Processing keyword: ~려고 [ryeogo] (In order to)
Korean Grammar Point: ~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
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | +려고 | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가 | 려고 | 가려고 |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | 려고 | 먹으려고 |
| 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하 | 려고 | 공부하려고 |
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
- 책을 사려고 서점에 갔어요.
- I went to the bookstore in order to buy a book.
- 친구를 만나려고 카페에 왔어요.
- I came to the café to meet a friend.
- 한국어를 배우려고 한국에 왔습니다. (Formal)
- I came to Korea in order to learn Korean.
- 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.
- Informal polite: -어요/아요
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
- 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.
- Incorrect: 먹으려고 먹었어요.
- 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.
- Example: 공부하러 도서관에 갔어요.
- ~러 is used with verbs of motion (가다, 오다) to indicate purpose.
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
- How do you say "I am studying hard in order to pass the exam" using ~려고?
- What is the difference between ~려고 and ~기 위해서?
- Correct the mistake in the sentence: 받으려고 받았어요.
Answers
- 시험에 합격하려고 열심히 공부하고 있어요.
- ~기 위해서 is more formal and used in written language, while ~려고 is informal and used in spoken language.
- 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!