Processing keyword: ~려고 [ryeogo] (In order to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~려고 [ryeogo] (In order to)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~려고 [ryeogo] (In order to)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing intention or purpose is an essential part of everyday communication. The grammar point ~려고 (ryeogo) is commonly used to indicate that someone intends to do something or is doing something for a particular purpose. Understanding how to use ~려고 will enhance your ability to express intentions and plans naturally in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~려고 translates to "in order to", "with the intention of", or "so that" in English. It is used to express the purpose of an action.

Structure

To form sentences using ~려고, you attach it to the verb stem of the action that is intended.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 려고

• For verbs ending in vowels or consonants: Simply add 려고 to the verb stem.

Examples of Verb Conjugation

Usage Notes

• ~려고 is generally used in the middle of a sentence, followed by another clause that often includes information about the action taken to achieve the purpose.
• The subject of both clauses is usually the same.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~기 위해(서)

• ~기 위해(서) also means "in order to," but it's more formal and often used in written language.
• ~려고 is more conversational and used in spoken language.

  Grammar Point	Usage	Formality
  ~려고	Everyday speech	Informal
  ~기 위해(서)	Formal writing	Formal

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 책을 사려고 서점에 갔어요.
   • I went to the bookstore in order to buy a book.
2. 친구를 만나려고 카페에 왔어요.
   • I came to the café to meet a friend.
3. 한국어를 배우려고 한국에 왔습니다. (Formal)
   • I came to Korea in order to learn Korean.
4. 영화를 보려고 일찍 퇴근했어요.
   • I left work early to watch a movie.

Breakdown of an Example

운동하려고 일찍 일어났어요.

• 운동하려고: in order to exercise
  • 운동하다 (to exercise) → 운동하 (verb stem) + 려고 → 운동하려고
• 일찍 일어났어요: woke up early
• Translation: I woke up early to exercise.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~려고 can be used in both formal and informal situations, but the verb endings should match the level of politeness required.
  • Informal polite: -어요/아요
    • Example: 가려고 해요.
  • Formal polite: -습니다/ㅂ니다
    • Example: 가려고 합니다.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 떠나려고 마음먹었어요.
  • I've made up my mind to leave.
  • 마음먹다: an idiom meaning "to make up one's mind."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ~려고 with past tense verbs
   • Incorrect: 먹으려고 먹었어요.
     • I ate in order to eat. (Redundant and incorrect)
   • Correct: 먹으려고 요리했어요.
     • I cooked in order to eat.
2. Confusing ~려고 with ~러
   • ~러 is used with verbs of motion (가다, 오다) to indicate purpose.
     • Example: 공부하러 도서관에 갔어요.
       • I went to the library to study.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ~려고 as "Ready, set, GO!" — You're ready (리), setting the purpose (어), and going (고).
• Consistency of Tense: Ensure that the final verb reflects the correct tense and politeness level.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~려고 is used to express intention or purpose, meaning "in order to."
• Attach ~려고 directly to the verb stem.
• Use appropriate verb endings to match the level of formality.
• It is primarily used in spoken Korean for everyday conversation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I am studying hard in order to pass the exam" using ~려고?
2. What is the difference between ~려고 and ~기 위해서?
3. Correct the mistake in the sentence: 받으려고 받았어요.

Answers

1. 시험에 합격하려고 열심히 공부하고 있어요.
2. ~기 위해서 is more formal and used in written language, while ~려고 is informal and used in spoken language.
3. The sentence is redundant. Correct version: 받으려고 신청했어요. (I applied in order to receive it.)

Feel free to practice using ~려고 in your own sentences to become more comfortable with expressing intentions in Korean!