Processing keyword: ~(으)ㄹ라고 [(eu)llago] (Intend to)
Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)ㄹ라고 [(eu)llago] (Intend to)
1. Introduction
Expressing intention or purpose is a fundamental aspect of communication in any language. In Korean, the grammar pattern ~(으)ㄹ라고 [(eu)llago] is commonly used to indicate that someone intends to do something. This lesson will delve into the usage, formation, and nuances of this grammar point to help you communicate your intentions effectively in Korean.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The suffix ~(으)ㄹ라고 is used to express the speaker's intention or plan to perform an action. It translates to "intend to," "plan to," or "in order to" in English.
Structure
- Verb Stem + (으)ㄹ라고
Formation
- Identify the Verb Stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the verb to find the stem.
- Attach the Appropriate Ending:
- If the verb stem ends with a vowel or the consonant ㄹ, add -려고.
- If the verb stem ends with a consonant other than ㄹ, add -으려고.
Formation Diagram
| Verb Ending | Attach |
|---|---|
| Vowel or consonant ㄹ ending | -려고 |
| Consonant ending (excluding ㄹ) | -으려고 |
Examples
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | Ending | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가 | -려고 | 가려고 | intend to go |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | -으려고 | 먹으려고 | intend to eat |
| 살다 (to live) | 살 | -려고 | 살려고 | intend to live |
| 읽다 (to read) | 읽 | -으려고 | 읽으려고 | intend to read |
| 만들다 (to make) | 만들 | -려고 | 만들려고 | intend to make |
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparing with Similar Grammar Points
~(으)려고 하다
- Usage: Also expresses intention but slightly more formal and can imply that the action is about to happen.
- Example: 가려고 해요. (I intend to go.)
~기 위해(서)
- Usage: Means "in order to" and is used to express the purpose of an action.
- Example: 한국어를 배우기 위해 한국에 왔어요. (I came to Korea in order to learn Korean.)
Nuances
- ~(으)ㄹ라고 is more colloquial and commonly used in spoken Korean.
- ~(으)려고 하다 is appropriate in both spoken and written contexts and is slightly more formal.
- ~기 위해(서) is often used in formal writing or speeches.
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Informal Spoken Korean
- 집에 가려고 해. I'm planning to go home.
- 친구를 만나려고 카페에 왔어. I came to the cafe to meet a friend.
- 뭐 할라고? What are you intending to do?
Formal Spoken/Written Korean
- 내일 일찍 일어나려고 합니다. I intend to wake up early tomorrow.
- 건강을 위해 운동을 시작하려고 합니다. I intend to start exercising for my health.
- 프로젝트를 완료하려고 열심히 일하고 있습니다. I am working hard intending to complete the project.
Contextual Usage
- Expressing Immediate Intentions:
- 지금 나가려고 해요. I intend to go out now.
- Expressing Future Plans:
- 졸업 후에 유학을 가려고 합니다. I plan to study abroad after graduation.
- Asking About Intentions:
- 뭐 하려고 해요? What are you planning to do?
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Levels of Politeness:
- Using ~(으)ㄹ라고 can be informal. In polite or formal situations, it's common to use ~(으)려고 합니다 or ~(으)려고 해요.
- Intention in Korean Culture:
- Expressing intentions explicitly is appreciated in Korean culture as it shows planning and consideration.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 할라고 하니 일이 많다.
- Just when I intend to do it, there's too much work.
- 먹을라고 했는데 다 떨어졌네.
- I was going to eat, but it's all gone.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
Common Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Ending
- Incorrect: 먹려고 (with 먹다)
- Correct: 먹으려고
- Because 먹다 ends with a consonant other than ㄹ, it requires -으려고.
Common Mistake 2: Mixing Formality Levels
- Using ~(으)ㄹ라고 in formal writing or speeches where ~(으)려고 합니다 would be more appropriate.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device:
- Vowel or ㄹ + 려고, Consonant + 으려고
- Practice with Common Verbs:
- Conjugate frequently used verbs to get comfortable with the pattern.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~(으)ㄹ라고 is used to express intention or purpose, meaning "intend to" or "plan to."
- Attach -려고 to verb stems ending with a vowel or ㄹ, and -으려고 to stems ending with other consonants.
- It is more commonly used in informal or spoken Korean.
- In formal situations, consider using ~(으)려고 합니다 or ~(으)려고 해요.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Conjugate the verb 가다 (to go) using ~(으)ㄹ라고. Answer: 가려고
- Is ~(으)ㄹ라고 more appropriate in spoken or written Korean? Answer: Spoken Korean
- Which ending would you use with the verb 듣다 (to listen)? Answer: 들으려고
By mastering ~(으)ㄹ라고, you enhance your ability to express intentions clearly in Korean. Practice using this grammar point in your daily conversations to become more fluent and natural in the language.