Processing keyword: ~하려고 하다 [haryeogo hada] (Try to do)
Korean Grammar Point: ~하려고 하다 [haryeogo hada] (Try to do)
1. Introduction
The pattern ~하려고 하다 is a commonly used Korean grammar structure that expresses a speaker's intention, plan, or attempt to perform an action. It translates to "to try to do" or "intend to do" in English. Understanding this pattern is essential for conveying future actions and intentions in Korean.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- Intention/Plan: Indicates that the speaker intends or plans to do something.
- Attempt: Shows that the speaker is trying or about to do something.
Structure
Verb Stem + (으)려고 하다
| Verb Ending | Rule | Example Verb | Formation | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vowel or 'ㄹ' ending | Add 려고 하다 | 가다 (to go) | 가 + 려고 하다 | 가려고 하다 |
| Consonant ending | Add 으려고 하다 | 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 + 으려고 하다 | 먹으려고 하다 |
Formation Diagram
[Verb Stem] + (으)려고 하다
- For Verb Stems Ending with a Vowel or 'ㄹ':
가다 → 가려고 하다 (intend to go) 만들다 → 만들려고 하다 (intend to make) - For Verb Stems Ending with a Consonant:
먹다 → 먹으려고 하다 (intend to eat) 읽다 → 읽으려고 하다 (intend to read)
3. Comparative Analysis
Compared with ~고 싶다 (want to do)
- ~고 싶다 expresses desire to do something.
- 친구를 만나고 싶어요. (I want to meet a friend.)
- ~하려고 하다 expresses intention or plan to do something.
- 친구를 만나려고 해요. (I intend to meet a friend.)
Compared with ~(으)려고 (in order to)
- ~(으)려고 is used to express purpose and is often followed by another verb.
- 한국어를 배우려고 한국에 갔어요. (I went to Korea in order to learn Korean.)
- ~하려고 하다 focuses on the intention to perform an action.
- 한국어를 배우려고 해요. (I intend to learn Korean.)
4. Examples in Context
Formal Situations
- 회의를 시작하려고 합니다.
- I am about to start the meeting.
- 내년에 유학을 가려고 합니다.
- I intend to study abroad next year.
Informal Situations
- 저녁에 영화를 보려고 해.
- I'm planning to watch a movie this evening.
- 주말에 등산을 가려고 해요.
- I'm thinking of going hiking this weekend.
Written Language
- 회사를 옮기려고 합니다.
- I am planning to change jobs.
Spoken Language
- 비가 오려고 해요.
- It looks like it's going to rain.
- 지금 출발하려고 해요.
- I'm about to leave now.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- In Korean culture, expressing intentions politely is important. Using ~하려고 하다 can make statements sound more considerate and less direct.
- It reflects a level of modesty by implying that the action is planned or intended rather than asserting it bluntly.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
| Speech Level | Ending | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | ~(으)려고 합니다 | 여행을 가려고 합니다. |
| Polite | ~(으)려고 해요 | 여행을 가려고 해요. |
| Informal | ~(으)려고 해 | 여행을 가려고 해. |
Idiomatic Expressions
- 죽으려고 하다: To be about to die (used figuratively).
- 너무 배고파서 죽으려고 해. (I'm so hungry I'm about to die.)
- 울려고 하다: To be about to cry.
- 아기가 울려고 해요. (The baby is about to cry.)
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Omitting '으' after a consonant-ending verb:
- Incorrect: 먹려고 해요.
- Correct: 먹으려고 해요.
- Using with adjectives (descriptive verbs):
- Incorrect: 예쁘려고 해요.
- Correct: Use action verbs or rephrase (e.g., 예뻐지려고 해요. meaning "trying to become pretty").
Learning Strategies
- Tip: Remember that if the verb stem ends with a consonant (excluding 'ㄹ'), you need to add 으 before 려고 하다.
- Mnemonic: "Consonant? Add '으' promptly!"
- Practice: Conjugate different verbs with ~하려고 하다 to get comfortable with the pattern.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~하려고 하다 is used to express intentions, plans, or attempts to perform an action.
- The structure changes slightly depending on whether the verb stem ends with a vowel or a consonant.
- It is different from ~고 싶다 (want to do) and ~(으)려고 (in order to).
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank: 학교에 일찍 __________ 해요. (intend to go) Answer: 학교에 일찍 가려고 해요.
- Choose the correct form: 읽다 + ~하려고 하다 = a) 읽려고 하다 b) 읽으려고 하다 Answer: b) 읽으려고 하다
- Translate to Korean: I am trying to learn Korean. Answer: 한국어를 배우려고 해요.
By mastering ~하려고 하다, you can effectively express your intentions and plans in Korean, making your speech sound more natural and culturally appropriate!