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

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

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~려고 하다 (~ryeogo hada), which is used to express intentions, plans, or attempts to do something. Mastering this grammar will help you communicate your future actions and intentions naturally in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~려고 하다 is used to indicate that the subject:

• Intends to do something.
• Plans to perform an action.
• Is about to do something.
• Tries to or attempts to do something. It translates to "to try to," "to plan to," "to intend to," or "to be about to" in English.

Structure

Formation

Attach ~려고 하다 to the verb stem. The form changes slightly depending on whether the verb stem ends with a vowel or a consonant. Formation Diagram:

Verb Stem Ending	Attach	Example Verb	Conjugated Form
Vowel	-려고 하다	가다 (to go)	가려고 하다
Consonant	-으려고 하다	먹다 (to eat)	먹으려고 하다

Note: If the verb stem ends with a vowel, simply add -려고 하다. If it ends with a consonant, add -으려고 하다.

Conjugation Examples

You can conjugate 하다 in ~려고 하다 to match the tense and politeness level.

Present Tense

• Informal Polite: ~려고 해요
• Formal Polite: ~려고 합니다 Examples:
• 여행을 가려고 해요. (I'm planning to go on a trip.)
• 공부를 하려고 합니다. (I intend to study.)

Past Tense

• Informal Polite: ~려고 했어요
• Formal Polite: ~려고 했습니다 Examples:
• 영화를 보려고 했어요, 하지만 시간이 없었어요. (I tried to watch a movie, but I didn't have time.)
• 친구를 만나려고 했습니다, 그러나 못 만났습니다. (I intended to meet a friend, but couldn't.)

Future Tense

• Informal Polite: ~려고 할 거예요
• Formal Polite: ~려고 할 것입니다 Examples:
• 저녁에 운동을 하려고 할 거예요. (I will try to exercise in the evening.)
• 회사를 그만두려고 할 것입니다. (I will intend to quit the company.)

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

~려고 하다 vs. ~기 위해(서)

• ~려고 하다: Emphasizes intention or plan to perform an action.
• ~기 위해(서): Means "in order to" and emphasizes the purpose of an action. Examples:

1. 외국에서 공부하려고 해요. (I plan to study abroad.)
2. 외국에서 공부하기 위해서 한국어를 배워요. (I learn Korean in order to study abroad.)

~려고 하다 vs. ~(으)ㄹ 거예요

• ~려고 하다: Indicates intention or near-future plans, often with a sense of immediacy.
• ~(으)ㄹ 거예요: Simply states a future action without emphasizing intention. Examples:

1. 책을 읽으려고 해요. (I'm trying to read a book.)
2. 책을 읽을 거예요. (I will read a book.)

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Informal Speech

1. 지금 집에 가려고 해.
   • I'm about to go home now.
2. 뭐 먹으려고 해?
   • What are you planning to eat?

Polite Informal Speech

1. 주말에 영화를 보려고 해요.
   • I'm planning to watch a movie on the weekend.
2. 친구를 만나려고 해요.
   • I'm trying to meet a friend.

Formal Speech

1. 다음 달에 한국에 가려고 합니다.
   • I intend to go to Korea next month.
2. 회의를 오후에 열려고 합니다.
   • We plan to hold the meeting in the afternoon.

Negative Form

1. 그 소식을 들으지 않으려고 해요.
   • I'm trying not to hear that news.
2. 실수하지 않으려고 합니다.
   • I intend not to make a mistake.

Past Intentions

1. 어제 공부하려고 했어요, 하지만 아팠어요.
   • I tried to study yesterday, but I was sick.
2. 그녀를 도와주려고 했어요, 그러나 늦었어요.
   • I intended to help her, but I was late.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing one's intentions politely is important to maintain harmony and show respect. Using ~려고 하다 allows speakers to share their plans without imposing or sounding too direct, which aligns with the indirect communication style prevalent in Korea.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Casual Speech: Used among close friends or peers.
  • Example: 뭐 하려고 해?
• Polite Informal Speech: Common in everyday conversations with acquaintances.
  • Example: 어디에 가려고 해요?
• Formal Speech: Used in professional settings or with superiors.
  • Example: 어떻게 하려고 합니까?

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 죽으려고 해요!
   • Literally: "I'm about to die!"
   • Meaning: An expression used when someone is extremely tired or overwhelmed.
2. 웃지 않으려고 해요.
   • I'm trying not to laugh.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Verb Stem Attachment
   • Mistake: 먹다 → 먹려고 하다
   • Correction: 먹다 → 먹으려고 하다
     • Since "먹" ends with a consonant, add -으려고 하다.
2. Using the Wrong Tense of 하다
   • Mistake: 공부하려고 해요. (When talking about a past intention)
   • Correction: 공부하려고 했어요.
     • Use the past tense of 하다 to indicate past intentions.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: For verbs ending with a consonant, think of "으" as a cushion that helps the consonant attach smoothly to the ending.
• Practice with Common Verbs:

  Verb	Verb Stem	Ending Needed	Conjugated Form
  가다	가	-려고 하다	가려고 하다
  읽다	읽	-으려고 하다	읽으려고 하다
  쓰다	쓰	-려고 하다	쓰려고 하다
  듣다	듣	-으려고 하다	듣으려고 하다

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~려고 하다 is used to express intentions, plans, or attempts.
• Attach -려고 하다 to verb stems ending with vowels.
• Attach -으려고 하다 to verb stems ending with consonants.
• Conjugate 하다 to match the tense and formality.
• Be mindful of cultural contexts and politeness levels when using this grammar.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 친구를 ________ 해요. (만나다)
   • Answer: 만나려고 해요.
2. Choose the correct form: 먹다 → 먹려고 하다 or 먹으려고 하다?
   • Answer: 먹으려고 하다
3. Translate to Korean: "I tried to call."
   • Answer: 전화하려고 했어요.
4. Correct the mistake: 비가 오으려고 해요.
   • Correction: 비가 오려고 해요. (Since "오" ends with a vowel, use -려고 해요.)

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By understanding and practicing ~려고 하다, you'll be able to express your intentions and plans more naturally in Korean conversations. Keep practicing with different verbs and contexts to strengthen your grasp of this useful grammar point!

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