B1 · Intermediate Chapter 4

Intentions and Desired Results

6 Total Rules
62 examples
5 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of articulating your goals, intentions, and the results of your daily actions in Korean.

  • Express the purpose of movement using specific motion-based grammar.
  • State your future plans and personal intentions with clarity.
  • Connect your actions to their desired outcomes using result-oriented structures.
Speak with purpose, act with intention.

What You'll Learn

Ready to take your Korean conversations to the next level? This chapter is all about giving you the power to articulate your intentions, plans, and the desired results of your actions with native-like fluency. No more simply stating what you're doing – you'll master how to clearly communicate *why* you're doing it and *what outcome* you're aiming for! We'll kick things off by making your movements purposeful with 러/으러. This handy ending allows you to explain your reason for going or coming somewhere, like saying, "I'm going to the library *to study*.

Next, get ready to share your future with 려고/으려고, the perfect tool for expressing your personal intentions and plans, such as,
I'm planning *to meet friends* this weekend." Then, we dive into the versatile world of connecting actions to their results using -게 and ~도록. You'll learn to say so that or in order to, enabling you to explain, for example, "I'll study hard *so that* I pass the exam,
or even express doing something to an extreme degree, like
I ran *until* I was exhausted." By the end of this chapter, you won't just be speaking Korean; you'll be conveying your thoughts and motivations with precision and natural flow. Imagine planning a trip with Korean friends, explaining your study goals, or simply detailing the purpose behind your everyday actions. You'll sound more expressive, more confident, and truly B1! Let's get started!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Explain the purpose behind your travel and daily schedule using natural connective endings.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Construct detailed sentences explaining the results you hope to achieve through your actions.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome to your essential B1 Korean grammar guide on expressing intentions and desired results! Mastering these structures is a crucial step for any learner aiming to achieve native-like fluency in Korean grammar. At the CEFR B1 level, you're moving beyond basic communication to articulate complex ideas, and this chapter will empower you to clearly communicate *why* you're doing something and *what outcome* you hope to achieve. No more just stating facts; now you can share your motivations, plans, and the purpose behind your actions with precision.
This chapter introduces you to powerful Korean grammar patterns that allow you to express purpose and result. We'll start with 러/으러 for stating the purpose of going or coming somewhere, like explaining why you're heading to the library. Then, you'll learn 려고/으려고 to express your personal intentions and plans, perfect for discussing weekend activities or future goals. Finally, we'll delve into the versatile -게 and -도록, which allow you to explain actions taken "so that" a certain result occurs, or even to describe actions performed "until" a certain point. By the end, you'll be able to convey your thoughts and motivations with a natural flow, significantly enhancing your B1 Korean communication skills.

How This Grammar Works

This chapter focuses on connecting your actions to your intentions, plans, and desired outcomes. Let's break down the core Korean grammar patterns you'll master.
First, 러/으러 is used to express the purpose of going or coming somewhere. It attaches to the stem of a verb that describes the action you intend to do. If the verb stem ends in a vowel or ㄹ (e.g., 가다, 만들다), use -러. If it ends in a consonant (e.g., 먹다), use -으러. This structure is almost always followed by verbs like 가다 (to go), 오다 (to come), 다니다 (to attend/commute), etc.
* 도서관에 책을 읽으러 가요. (I'm going to the library to read a book.)
* 친구를 만나러 왔어요. (I came to meet a friend.)
Next, 려고/으려고 expresses a personal intention or plan. It attaches to a verb stem. If the verb stem ends in a vowel or ㄹ, use -려고. If it ends in a consonant, use -으려고. This form is more general than 러/으러 and can be used with any verb, not just those of movement. It implies "I intend to," "I plan to," or "I'm going to."
* 주말에 영화를 보려고 해요. (I'm planning to watch a movie this weekend.)
* 한국어를 공부하려고 한국에 왔어요. (I came to Korea to study Korean.)
Then we have -게, a versatile ending that can indicate a result, purpose ("so that," "in order to"), or an extent. It attaches to a verb or adjective stem. When expressing purpose or result, it means "so that [something happens]" or "in a way that [something happens]."
* 문을 닫게 해 주세요. (Please close the door so that it's closed.)
* 모두 이해하게 설명해 주세요. (Please explain it so that everyone understands.)
Finally, -도록 also expresses purpose ("so that," "in order to") or an extent ("until," "to the point where"). It attaches to a verb or adjective stem. It often implies a goal or a limit. While similar to -게 for purpose, -도록 strongly emphasizes the *result* or *extent* of an action.
* 시험에 합격하도록 열심히 공부했어요. (I studied hard so that I would pass the exam.)
* 배가 부르도록 먹었어요. (I ate until I was full.)
* 새벽까지 춤을 추도록 파티를 했어요. (We partied until dawn dancing.)

