B1 · Intermediate Chapter 7

Plans, Decisions, and Obligations

4 Total Rules
44 examples
5 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of planning, deciding, and committing in fluent, natural Korean.

  • Express your personal intentions and future plans.
  • Communicate firm decisions and life choices.
  • State personal obligations and necessities clearly.
Turn your thoughts into clear, decisive action.

What You'll Learn

Hey friend! Ready to level up your Korean conversations? This chapter isn't just about wanting something anymore; you're going to learn how to express your plans, firm decisions, and even obligations just like a real Korean speaker. Here, we'll start with initial intentions and thoughts using -(으)려고 하다 (e.g., "I'm thinking of going to Korea

) and learn how to turn them into solid, fixed decisions with 기로 하다 (e.g.,
I've decided to go to Korea and bought my ticket!"). See the difference? You won't be speaking vaguely anymore; your intentions will be crystal clear! Next, we move on to a sense of personal responsibility; those moments when you feel
I gotta study more
yourself, or tell a friend
You really ought to do this
using -아/어야지. These aren't just simple plans; they're a kind of internal commitment! And finally, you'll learn how to objectively state whether an action is necessary or not with -(으)ㄹ 필요가 있다/없다. For instance, when you want to ask,
Do I need to go to work today?
or say, "It's necessary to buy this." With these five golden patterns, you'll be able to speak much more naturally in everyday situations. Imagine planning a trip with friends, or giving practical advice to someone in a tricky situation. This chapter will help you avoid hesitation and express yourself clearly and assertively. So let's go, let's master Korean like it's second nature!

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use planning and obligation patterns to describe a weekend schedule to a friend.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome to your next step in mastering Korean grammar! At the B1 Korean level, you're ready to move beyond basic statements and express yourself with greater nuance and precision. This chapter is your key to unlocking more natural and assertive communication, allowing you to articulate your intentions, firm up your decisions, and even express obligations, just like a native speaker. No more vague wishes – your plans will be crystal clear!
We're going to explore four incredibly useful Korean grammar patterns that will elevate your conversations. You'll learn how to express initial thoughts and intentions using -(으)려고 하다, transform those thoughts into concrete decisions with -기로 하다, talk about what you "ought to" or "have to" do with -아/어야지, and objectively state necessities using -(으)ㄹ 필요가 있다/없다. These structures are fundamental for discussing future events, making arrangements, and giving advice in everyday scenarios.
By the end of this guide, you'll be able to confidently plan a trip, discuss responsibilities, and even offer practical suggestions to friends. This isn't just about memorizing rules; it's about gaining the tools to engage more deeply in Korean conversations. Get ready to sound more authentic and express yourself with conviction!

How This Grammar Works

Let's dive into the core of how these powerful Korean grammar patterns function, giving you the ability to express plans, decisions, and obligations with ease.
  1. 1Intention & Plans: -(으)려고 하다
This pattern expresses an intention, a plan, or what one is "thinking of doing." It's often a preliminary thought rather than a firm decision.
* If the verb stem ends in a vowel or ㄹ, use -려고 하다.
* If the verb stem ends in a consonant (not ㄹ), use -으려고 하다.
* Example: 저는 한국어를 배우려고 해요. (I am thinking of learning Korean.)
* Example: 친구를 만나려고 했어요. (I was planning to meet a friend.)
  1. 1Decided to / Planned to: -기로 하다
This structure indicates a firm decision or an agreement made. It's stronger than -(으)려고 하다 and implies a commitment.
* Attach -기로 하다 directly to the verb stem.
* Example: 우리는 내일 일찍 만나기로 했어요. (We decided to meet early tomorrow.)
* Example: 다음 주부터 운동하기로 했어요. (I decided to exercise starting next week.)
  1. 1I Ought To / I Gotta: -아/어야지
This pattern expresses a personal sense of obligation, a strong suggestion, or a self-realization of what one "should" or "must" do. It often carries a nuance of "I really ought to..." or "I gotta..."
* If the verb stem ends in ㅏ or ㅗ, use -아야지.
* If the verb stem ends in other vowels, use -어야지.
* If the verb is 하다, it becomes 해야지.
* Example: 이제 숙제를 끝내야지. (I really ought to finish my homework now.)
* Example: 다음부터는 더 열심히 공부해야지. (I gotta study harder next time.)
  1. 1Need to / No need to: -(으)ㄹ 필요가 있다/없다
This pattern objectively states whether something is necessary or not. It's about "there is a need to" or "there is no need to," rather than a personal desire.
* If the verb stem ends in a vowel or ㄹ, use -ㄹ 필요가 있다/없다.
* If the verb stem ends in a consonant (not ㄹ), use -을 필요가 있다/없다.
* Example: 지금 걱정할 필요가 없어요. (There's no need to worry now.)
* Example: 비행기 표를 예매할 필요가 있어요. (It's necessary to book the plane ticket.)

