Processing keyword: ~려는데 [ryeoneunde] (Trying to, want to, but)
Korean Grammar Point: ~려는데 [ryeoneunde] (Trying to, want to, but)
1. Introduction
~려는데 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.
| Verb Stem Ending | Form |
|---|---|
| Vowel | Verb + 려는데 |
| Consonant | Verb + 으려는데 |
Formation Diagram
- Identify the verb stem by removing 다 from the infinitive form.
- Add:
- 려는데 if the stem ends with a vowel.
- 으려는데 if the stem ends with a consonant.
Examples:
- 가다 (to go)
- Verb Stem: 가
- Ends with a vowel: 가 + 려는데 = 가려는데 (I was going to go, but...)
- 먹다 (to eat)
- Verb Stem: 먹
- Ends with a consonant: 먹 + 으려는데 = 먹으려는데 (I was going to eat, but...)
- 하다 (to do)
- Verb Stem: 하
- Ends with a vowel: 하 + 려는데 = 하려는데 (I was going to do, but...)
- 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
- 집에 가려는데 비가 와.
- I was going to go home, but it's raining.
- 영화 보려는데 같이 갈래?
- I'm trying to watch a movie; want to come along?
- 책을 읽으려는데 너무 졸려.
- I was going to read a book, but I'm too sleepy.
Formal Speech
- 지금 출발하려는데 괜찮으세요?
- I'm about to depart now; is that okay with you?
- 회의를 시작하려는데 모두 준비되셨습니까?
- We are about to start the meeting; is everyone ready?
- 보고서를 제출하려는데 수정할 부분이 있나요?
- I am about to submit the report; are there any parts that need revision?
Written Context
- 행사를 진행하려는데 날씨가 변덕스러워 걱정입니다.
- We are planning to proceed with the event, but we're worried because the weather is unpredictable.
- 프로젝트를 시작하려는데 예산이 부족합니다.
- We are trying to start the project, but we lack the necessary budget.
Conversational Use
- 밥 먹으려는데 같이 할래요?
- I'm about to eat; would you like to join?
- 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
- Using ~려는데 with adjectives (descriptive verbs).
- Incorrect: 날씨가 좋으려는데...
- Correct: 날씨가 좋을 줄 알았는데... (I thought the weather would be good, but...)
- 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
- How do you attach ~려는데 to the verb 읽다 (to read)?
- Answer: 읽으려는데
- Translate to Korean: "I was going to call you, but I was too busy."
- Answer: 전화하려는데 너무 바빴어요.
- 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!