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 커피를 마시러 공부해요. (I study to drink coffee.)
✓ Correct: 저는 커피를 마시려고 카페에 가요. (I go to the cafe to drink coffee.)
*Explanation:* 러/으러 is specifically for expressing the purpose of *going or coming* somewhere. You cannot use it with verbs that don't imply movement. If you want to express a general intention, use 려고/으려고.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 빨리 끝내려고 노력하세요. (Please try to finish quickly.)
✓ Correct: 빨리 끝내도록 노력하세요. (Please try to finish quickly.)
*Explanation:* While 려고/으려고 can express intention, when you're instructing or asking someone to *try* to achieve a result, -도록 is more natural and conveys "to the point of achieving" or "so that something happens." -게 (빨리 끝나게 노력하세요) is also possible but -도록 is very common with 노력하다.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 문이 열리게 기다렸어요. (I waited so that the door would open.)
✓ Correct: 문이 열릴 때까지 기다렸어요. (I waited until the door opened.)
*Explanation:* While -게 can indicate a result, when expressing "until" a specific event happens, -도록 or -을 때까지 are more precise. -도록 would be 문이 열리도록 기다렸어요.

Real Conversations

A

A

주말에 뭐 하려고 해요? (What are you planning to do this weekend?)
B

B

친구랑 영화 보러 갈 거예요. (I'm going to watch a movie with a friend.)
A

A

한국어를 어떻게 하면 잘하게 될까요? (How can I become good at Korean?)
B

B

매일 꾸준히 공부하도록 노력해야 해요. (You have to try to study consistently every day.)
A

A

왜 이렇게 일찍 왔어요? (Why did you come so early?)
B

B

회의 준비를 미리 하려고 일찍 왔어요. (I came early to prepare for the meeting in advance.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How is 러/으러 different from -고 싶어서?

러/으러 explicitly states the *purpose for moving* (going/coming) to a location, while -고 싶어서 states a *desire as a reason* for any action.

Q

Can 려고/으려고 be used with commands or suggestions?

Generally no, 려고/으려고 expresses *one's own* intention. For commands/suggestions, you'd use other forms like -세요 or -읍시다.

Q

What's the main difference between -게 and -도록 when expressing "so that"?

Both can express purpose. -게 often describes *how* something is done to achieve a result, or simply the result itself. -도록 often emphasizes reaching a *specific goal or extent*, and is common with verbs like 노력하다 (to try) or 하다 (to do).

Cultural Context

These grammar patterns are fundamental for expressing your thoughts and intentions clearly in Korean. Native speakers use 려고/으려고 constantly in daily conversations to share plans and intentions, from simple weekend activities to long-term goals. 러/으러 is indispensable for explaining the purpose of trips or errands. The result connectors -게 and -도록 are crucial for giving instructions, explaining motivations, or describing actions that lead to a certain state, making your communication much more precise and nuanced.

Key Examples (8)

1

주말에 친구랑 같이 영화 보러 가요.

I'm going to see a movie with a friend this weekend.

Going to Do Something (러/으러)
2

오늘 예쁜 옷 사러 명동에 왔어요.

I came to Myeongdong today to buy pretty clothes.

Going to Do Something (러/으러)
3

한국 친구랑 대화하려고 한국어를 배워요.

I'm learning Korean in order to talk with Korean friends.

Planning to do something (려고/으려고)
4

살을 빼려고 매일 운동하고 있어요.

