Processing keyword: ~려는데 [ryeoneunde] (Trying to, want to, but)

Korean Grammar Point: ~려는데 [ryeoneunde] (Trying to, want to, but)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~려는데 ([ryeoneunde]) - Trying to, want to, but

1. Introduction

Welcome to today's lesson on the Korean grammar point ~려는데. This grammatical structure is essential for expressing intentions or plans that are met with contrasting situations or unexpected events. It allows speakers to convey their purpose followed by a "but" clause, providing context or reasons for the ensuing action or question. Mastering ~려는데 will enhance your ability to articulate plans and explain circumstances in everyday Korean conversation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~려는데 is used to:

• Express an intention or plan to do something.
• Introduce a contrasting situation, unexpected event, or reason that affects the initial intention.
• Often translated as "I was going to..., but..." or "I intend to..., but..."

Structure

The structure of ~려는데 varies slightly depending on whether the verb stem ends with a vowel or a consonant.

Formation Diagram

1. Identify the verb stem by removing 다 from the infinitive form.
2. Add:
   • 려는데 if the stem ends with a vowel.
   • 으려는데 if the stem ends with a consonant.

Examples:

1. 가다 (to go)
   • Verb Stem: 가
   • Ends with a vowel: 가 + 려는데 = 가려는데 (I was going to go, but...)
2. 먹다 (to eat)
   • Verb Stem: 먹
   • Ends with a consonant: 먹 + 으려는데 = 먹으려는데 (I was going to eat, but...)
3. 하다 (to do)
   • Verb Stem: 하
   • Ends with a vowel: 하 + 려는데 = 하려는데 (I was going to do, but...)
4. 읽다 (to read)
   • Verb Stem: 읽
   • Ends with a consonant: 읽 + 으려는데 = 읽으려는데 (I was going to read, but...)

Usage Notes

• ~려는데 is attached to action verbs to indicate intention.
• The clause following ~려는데 often presents:
  • An obstacle or reason preventing the action.
  • A request or suggestion.
  • Additional information related to the intention.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ~려고 하는데

• Meaning: "I am planning to..., but..."
• Usage: Focuses on a current or future intention.
• Example: 친구를 만나려고 하는데 시간이 없어요. (I am planning to meet a friend, but I don't have time.)

2. ~려고 했는데

• Meaning: "I was going to..., but..."
• Usage: Reflects a past intention that was not fulfilled.
• Example: 영화 보려고 했는데 표가 매진이었어요. (I was going to watch a movie, but the tickets were sold out.)

Difference with ~려는데

• ~려는데 can be used similarly to ~려고 했는데, but it's slightly less focused on a past intention and more on the current context or immediate future.
• ~려는데 often sets up for an explanation or question in the following clause.

4. Examples in Context

Informal Speech

1. 집에 가려는데 비가 와.
   • I was going to go home, but it's raining.
2. 영화 보려는데 같이 갈래?
   • I'm trying to watch a movie; want to come along?
3. 책을 읽으려는데 너무 졸려.
   • I was going to read a book, but I'm too sleepy.

Formal Speech

1. 지금 출발하려는데 괜찮으세요?
   • I'm about to depart now; is that okay with you?
2. 회의를 시작하려는데 모두 준비되셨습니까?
   • We are about to start the meeting; is everyone ready?
3. 보고서를 제출하려는데 수정할 부분이 있나요?
   • I am about to submit the report; are there any parts that need revision?

Written Context

1. 행사를 진행하려는데 날씨가 변덕스러워 걱정입니다.
   • We are planning to proceed with the event, but we're worried because the weather is unpredictable.
2. 프로젝트를 시작하려는데 예산이 부족합니다.
   • We are trying to start the project, but we lack the necessary budget.

Conversational Use

1. 밥 먹으려는데 같이 할래요?
   • I'm about to eat; would you like to join?
2. 전화하려는데 번호를 잊어버렸어.
   • I was going to call, but I forgot the number.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~려는데 can be used in both informal and polite contexts.
• Adjust the sentence ending to match the appropriate level of politeness.
  • Informal: 가려는데 집에 갈래?
  • Polite: 가려는데요. 집에 가실래요?

Idiomatic Expressions

• 가려는 데까지 가다
  • To go as far as one intends.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ~려는데 with adjectives (descriptive verbs).
   • Incorrect: 날씨가 좋으려는데...
   • Correct: 날씨가 좋을 줄 알았는데... (I thought the weather would be good, but...)
2. Forgetting to add 으 after consonant-ending stems.
   • Incorrect: 먹려는데
   • Correct: 먹으려는데

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ~려는데 as combining intention (~려고) and background information or contrast (~는데).
• Practice: Create sentences expressing your intentions followed by a "but" clause to get comfortable with the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~려는데 is used to express an intention followed by contrasting information.
• Attach ~려는데 to the verb stem, using 으려는데 if the stem ends with a consonant.
• It bridges two clauses: your intention and the obstacle or additional context.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~려는데 to the verb 읽다 (to read)?
   • Answer: 읽으려는데
2. Translate to Korean: "I was going to call you, but I was too busy."
   • Answer: 전화하려는데 너무 바빴어요.
3. True or False: ~려는데 can be used with adjectives.
   • Answer: False

Feel free to practice by making your own sentences using ~려는데, and don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions!