Processing keyword: ~기 위해서 [gi wihaeseo] (In order to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~기 위해서 [gi wihaeseo] (In order to)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~기 위해서 [gi wihaeseo], which translates to "in order to" in English. This structure is commonly used to express the purpose of an action and is essential for building complex sentences in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~기 위해서 is used to indicate the purpose or intent behind an action. It can be translated as "in order to", "so as to", or "for the sake of".

Structure

The structure combines a verb stem with ~기 위해서 to form a purpose clause.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 기 위해서 + Main Action Verb

Breakdown

1. Verb Stem: The base form of a verb without 다.
2. 기: A nominalizer that turns verbs into nouns.
3. 위해(서): Means "for the purpose of" or "in order to".

Examples of Verb Stem + 기 위해서

Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem	+ 기 위해서	Meaning
공부하다 (to study)	공부하	공부하기 위해서	In order to study
먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹기 위해서	In order to eat
배우다 (to learn)	배우	배우기 위해서	In order to learn

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~기 위해서 with ~(으)려고

Both ~기 위해서 and ~(으)려고 are used to express purpose, but there are subtle differences:

• ~기 위해서: Can be used with both action verbs and nouns, and often implies a more formal or deliberate intention.
• ~(으)려고: Used only with action verbs and is more colloquial. Example:
• 집을 사기 위해서 돈을 모아요.
  "I save money in order to buy a house." (More formal)
• 집을 사려고 돈을 모아요.
  "I'm saving money to buy a house." (More casual)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Written Context

• 새로운 언어를 배우기 위해서 한국에 갔습니다.
  "I went to Korea in order to learn a new language."

Informal Spoken Context

• 콘서트 표를 사기 위해서 일찍 왔어.
  "I came early to buy concert tickets."

Using with Nouns

• 건강을 위해서 운동을 해요.
  "I exercise for my health."

In a Question

• 뭐 하려고 그렇게 열심히 공부해요?
  "Why are you studying so hard?"
• 좋은 성적을 받기 위해서요.
  "In order to get good grades."

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

The use of ~기 위해서 is neutral in politeness but often appears in formal contexts like news articles, academic writing, and formal speeches.

Common Expressions

• 자기 발전을 위해서
  "For self-improvement."
• 환경을 보호하기 위해서
  "In order to protect the environment."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Mistake 1: Misplacing 위해서

• Incorrect: 위해서 공부하기 한국에 갔어요.
• Correct: 공부하기 위해서 한국에 갔어요.
• Tip: Always place 기 위해서 directly after the verb stem expressing the purpose.

Mistake 2: Mixing with ~(으)려고

• Using ~기 위해서 with verbs that are naturally used with ~(으)려고 in casual speech.
• Tip: Use ~기 위해서 in formal contexts and ~(으)려고 in casual conversations.

Mnemonic Device

• "Verb Stem + 기 (noun form) + 위해서 (for the sake of)"
  Remember that 기 turns the verb into a noun, allowing 위해서 to link naturally.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~기 위해서 expresses purpose or intention.
• Formed by attaching 기 위해서 to the verb stem.
• More formal than ~(으)려고.
• Can be used with both verbs and nouns.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "In order to pass the test, I study every day" using ~기 위해서?
2. What is the difference between ~기 위해서 and ~(으)려고?
3. Correct the mistake in the sentence: 한국어 배우 위해서 한국에 갔어요.

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Answers:

1. 시험에 합격하기 위해서 매일 공부해요.
2. ~기 위해서 is more formal and can be used with nouns and verbs, while ~(으)려고 is more casual and used only with action verbs.
3. Corrected Sentence: 한국어 배우기 위해서 한국에 갔어요.

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