Processing keyword: ~려고 [ryeogo] (Intending to, planning to)
Korean Grammar Point: ~려고 [ryeogo] (Intending to, planning to)
1. Introduction
In Korean, expressing intentions or plans is essential for effective communication. The grammar pattern ~(으)려고 is commonly used to indicate that someone intends or plans to do something. This lesson will provide a detailed explanation of ~(으)려고, including its formation, usage, and examples in various contexts.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The grammar pattern ~(으)려고 is used to express the intention or purpose of the subject to perform a certain action. It translates to "intend to," "plan to," or "in order to" in English.
Structure
The structure of ~(으)려고 depends on whether the verb stem ends with a vowel or a consonant:
- Verb Stem Ending with a Vowel: Verb Stem +려고
- Verb Stem Ending with a Consonant: Verb Stem +으려고
Formation Diagram
| Verb Stem Ending | Formation | Example Verb | Conjugated Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vowel | 동사 + 려고 | 가다 (to go) | 가려고 |
| Consonant | 동사 + 으려고 | 먹다 (to eat) | 먹으려고 |
Examples
- 가다 (to go) → 가려고 (intend to go)
- 만들다 (to make) → 만들려고 (intend to make)
- 읽다 (to read) → 읽으려고 (intend to read)
- 입다 (to wear) → 입으려고 (intend to wear)
Usage Notes
- ~(으)려고 is attached directly to the verb stem without any space.
- It is commonly followed by another clause that explains the action taken to fulfill the intention.
- Cannot be used with adjectives (descriptive verbs).
- The final verb ending determines the politeness level.
3. Comparative Analysis
~(으)려고 vs. ~(으)러
Both patterns are used to express purpose, but they have different usages:
| Aspect | ~(으)려고 | ~(으)러 |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Intend to, plan to | In order to (purpose of going/coming) |
| Usage | With any action verbs | Only with movement verbs (가다, 오다, 다니다) |
| Example | 책을 읽으려고 해요. (I intend to read a book.) |
책을 읽으러 도서관에 가요. (I go to the library to read a book.) |
~(으)려고 하다 vs. ~(으)려고
- ~(으)려고 하다 adds a nuance of planning or considering, sometimes indicating uncertainty.
- ~(으)려고 alone is a direct expression of intention.
| Pattern | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ~(으)려고 | 한국에 가려고 비자를 신청했어요. (I applied for a visa intending to go to Korea.) |
Firm intention |
| ~(으)려고 하다 | 한국에 가려고 해요. (I am planning to go to Korea.) |
Plan or consideration |
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Formal Context
- 저는 대학원에 진학하려고 열심히 공부하고 있습니다.
- I am studying hard intending to enter graduate school.
- 회사를 그만두려고 결심했습니다.
- I have decided to quit the company.
Informal Context
- 친구랑 여행 가려고 돈을 모으고 있어.
- I am saving money to go on a trip with a friend.
- 새 운동화를 사려고 백화점에 갔어.
- I went to the department store to buy new sneakers.
Written Context
- 환경 보호를 위해 노력하려고 합니다.
- I intend to make efforts to protect the environment.
- 새로운 언어를 배우려고 계획 중이다.
- I am planning to learn a new language.
Spoken Context
- 뭐 하려고 해?
- What are you planning to do?
- 저녁에 영화 보려고 하는데 같이 갈래?
- I'm intending to watch a movie this evening; do you want to come along?
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Expressing intentions clearly is valued in Korean culture to avoid misunderstandings.
- Using ~(으)려고 appropriately shows respect for others' time and expectations.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
- Politeness is indicated by the verb endings, not by ~(으)려고 itself.
- Examples:
- 가려고 합니다 (Very polite, formal)
- 가려고 해요 (Polite, informal)
- 가려고 해 (Casual)
Idiomatic Expressions
하려고 마음먹다
- To make up one's mind to do something. Example: 담배를 끊으려고 마음먹었어요.
I made up my mind to quit smoking.
보려고 하면 안 보이고, 안 보려고 하면 보여요.
- When you try to see it, you can't, but when you don't try, it appears.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Using ~(으)려고 with adjectives (descriptive verbs):
- ❌ 날씨가 따뜻하려고 해요.
- ✅ 날씨가 따뜻해지려고 해요. Incorrect because ~(으)려고 is not used with adjectives directly. Instead, use -아/어지다 to indicate a change in state.
- Confusing ~(으)려고 with ~(으)러:
- ❌ 친구를 만나려고 서울에 갔어요.
- ✅ 친구를 만나러 서울에 갔어요. Use ~(으)러 with movement verbs like 가다, 오다 when indicating purpose.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device:
- Think of ~(으)려고 as "ready to go" with your intention.
- Formation Tip:
- If the verb stem ends with a consonant, add 으려고.
- If it ends with a vowel, just add 려고.
- Practice:
- Create your own sentences expressing your intentions for the day.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~(으)려고 is used to express intentions or plans.
- Attach 려고 after verb stems ending with vowels and 으려고 after stems ending with consonants.
- Do not use ~(으)려고 directly with adjectives.
- Be cautious not to confuse ~(으)려고 with ~(으)러.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Conjugate the verb 놀다 (to play) using ~(으)려고. Answer: 놀려고
- Which sentence correctly uses ~(으)려고? a) 책을 사러 서점에 갔어요. b) 책을 사려고 서점에 갔어요. Answer: b) 책을 사려고 서점에 갔어요.
- True or False: ~(으)려고 can be used with movement verbs like 가다 when indicating purpose. Answer: True, but ~(으)러 is more commonly used specifically with movement verbs for purpose.
By mastering ~(으)려고, you'll be able to express your intentions and plans clearly in Korean, making your communication more effective and natural.