I am exercising every day to lose weight.

Planning to do something (려고/으려고)
5

사진 잘 나오게 좀 웃어 봐!

Smile a bit so the photo comes out well!

-ge: So that, In order to (Result)
6

다들 들을 수 있게 크게 말해 주세요.

Please speak loudly so that everyone can hear.

-ge: So that, In order to (Result)
7

Please speak loudly so I can hear you well.

Please speak loudly so I can hear you well.

Korean 'So That' Ending: Purpose and Results (-게)
8

Be quiet so the kids can sleep.

Be quiet so the kids can sleep.

Korean 'So That' Ending: Purpose and Results (-게)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Check the verb

Always check if the second verb is a motion verb.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Going to Do Something (러/으러)
⚠️

The Clause Trap

Never use commands (-세요), suggestions (-읍시다), or invitations (-을까요) in the second clause when using 려고. Use -려면 instead if you need to give advice!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Planning to do something (려고/으려고)
💡

Adverbial use

Use it to turn adjectives into adverbs.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: -ge: So that, In order to (Result)
💡

Verb Stem Only

Always attach -게 to the stem, not the full verb.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Korean 'So That' Ending: Purpose and Results (-게)

Key Vocabulary (6)

도서관 (doseogwan) library 공부하다 (gongbuhada) to study 계획하다 (gyehoekhada) to plan 합격하다 (hapgyeokhada) to pass (an exam) 열심히 (yeolsimhi) diligently 연습하다 (yeonseuphada) to practice

Real-World Preview

book-open

Study Plans

Review Summary

  • Verb Stem + (으)러
  • Verb Stem + (으)려고
  • Verb Stem + -게
  • Verb Stem + -게
  • Verb Stem + -도록
  • Verb Stem + -도록

Common Mistakes

You don't need '려고 해요' when using '러' with motion verbs. It's redundant to say 'plan to go to study'.

Wrong: 도서관에 공부하러 가려고 해요.
Correct: 도서관에 공부하러 가요.

Use '려고' for personal intent. '-도록' is better for stating a goal or a state achieved by effort.

Wrong: 합격하도록 공부해요.
Correct: 합격하려고 공부해요.

When describing doing something until a point of exhaustion, '도록' is the natural choice for intensity.

Wrong: 지치게 달렸어요.
Correct: 지치도록 달렸어요.

Next Steps

You've successfully unlocked the ability to speak with purpose! Keep practicing these structures in your daily life, and you'll be speaking like a local in no time.

Write a diary entry using all grammar points

Continue to: Contrasts and Formal Expressions

Quick Practice (10)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 공부하러 가요
Must be motion verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Going to Do Something (러/으러)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

책을 사러 좋아해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 책을 사러 가요
Must be motion.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Going to Do Something (러/으러)

Fill in the blank.

한국어를 ___ 한국에 왔어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 배우러
Purpose.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Going to Do Something (러/으러)

Choose the best fit.

해가 ___ 기다렸어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 지도록
Time limit.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Result Connectors: So that & Until (~도록)

Choose the correct form.

놀다 + (으)러

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 놀러
ㄹ stem takes -러.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Going to Do Something (러/으러)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

예쁘려고 해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 예쁘고 싶어요
Adjectives cannot use 려고.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Planning to do something (려고/으려고)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

배가 아프게 웃었어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 아프도록
Degree marker.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Result Connectors: So that & Until (~도록)

Fill in the blank.

맛있___ 드세요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 게
Adverbial use.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: -ge: So that, In order to (Result)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

먹다도록 했다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹도록 했다
Correct conjugation.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Korean Result Grammar: So That & Until (-도록)

Fill in the blank.

시험에 합격___ 공부해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 하도록
Purpose marker.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Result Connectors: So that & Until (~도록)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, only motion verbs.
Use -려고.
Only action verbs. Adjectives do not work.
Yes, -고 싶다 is desire, 려고 is a plan.
No, only verbs and adjectives.
Yes, it is common to use -게 with adjectives to turn them into adverbs, like '예쁘게' (prettily).
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