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

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

려고 하다 (ryeogo hada) (Try to, Intend 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.

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:

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.)

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.)

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.

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.

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

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.)

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!