-(으)ㄹ 뻔하다 — Almost, nearly

This expression is used to indicate that some event or action almost happened but did not.

In most cases, it is used to express the speaker's relief that the event or action did not happen.

Because it refers to a past event, the form -(으)ㄹ 뻔했다 is always used.

It is often used together with the adverb 하마터면 and it only attaches to verbs.

Details

This expression is often used following constructions that indicate hypothetical past situations such as -았/었으면 and -았/었더라면.

Indicate one's relief that a past event almost happened but did not.

친구와 통화하다가 음식을 다 태울 뻔했어요.

I was talking with my friend on the phone and almost burned all my food.

네가 전화하지 않았더라면 약속을 잊어버릴 뻔했어요.

If you hadn't called me, I would have forgotten the appointment.

너무 추워서 죽을 뻔했어요.

It was so cold, I almost die.