Processing keyword: ~(으)려고 하다 [(eu)ryeogo hada] (To try to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)려고 하다 [(eu)ryeogo hada] (To try to)

Grammar Point: ~(으)려고 하다 [(eu)ryeogo hada] - "To intend to", "To plan to", "To try to"

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar pattern ~(으)려고 하다, which is commonly used to express intention, plans, or attempts to do something. Understanding this pattern will enhance your ability to talk about future actions and intentions in Korean, a crucial aspect of daily communication.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~(으)려고 하다 means "to intend to," "to plan to," or "to try to." It's used when you want to express that someone has the intention or plan to perform a certain action.

Structure

To construct this expression:

1. Verb Stem: Start with the verb stem (the dictionary form of the verb without -다).
2. Add Suffix:
   • If the verb stem ends with a vowel, add -려고 하다.
   • If the verb stem ends with a consonant, add -으려고 하다.
   • Exception: If the verb stem ends with ㄹ, treat it as a vowel ending and add -려고 하다.

Formation Chart

Formation Diagram

1. Remove -다 from the dictionary form of the verb to get the verb stem.
2. Determine the correct suffix:
   • Verb Stem ends with a Vowel:
     • Verb Stem + -려고 하다
   • Verb Stem ends with a Consonant (excluding ㄹ):
     • Verb Stem + -으려고 하다
   • Verb Stem ends with ㄹ:
     • Verb Stem + -려고 하다
3. Examples:
   • 가다 (to go):
     • 가 + 려고 하다 → 가려고 하다 (intend to go)
   • 먹다 (to eat):
     • 먹 + 으려고 하다 → 먹으려고 하다 (intend to eat)
   • 살다 (to live) [ends with ㄹ]:
     • 살 + 려고 하다 → 살려고 하다 (intend to live)

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ~(으)러 가다/오다

• Usage: Indicates going/coming somewhere to perform an action ("in order to").
• Example: 도서관에 공부하러 가요. (I go to the library to study.)
• Difference: Focuses on the movement to a place for a purpose, whereas ~(으)려고 하다 emphasizes the intention or plan itself.

2. ~고 싶다

• Usage: Expresses desire or wish to do something ("want to").
• Example: 영화를 보고 싶어요. (I want to watch a movie.)
• Difference: ~고 싶다 conveys a personal desire, while ~(으)려고 하다 indicates a plan or intention, which may involve actions already being taken toward that plan.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Polite Speech

1. 저는 내년에 한국에 가려고 합니다.
   • I intend to go to Korea next year.
2. 회의를 시작하려고 합니다.
   • We are about to start the meeting.

Informal Polite Speech

1. 저녁에 친구를 만나려고 해요.
   • I'm planning to meet a friend in the evening.
2. 새 차를 사려고 해요.
   • I intend to buy a new car.

Casual Speech

1. 뭐 하려고 해?
   • What are you planning to do?
2. 집에서 쉬려고 해.
   • I'm planning to rest at home.

Written Context

1. 그 회사는 신제품을 출시하려고 합니다.
   • The company intends to launch a new product.
2. 정부는 교육 제도를 개선하려고 합니다.
   • The government plans to improve the education system.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

The verb 하다 in ~(으)려고 하다 changes form depending on the level of politeness:

• Formal Polite (Formal settings, speeches):
  • -려고 합니다
  • Example: 이 문제를 해결하려고 합니다. (We intend to solve this problem.)
• Informal Polite (Everyday conversation):
  • -려고 해요
  • Example: 주말에 여행을 가려고 해요. (I'm planning to travel on the weekend.)
• Casual (Between close friends, peers):
  • -려고 해
  • Example: 영화를 보려고 해. (I'm planning to watch a movie.)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 비가 오려고 해요.
  • Literally "It intends to rain," but idiomatically means "It looks like it's going to rain."
• 큰일 나려고 해요.
  • Means "A big problem is about to happen." These expressions show how ~(으)려고 하다 can be used to predict imminent events based on current signs.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Suffix After Consonants/Vowels

• Incorrect: 먹다 → 먹려고 하다 ❌
• Correct: 먹다 → 먹으려고 하다 ✔️ Tip: After consonant-ending verb stems (except for ㄹ), always use -으려고 하다.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Exception for Verbs Ending with ㄹ

• Incorrect: 만들다 → 만들으려고 하다 ❌
• Correct: 만들다 → 만들려고 하다 ✔️ Tip: If the verb stem ends with ㄹ, treat it as a vowel ending and use -려고 하다.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate 려고 with "ready to go" to remember it expresses intention.
• Practice with Daily Plans: Create sentences about what you plan to do each day using ~(으)려고 하다.
• Compare Similar Structures: Make sentences using both ~(으)려고 하다 and ~고 싶다 to understand the nuances.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~(으)려고 하다 is used to express intention, plan, or attempt to perform an action.
• Attach -려고 하다 after vowel-ending verb stems and ㄹ consonant endings.
• Attach -으려고 하다 after verb stems ending with other consonants.
• Adjust the form of 하다 to match the politeness level required.
• Be aware of similar grammar patterns and their differences.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Convert to Korean using ~(으)려고 하다: "I intend to study Korean."
   • Answer: 한국어를 공부하려고 해요.
2. Choose the correct form: "To listen" is 듣다. How do you say "intend to listen"? a) 듣으려고 하다 b) 들으려고 하다 Answer: b) 들으려고 하다 (Explanation: 듣다 has an irregular conjugation where ㄷ changes to ㄹ before a vowel.)
3. Translate to English: "친구들이 오려고 해요."
   • Answer: Friends are planning to come.

Additional Practice Sentences

1. 내일 일찍 일어나려고 해요.
   • I plan to wake up early tomorrow.
2. 사진을 찍으려고 카메라를 샀어요.
   • I bought a camera because I plan to take pictures.
3. 저는 유학을 가려고 합니다.
   • I intend to study abroad.

By mastering ~(으)려고 하다, you can effectively express your intentions and discuss future plans, making your Korean conversations more dynamic and expressive. Keep practicing by expressing your daily plans and intentions in Korean!