Processing keyword: (으)려고 하다 [(eu)ryeogo hada] (Intend to do)

Korean Grammar Point: (으)려고 하다 [(eu)ryeogo hada] (Intend to do)

(으)려고 하다 [(eu)ryeogo hada]: To Intend to Do Something

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing intentions or plans is essential for everyday communication. The grammar point (으)려고 하다 is commonly used to indicate that the speaker intends to do something or is planning to perform a particular action. This lesson will delve into the usage of (으)려고 하다, its formation, nuances, and provide practical examples to enhance your understanding.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

(으)려고 하다 is attached to verbs to express the intention or plan to perform the action described by the verb. It translates to "intend to," "plan to," or "be about to" in English.

Structure

The structure for forming (으)려고 하다 is straightforward:

• Verb stem + (으)려고 하다

Formation Diagram

Formation Steps

1. Identify the verb stem by removing -다 from the dictionary form.
2. Determine if the verb stem ends with a consonant or vowel.
3. Attach -으려고 하다 if the stem ends with a consonant.
4. Attach -려고 하다 if the stem ends with a vowel.

Examples:

• 보다 (to see) → 보려고 하다
• 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으려고 하다

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with ~(으)려면

While (으)려고 하다 expresses intention, ~(으)려면 means "if you intend to" or "if you plan to." It sets a conditional mood.

• 사기를 하려면 돈이 필요해요.
  If you intend to buy it, you need money.

Comparing with ~(으)러 가다

(으)러 가다 is used when indicating going somewhere to perform an action.

• 책을 읽으러 도서관에 가요.
  I go to the library to read books.

4. Examples in Context

Formal

1. 저는 한국어를 배우려고 합니다.
   I intend to learn Korean.
2. 회의를 시작하려고 합니다.
   We are about to start the meeting.

Informal

1. 영화를 보려고 해.
   I'm planning to watch a movie.
2. 친구를 만나려고 해.
   I intend to meet a friend.

Written

1. 그는 유학을 가려고 결정했다.
   He decided to study abroad.
2. 새 차를 사려고 저축하고 있다.
   I am saving money to buy a new car.

Spoken

1. 뭐 하려고 해요?
   What are you planning to do?
2. 집에 가려고요.
   I'm about to go home.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

(으)려고 하다 can be used across various levels of formality. Adjust the verb ending 하다 to match the appropriate speech level.

• 합니다 (Formal polite)
• 해요 (Informal polite)
• 해 (Informal casual)

Idiomatic Expressions Utilizing (으)려고 하다

• 죽으려고 하다
  Literally "intend to die," but often used idiomatically to express that someone is making a big effort or taking risks. 예: 그는 일을 너무 많이 해서 죽으려고 해.
  He is working so much that he's killing himself.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using (으)려고 with adjectives.
   • Incorrect: 기쁘려고 해요. (Intend to be happy.)
   • Correct: 기뻐지려고 해요. (Intend to become happy.) Tip: (으)려고 하다 is generally used with action verbs, not descriptive verbs (adjectives).
2. Forgetting to add 으 after consonant-ending stems.
   • Incorrect: 먹려고 해요.
   • Correct: 먹으려고 해요.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that (으)려고 하다 is like saying "I have a reason (려고) to do (하다) something."
• Practice Conjugation: Create a list of common verbs and practice forming (으)려고 하다 with them.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• (으)려고 하다 expresses intention or plans.
• Attach -으려고 하다 after consonant-ending verb stems and -려고 하다 after vowel-ending stems.
• Used primarily with action verbs.
• Adjust 하다 to match the appropriate level of formality.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I plan to travel" using (으)려고 하다? Answer: 여행하려고 해요.
2. Is (으)려고 하다 used with adjectives? Answer: No, it's primarily used with action verbs.
3. Conjugate 만들다 (to make) with (으)려고 하다 in informal polite speech. Answer: 만들려고 해요.

By understanding and practicing (으)려고 하다, you'll be able to express your intentions and plans more naturally in Korean. Keep practicing with different verbs to become more comfortable with this grammar point.