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 한국에 가려고 했어요. (when you've already bought tickets)
✓ Correct: 저는 한국에 가기로 했어요. (I decided to go to Korea.)
*Explanation:* -(으)려고 하다 implies an intention or a plan that might still be flexible. If you've made a firm decision, like buying tickets, -기로 하다 is the correct and more natural choice to express that commitment.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 나는 오늘 일해야지. (when stating a simple fact about needing to work)
✓ Correct: 나는 오늘 일해야 해요. (I have to work today.) OR 나는 오늘 일할 필요가 있어요. (It's necessary for me to work today.)
*Explanation:* -아/어야지 carries a strong personal conviction or self-admonishment, like "I gotta work!" or "I really should work!" For a neutral statement of obligation or necessity, -아/어야 하다 or -(으)ㄹ 필요가 있다 are more appropriate.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 이 책을 살 필요가 있어요. (when you simply want to buy the book)
✓ Correct: 저는 이 책을 사고 싶어요. (I want to buy this book.)
*Explanation:* -(으)ㄹ 필요가 있다 indicates objective necessity ("It's necessary to buy this book for the class"). If it's just a personal desire, use -고 싶다 ("I want to buy this book").

Real Conversations

A

A

주말에 뭐 할 거예요? (What are you going to do this weekend?)
B

B

친구랑 영화 보러 가려고 해요. (I'm thinking of going to see a movie with a friend.)
A

A

언제 한국어를 공부하기 시작했어요? (When did you start studying Korean?)
B

B

작년부터 매일 한 시간씩 공부하기로 했어요. (I decided to study an hour every day since last year.)
A

A

내일 회의에 꼭 참석해야 할까요? (Do I absolutely have to attend the meeting tomorrow?)
B

B

아니요, 당신은 참석할 필요가 없어요. 제가 대신 갈게요. (No, you don't need to attend. I'll go instead.)
A

A

너무 피곤해요. (I'm so tired.)
B

B

그럼 이제 집에 가서 좀 쉬어야지. (Then you really ought to go home and rest now.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between -(으)려고 하다 and -기로 하다 in B1 Korean grammar?

-(으)려고 하다 expresses an initial intention or plan ("I'm thinking of doing X"), while -기로 하다 signifies a firm decision or agreement that has been made ("I've decided to do X").

Q

Can -아/어야지 be used to tell someone else what they "ought to" do?

Yes, it can, but it often carries a strong, sometimes slightly informal, tone of suggestion or exhortation, similar to "You really should..." or "You gotta..." It's commonly used with close friends or in self-talk.

Q

Is -(으)ㄹ 필요가 있다 interchangeable with -아/어야 하다?

While both express necessity, -(으)ㄹ 필요가 있다 highlights the objective "need" or "requirement" for something, whereas -아/어야 하다 emphasizes a stronger, more direct obligation or "must-do."

Cultural Context

In Korean culture, expressing plans and decisions often reflects a blend of personal intention and consideration for others. While -(으)려고 하다 allows for a soft declaration of intent, -기로 하다 solidifies commitments, which is highly valued. The use of -아/어야지 often signifies a strong personal resolve or a heartfelt, sometimes slightly informal, piece of advice. -(으)ㄹ 필요가 있다/없다 provides an objective and polite way to discuss necessities, fitting well within a communication style that values clarity without being overly demanding. These patterns help navigate social interactions smoothly, whether you're making plans with friends or discussing responsibilities.

Key Examples (8)

1

지금 막 나가려고 했어요.

I was just about to leave.

Intention & Plans: I plan to... (-(으)려고 하다)
2

이번 주말에 쇼핑하려고 해요.

I'm planning to go shopping this weekend.

Intention & Plans: I plan to... (-(으)려고 하다)
3

From this year, I decided to quit smoking.

I decided to quit smoking starting this year.

Decided to / Planned to (-기로 하다)
4

I decided to meet my friend at 3.

I agreed to meet my friend at 3 o'clock.

Decided to / Planned to (-기로 하다)
5

이제 슬슬 가야지.

I really ought to get going now.

I Ought To / I Gotta (-아야지)
6

학생이면 공부를 해야지!

If you're a student, you obviously ought to study!

