Processing keyword: ~려는 [ryeoneun] (Intending to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~려는 [ryeoneun] (Intending to)

Understanding the Korean Grammar Point: 려는 (ryeoneun) (Intending to)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point 려는 (ryeoneun) is used to express intention or an action that someone is about to do. It translates to "intending to" or "about to" in English. This grammar is commonly used to describe a future action that the subject plans or intends to perform.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• 려는 (ryeoneun): Indicates the speaker's intention or plan to perform a certain action. It emphasizes that the action is about to happen or is planned.

Structure

The structure involves attaching 려는 (ryeoneun) to the verb stem.

Formation:

1. For verbs ending with a vowel or consonant:

   Verb Stem + 려는
   

2. For verbs with irregular conjugations, adjust accordingly before adding ~려는.

Formation Diagram

동사(Verb) + 려는

Visual Aid: Conjugation Table

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~려는 with 려고 하다 (ryeogo hada)

Both ~려는 and ~려고 하다 express intention, but there are subtle differences:

• 려는 (ryeoneun):
  • Used before nouns to modify them.
  • Emphasizes the action that is about to happen imminently.
• 려고 하다 (ryeogo hada):
  • Used as a verb ending.
  • Can be used to express one's intention or a future plan.
  • Can also indicate a guess or assumption about someone's intentions. Examples:
• ~려는: 가려는 길이 막혔어요. (The road I intend to take is blocked.)
• ~려고 하다: 저는 내일 여행을 가려고 해요. (I intend to go on a trip tomorrow.)

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal Written
   • 새로운 사업을 시작하려는 계획이 있습니다. (I have a plan to start a new business.)
2. Formal Spoken
   • 회의실로 들어가려는 사람이 많습니다. (There are many people intending to enter the meeting room.)
3. Informal Spoken
   • 지금 나가려는 중이야. (I'm about to go out now.)
4. Casual Conversation
   • 뭐 하려는 거야? (What are you intending to do?)
5. Narrative
   • 그는 무언가 말하려는 듯 입을 열었다. (He opened his mouth as if intending to say something.)

Breakdown of an Example

• Sentence: 친구를 만나려는 계획이 있었지만 취소되었어요. (I had planned to meet a friend, but it was canceled.)
• Analysis:
  • 친구를 만나려는 계획
    • 친구를 만나 (meet a friend)
    • 려는 (intending to)
    • 계획 (plan)
  • 있었지만 (had, but)
  • 취소되었어요 (was canceled)

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

Korean language has different levels of politeness. Using ~려는 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings, but ensure that the rest of the sentence matches the appropriate speech level.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 눈물이라도 흘리려는 듯 (As if about to shed tears)
• 떠나려는 사람을 잡지 마세요. (Don't hold onto someone who intends to leave.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ~려는 instead of ~려고 하다 incorrectly
   • Incorrect: 저는 영화 보려는.
   • Correct: 저는 영화를 보려고 해요. (I intend to watch a movie.)
   • Tip: Use ~려고 하다 when you need a verb, and ~려는 when modifying a noun.
2. Forgetting to adjust verb stems
   • Incorrect: 먹려는 계획이에요.
   • Correct: 먹으려는 계획이에요. (I plan to eat.)
   • Tip: Add -으려는 after consonant-ending verb stems for correct pronunciation.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Think of ~려는 as "luggage" you add to a verb to carry your intention into the sentence.
• Practice Conjugation:
  • Pick a verb, write its stem, and add ~려는.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 려는 (ryeoneun) is used to express intention or an imminent action.
• Attach ~려는 directly to the verb stem.
• Adjust with -으려는 after consonants for ease of pronunciation.
• Use ~려는 to modify nouns.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~려는 to the verb 읽다 (to read)?
   • Answer: 읽으려는
2. What's the difference between ~려는 and ~려고 하다?
   • Answer: ~려는 modifies nouns and emphasizes an imminent action; ~려고 하다 is used as a verb ending to express intention or plans.
3. Correct the mistake: 저는 친구를 만나려는 해요.
   • Answer: 저는 친구를 만나려고 해요.

Congratulations! You've learned how to use 려는 (ryeoneun) to express intentions in Korean. Keep practicing by creating your own sentences using this grammar point.