Processing keyword: ~려고 하다 [ryeogo hada] (Try to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~려고 하다 [ryeogo hada] (Try to)

Korean TOPIK Grammar Point: ~려고 하다 (ryeogo hada) - "Try to"

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~려고 하다 is a crucial part of expressing intention or effort to do something in Korean. It translates to "try to" or "intend to" in English and is commonly used in everyday conversations.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

~려고 하다 is used to indicate the intention or plan to do something. It combines the verb -려고, which is the form that denotes "trying to" or "intending to," with the verb 하다, meaning "to do."

Structure

• Form: [Verb Stem] + ~려고 하다
• Example: 가다 (gada - to go) → 가려고 하다 (garyeogo hada - to intend to go)

Formation Diagram

                Verb Stem
                    |
              +------------+       
              |           -려고
              |            |
              |          하다
              |
              Intention

Meaning

• Indicates the intention or effort to do something.
• Suggests a future action that is planned or being attempted.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ~고 싶다 (go sipda) - "want to"
   • Usage: Expresses desire but does not imply the action will definitely occur.
   • Example: 가고 싶다 (gago sipda - want to go).
2. ~려고 보다 (ryeogo boda) - "try to"
   • Usage: Implies an attempt to do something but emphasizes trial or testing.
   • Example: 가려고 보다 (garyeogo boda - try to go).

Differences:

• ~려고 하다 expresses intention, while ~고 싶다 conveys desire without implying action.
• ~려고 하다 indicates more definitive plans compared to ~려고 보다, which suggests an attempt.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 저는 한국어를 배우려고 합니다.
     (jeoneun hangugeoreul baeuryogo hamnida.)
     • "I intend to learn Korean."
2. Informal:
   • 나는 내일 친구를 만나려고 해.
     (naneun naeil chingureul mannaryeogo hae.)
     • "I am trying to meet my friend tomorrow."
3. Written:
   • 그는 운동을 시작하려고 결심했다.
     (geuneun undongeul sijakaryeogo gyeolsimhaetta.)
     • "He decided to start exercising."
4. Spoken:
   • 나 방 청소하려고 해.
     (na bang cheongsoharyeogo hae.)
     • "I’m trying to clean my room."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing intent politely is significant. Using ~려고 하다 reflects a thoughtful approach to interaction, indicating one’s plans while being considerate of the listener.

Levels of Politeness

Politeness levels can be adjusted by changing the formality of 하다:

• 합니다 (hamnida) for formal
• 해 (hae) for informal

Idiomatic Expressions

• 하고 싶었던 대로 하려고 한다 (hago sipdeon daero haryeogo handa) – "I intend to do as I wanted."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Usage with Adjectives:
   • Mistake: 예쁘려고 하다 instead of 예쁘다 (is pretty).
   • Correct: 예쁘게 보이려고 하다 (try to seem pretty).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 려고 하다 as "I plan/intend to" which emphasizes intention, unlike just "want to" (which would be -고 싶다).

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~려고 하다 denotes intent to take an action.
• Structure is simple: [Verb Stem] + ~려고 하다.
• It shows more commitment to action than just wanting.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~려고 하다 mean in English?
2. Provide the informal equivalent for "I intend to go."
3. How does ~려고 하다 differ from ~고 싶다? Processing keyword: ~려고 하다 [ryeogo hada] (Try to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~려고 하다 [ryeogo hada] (Try to)

Grammar Point: ~려고 하다 [ryeogo hada] (Try to)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~려고 하다 is used to express an intention or a plan to do something. It can be understood as "to try to" or "to plan to" in English. This structure is commonly used in both spoken and written Korean to convey one's intentions regarding future actions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure ~려고 하다 consists of two parts:

• ~려고: This is a form derived from a verb stem + (으)려고. It indicates the purpose or intent behind an action.
• 하다: This verb means "to do".

Formation Diagram

The formation to express this grammar point is as follows:

[Verb Stem] + (으)려고 하다

• If the verb stem ends in a vowel:

  • Example: 가다 ([to go]) → 가려고 하다 (to try to go)

• If the verb stem ends in a consonant:

  • Example: 먹다 ([to eat]) → 먹으려고 하다 (to try to eat)

Meaning and Usage

• This grammar structure indicates the speaker’s intention or the action they intend to take.
• It often encompasses the nuances of planning or attempting to do something.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• 고 싶다 (go sipda): This means "want to." It focuses on desire.

  • Example: 가고 싶다 (I want to go).

• 려고 하다 (ryeogo hada): This indicates intention rather than just desire.

  • Example: 가려고 하다 (I am trying to go).

Difference: While "고 싶다" expresses a want, "려고 하다" indicates that you are attempting or planning to carry out that action.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • 내일 서울에 가려고 합니다.
   • (I am planning to go to Seoul tomorrow.)

2. Informal:

   • 영화 보려고 해.
   • (I’m going to try to watch a movie.)