I Ought To / I Gotta (-아야지)
7

Geok-jeong-hal pil-yo eop-seo-yo. Da jal doel geo-ye-yo.

You don't need to worry. Everything will be fine.

Need to / No need to (-eul pil-yo-ga it-da)
8

I aep-eul eop-de-i-teu-hal pil-yo-ga i-sseo-yo?

Do I need to update this app?

Need to / No need to (-eul pil-yo-ga it-da)

Tips & Tricks (4)

🎯

The "About to" Shortcut

In casual texts, you can drop the final '하다'. saying just '자려고' (Planning to sleep) or '가려고' (Planning to go) is very common when answering 'What are you up to?'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Intention & Plans: I plan to... (-(으)려고 하다)
💡

Don't forget '하다'

Always include '하다' at the end. It's the verb that carries the tense.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Decided to / Planned to (-기로 하다)
💬

The 'Old Man' Vibe

Using this to talk to yourself out loud ('에휴, 가야지...') can make you sound like a tired uncle/auntie. It's charming but definitely has a specific 'weary adult' flavor.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: I Ought To / I Gotta (-아야지)
💡

Particle usage

Don't forget the '가' particle. It marks '필요' as the subject.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Need to / No need to (-eul pil-yo-ga it-da)

Key Vocabulary (5)

결심하다 (gyeolsimhada) to decide 계획 (gyehoek) plan 책임 (chaegim) responsibility 필요 (pilyo) necessity 생각하다 (saenggakhada) to think

Real-World Preview

calendar

Planning the Weekend

Review Summary

  • Verb + (으)려고 하다
  • Verb + 기로 하다
  • Verb + -아/어야지
  • Verb + (으)ㄹ 필요가 있다

Common Mistakes

Decisions are usually completed actions, so use past tense.

Wrong: 먹기로 해요 (I decided to eat - when already done)
Correct: 먹기로 했어요 (I decided to eat)

Double-check the negative vs positive ending.

Wrong: 갈 필요가 없어요 (I need to go)
Correct: 갈 필요가 있어요 (I need to go)

Do not add '하다' to -아/어야지; it is already a complete thought.

Wrong: 공부해야지 하다
Correct: 공부해야지

Next Steps

You've done an incredible job today! Keep practicing these patterns, and you'll soon be speaking with the confidence of a native speaker.

Record yourself talking about your plans for the next week.

Continue to: Describing States and Completed Actions

Quick Practice (10)

Fill in the blank.

저는 한국어를 ___ 해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 공부하려고
Pattern is 려고 하다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Intention & Plans: I plan to... (-(으)려고 하다)

Choose the correct form.

오늘부터 운동을 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Past tense is appropriate for a decision.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Decided to / Planned to (-기로 하다)

Fill in the blank.

나는 집에 갈 ___가 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 필요
The structure is 필요가 있다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Need to / No need to (-eul pil-yo-ga it-da)

Choose the correct form.

그는 다시 할 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 필요가 없어요
Standard negative form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Need to / No need to (-eul pil-yo-ga it-da)

Fill in the blank.

내일 친구를 ___ 했어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Requires the pattern -기로 하다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Decided to / Planned to (-기로 하다)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

나는 가기로.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Needs the verb 하다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Decided to / Planned to (-기로 하다)

Fill in the blank.

나는 오늘 운동을 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 해야지
Resolution.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: I Ought To / I Gotta (-아야지)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

물 필요가 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 물을 마실 필요가 있어요
Must use a verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Need to / No need to (-eul pil-yo-ga it-da)

Select the best fit.

우리 내일 ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Suggestion form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Decided to / Planned to (-기로 하다)

Fill in the blank.

그는 담배를 ___ 했어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Requires the pattern.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Decided to / Planned to (-기로 하다)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

-(으)러 is strictly for movement verbs (come/go) to express purpose (e.g., 'I went TO eat'). -(으)려고 is just the intention itself and can be used with any action, without necessarily moving anywhere.
You generally don't say -(으)려고 할 거예요 (I will plan to...). It sounds redundant. Just use -(으)려고 해요 (I plan to...) as the plan exists now.
Usually, it's for your own decisions or mutual ones. For others, use '-기로 했다' to report their decision.
It can be formal or informal depending on the ending of '하다'.
Close, but 'have to' is usually -아/어야 해요. -아/어야지 is more like 'ought to' or 'gotta'. It involves your personal will or judgment rather than just an external rule.
Yes! If you say 잘 해야지, it means 'I intend to do well' or 'I'm determined to do well'. It's stronger than a simple future tense.
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Describing States and Completed Actions
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