이다” would sound like a formal statement that the speaker will merely take a taxi without adequately conveying the forced circumstances.
Where Is Korean “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” Used? Award Speeches, News Interviews and Formal Statements
Korean “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” frequently appears in award speeches, news interviews, institutional statements and commentary. These situations require a clear position without expressing emotion too directly, so expressions such as “감사할 따름이다,” “안타까울 따름이다” and “지켜볼 따름이다” are used to bring the statement to a restrained conclusion.
It is not impossible to use in everyday conversation, but it noticeably raises the level of formality. Between friends, “기다릴 수밖에 없어” is usually more natural for saying “We can only wait now.” To say “I am merely waiting,” “기다릴 뿐이야” can be used.
Situation ①｜Expressing Gratitude in an Award Speech
A: 수상 소감 한 말씀 부탁드립니다.
su-sang so-gam han mal-sseum bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Please share a few words about receiving the award.
B: 함께해 주신 모든 분께 감사드릴 따름입니다.
ham-kke-hae ju-sin mo-deun bun-kke gam-sa-deu-ril tta-reum-im-ni-da.
I can only express my gratitude to everyone who has been with me throughout this journey.
📌 Grammar point: “감사드릴 따름입니다” limits the speech to gratitude instead of continuing to focus on the speaker’s achievements, naturally creating a restrained and humble tone.
Situation ②｜Waiting for a Delayed Result
A: 결과 발표가 또 미뤄졌다고 해요.
gyeol-gwa bal-pyo-ga tto mi-rwo-jyeot-da-go hae-yo.
I heard that the announcement of the results has been postponed again.
B: 지금은 공식 발표가 나올 때까지 기다릴 따름입니다.
ji-geum-eun gong-sik bal-pyo-ga na-ol ttae-kka-ji gi-da-ril tta-reum-im-ni-da.
For now, all we can do is wait until the official announcement is released.
📌 Grammar point: No other action can currently be taken, so the context creates a sense of resignation. “따름이다” itself still only limits the available option to waiting.
Situation ③｜Publicly Explaining Information That Has Not Been Confirmed
A: 이번 변화가 장기적으로 어떤 영향을 미칠까요?
i-beon byeon-hwa-ga jang-gi-jeok-eu-ro eo-tteon yeong-hyang-eul mi-chil-kka-yo?
What long-term effects might this change have?
B: 현재 자료를 바탕으로 하나의 가능성을 말씀드릴 따름입니다.
hyeon-jae ja-ryo-reul ba-tang-eu-ro ha-na-ui ga-neung-seong-eul mal-sseum-deu-ril tta-reum-im-ni-da.
I am merely presenting one possibility based on the information currently available.
📌 Grammar point: The speaker is not refusing to answer. Instead, they limit the scope of the answer to one possibility and avoid presenting speculation as a confirmed conclusion.
Cultural Notes:
Korean award ceremonies and formal interviews frequently use restrained expressions such as “감사할 따름입니다” and “영광일 따름입니다.” These sentences direct attention toward gratitude, honour or responsibility and avoid turning the statement into self-praise.
“지켜볼 따름입니다” in news reports and institutional statements usually indicates that no further measures are currently being taken. It may convey a passive or reserved attitude, but the exact position must still be determined from the surrounding context. The presence of “따름이다” alone does not prove that the speaker feels helpless.
Using “-(으)ㄹ 따름입니다” in casual conversation sounds formal and may sometimes create an intentionally solemn effect. Everyday situations more commonly use “뿐이에요,” “수밖에 없어요” or “그냥 기다려야 해요.”
How Does Korean “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” Compare with Japanese “〜ばかりだ／〜にすぎない”?
Korean “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” does not have one fixed Japanese equivalent that works in every context. When the preceding content expresses gratitude, expectation or emotion, Japanese “〜ばかりだ” or “〜のみだ” may be closer. When the sentence objectively limits a fact or position, “〜にすぎない” may be appropriate.
When no other option exists, Japanese normally uses “〜しかない.” Therefore, “따름이다” should not always be translated as “〜にすぎない.”
Example: 함께해 주신 분들께 감사드릴 따름입니다.
Romanization: ham-kke-hae ju-sin bun-deul-kke gam-sa-deu-ril tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: I can only express my gratitude to everyone who has been with me.
The preceding content is formal gratitude, so the Japanese expression “感謝するばかりです” better preserves the restrained tone.
Example: 이것은 하나의 가능성일 따름입니다.
Romanization: i-geo-seun ha-na-ui ga-neung-seong-il tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: This is nothing more than one possibility.
The sentence limits the current statement to one possible explanation and does not indicate that it is the final answer.
Example: 지금은 기다릴 따름입니다.
Romanization: ji-geum-eun gi-da-ril tta-reum-im-ni-da.
Translation: For now, all we can do is wait.
The Korean sentence remains formal and restrained, while the sense of resignation comes from the fact that no other action is currently available.
◆ Core difference from “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다”:
Korean “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” can cover formal gratitude, emotional evaluation, limitations on a position and restricted actions. Japanese usually needs to select among “〜ばかりだ,” “〜のみだ,” “〜にすぎない” and “〜しかない” according to the preceding content. One fixed grammar pattern cannot be applied in every case.
What Korean “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” actually limits is the scope of the sentence. It does not label the sentence as humble or resigned in advance. “감사할 따름이다” limits the response to gratitude, “기다릴 따름이다” limits the action to waiting, and “하나의 가능성일 따름이다” limits the judgment to one possibility.
In ordinary conversation, “-(으)ㄹ 뿐이다” is generally more natural when no formal tone is required. When it is necessary to state clearly that no other choice exists, use “-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다.” First determine whether the preceding content is an emotion, a position or a restricted action. This prevents every sentence from being translated with the same expression “can only.”
Frequently Asked Questions
“-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” indicates that there is nothing beyond the state, action or judgment described in the preceding clause. Depending on the context, it can be translated as “merely…,” “only…” or “can only….” Its core function is to restrict and bring the statement to a close.
No. When the preceding content is a restricted action such as “기다리다” or “받아들이다,” the sentence may convey resignation. When the preceding content is “감사하다” or “기쁘다,” it expresses formal gratitude or joy instead. The emotion comes from the preceding clause and the context, not from a fixed meaning attached to the grammar pattern.
Both mean “that is all,” but “-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” is more formal and has a stronger sense of bringing the statement to a restrained conclusion. “-(으)ㄹ 뿐이다” is more neutral and can be used in everyday conversation and general writing. “기다릴 따름입니다” is suitable for a formal explanation, while “기다릴 뿐이에요” is closer to ordinary speech.
“-(으)ㄹ 따름이다” merely limits the content to the preceding statement and does not necessarily indicate compulsion. “-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다” clearly states that actual circumstances have eliminated every other option. To say “Because there is no time, I have no choice but to take a taxi,” “택시를 탈 수밖에 없다” is more natural.
Yes. Adjectives take “-을／-ㄹ 따름이다” according to whether the stem has a final consonant, as in “기쁠 따름이다” and “놀라울 따름이다.” Nouns use “N일 따름이다,” as in “하나의 가능성일 따름이다.” This grammar pattern should not be understood as one that follows only verbs.