3. Spoken:

   • 친구 만나려고 해.
   • (I’m trying to meet a friend.)

4. Written:

   • 저는 한국어를 공부하려고 합니다.
   • (I am trying to study Korean.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing intentions can carry subtle connotations of politeness and commitment. When using ~려고 하다, it is essential to match the level of politeness appropriate to the context (formal vs. informal).

Idiomatic Expressions

• "하는 길에" (on the way to doing something) can often use ~려고 하다 to imply intention while doing something else.
  • Example: 시장에 가려고 하는 길이에요. (On my way to the market.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Omitting the Verb Stem: A common mistake is to forget to provide the base verb before 려고 하다. Always remember to include a verb.
  • Incorrect: 저는 가려고 합니다. (Correct: 저는 가려고 하다.)

Learning Strategies

• Remember "려고" signifies an action aimed at a goal. Associating "려" with "intention" could help you recall its purpose.
• Practice with various verbs to get a feel for this structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~려고 하다 is used to express intention or plans for future actions.
• The structure can reflect varying levels of politeness.
• Understanding the difference from similar structures like ~고 싶다 is crucial for precise communication.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I am trying to eat" using ~려고 하다?
2. What is the difference between ~려고 하다 and ~고 싶다?
3. Why is it important to choose the right level of politeness when using this grammar point? Processing keyword: ~려고 하다 [ryeogo hada] (Try to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~려고 하다 [ryeogo hada] (Try to)

Grammar Point: ~려고 하다 [ryeogo hada] (Try to)

1. Introduction

The expression ~려고 하다 is commonly used in the Korean language to indicate an intention or effort to do something. It can be translated as "to try to," "to intend to," or "to plan to" in English.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase signifies an intention, attempt, or plan to do something. It is often used when someone wants to express their willingness or desire to take action.
• Structure:
  • Basic Structure: Verb Stem + 려고 하다
  • Example:
    • 가다 (gada - to go) → 가려고 하다 (galyego hada - to try to go)
    • 먹다 (meokda - to eat) → 먹으려고 하다 (meogeulyeogo hada - to try to eat)

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem + 려고 하다
   ↓
  가다 (to go) → 가려고 하다 (to intend to go)
  먹다 (to eat) → 먹으려고 하다 (to intend to eat)

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Expressions

• ~고 싶다: This is used to express a desire. For example, 가고 싶다 means "I want to go."
  • Difference: While ~고 싶다 expresses a wish or desire, ~려고 하다 expresses intention or plan to do something, indicating that the action is on the verge of being undertaken.
• ~으려고 하다: This is a variation used for verb stems ending in a consonant.
  • Example: 하다 (hada - to do) → 하려고 하다 (haryeogo hada - to intend to do)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples:

1. Formal:
   • 저는 내일 회의에 참석하려고 합니다.
   • (Jeoneun naeil hoeui-e chamseugharyeogo hamnida.)
   • "I am trying to attend the meeting tomorrow."
2. Informal:
   • 나는 한국어를 배우려고 해.
   • (Naneun hangugeoreul baeulyeogo hae.)
   • "I am trying to learn Korean."
3. Written:
   • 그녀는 그 책을 읽으려고 노력하고 있다.
   • (Geunyeoneun geu chaeg-eul ilgeulyeogo noryeokhago issda.)
   • "She is trying to read that book."
4. Spoken:
   • 그걸 만들어 보려고 해.
   • (Geugeol mandeureo boryeogo hae.)
   • "I’m trying to make that."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance:

In Korean culture, expressing intentions directly can reflect one's seriousness or commitment. Using ~려고 하다 properly showcases your willingness to take action, making it culturally relevant in formal and informal conversations.

Levels of Politeness:

Korean has varying levels of politeness through verb endings. Using ~려고 하다 with different endings ( 해 (hae) for informal and 합니다 (hamnida) for formal) adjusts the level of politeness in a conversation.

Idiomatic Expressions:

While there aren't widely recognized idioms using this specific grammar point, combining it with other expressions can form common phrases, such as:

• 가려고 하는데요. (I am intending to go, but...) - can be used when transitioning or leading into another topic.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis:

1. Using an incorrect verb form: Always ensure you're using the correct verb stem before adding ~려고 하다.

   • Example mistake: Saying "가려고 해요" instead of "갈려고 해요".

2. Neglecting politeness levels: Remember to match the politeness level of ~려고 하다 with your audience.

Learning Strategies:

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "하려고" is about "trying to act." The "하" comes from the verb 하다, linking it to the idea of action and intent.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways:

• ~려고 하다 indicates intention or attempt to do something.
• It can change form slightly depending on the vowel or consonant following it.
• Pay attention to context and levels of politeness in your usage.

Quick Recap Quiz:

1. How do you form the phrase to mean "I want to go" in Korean?
2. What is the difference between ~고 싶다 and ~려고 하다?
3. Provide an example sentence using ~려고 하다 in a formal tone.