Pattern: -(으)려고
-(으)려고 (-(eu)ryeo-go, (eu)ryeogo)
-(으)려고 expresses intention or purpose when planning to do something. Essential for stating goals.
When and how native speakers actually use it.
A verb ending expressing intention or purpose to do an action
When to use
Talking about plans, Explaining purpose, Expressing intention
The nuance
Attach '-으려고' to verb stems ending with a consonant, '-려고' if vowel. It expresses intention or purpose for a future action. The following clause usually explains the purpose of the action.
저는 한국어를 배우려고 학원에 다녀요.
jeo-neun han-guk-eo-reul bae-u-ryeo-go hak-won-e da-nyeo-yo., jeo neun han guk eo reul bae u ryeo go hak won e da nyeo yo.
'배우려고' correctly attaches '-려고' to '배우다' to express intention.
내일 친구를 만나려고 영화를 봤어요.
nae-il chin-gu-reul man-na-ryeo-go yeong-hwa-reul bwass-eo-yo., nae il chin gu reul man na ryeo go yeong hwa reul bwass eo yo.
Using '-려고' for past actions requires the action to be intended for the purpose; here, watching a movie doesn't logically serve meeting a friend.
운동을 하려고 공원에 갔어요.
un-dong-eul ha-ryeo-go gong-won-e gass-eo-yo., un dong eul ha ryeo go gong won e gass eo yo.
'하려고' attaches to verb stem '하' to clearly show purpose.
밥을 먹으려고 일찍 왔어요.
bap-eul meok-eu-ryeo-go il-jjik wass-eo-yo., bap eul meok eu ryeo go il jjik wass eo yo.
'먹으려고' correctly uses '-려고' after verb stem without final consonant.
공부하려고 도서관에 가요.
gong-bu-ha-ryeo-go do-seo-gwan-e ga-yo., gong bu ha ryeo go do seo gwan e ga yo.
'하려고' attaches to '하다' stem to express intention.
영화를 보려고 친구를 만났어요.
yeong-hwa-reul bo-ryeo-go chin-gu-reul man-nass-eo-yo., yeong hwa reul bo ryeo go chin gu reul man nass eo yo.
The purpose of meeting a friend is not logically to watch a movie, so '-려고' usage is incorrect here.
What does -(으)려고 mean?
Which sentence is correct?
Which sentence is incorrect?
