B2 · Upper Intermediate Chapter 13

Setting Goals and Intentions

4 Total Rules
40 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the sophisticated art of expressing professional intentions and project goals in native-level Korean.

  • Articulate your specific career and project objectives using formal structures.
  • Connect your intentions to future outcomes with precision.
  • Define clear limits and desired results in professional settings.
Speak with purpose, lead with clarity.

What You'll Learn

Ready to take your Korean communication to the next level? In this B2 chapter, you'll master the art of expressing your goals and intentions with impressive precision, especially in professional and formal settings. Forget basic statements – we're diving into the subtle power of Korean grammar to make your speech and writing sound genuinely native. You'll start by exploring '-고자', a super useful connective ending that lets you articulate serious purposes, like when you're explaining your project objectives in a business meeting, or outlining your career aspirations in a job interview. We'll fine-tune this by looking at how '고자' works best when the subject of your intention stays the same throughout the sentence, adding a layer of coherence and sophistication. Then, you'll learn to confidently use '-고자 하다' to explicitly state your personal intentions in a professional and clear manner – think 'I intend to submit the report by Friday' with perfect Korean phrasing. Finally, we'll uncover the versatility of '-도록'. This powerful ending isn't just about setting goals; it's also perfect for expressing desired results, defining limits, or giving polite, yet firm, instructions. Imagine telling a colleague, 'Please make sure the task is completed by tomorrow,' or describing a process 'so that everyone understands.' By the end of this chapter, you won't just know these forms; you'll intuitively understand *when* and *how* to deploy them. You'll be able to navigate formal discussions, articulate complex plans, and give nuanced directions, all while sounding incredibly professional and natural in Korean. Get ready to upgrade your expressive power!

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use -고자 to state your project goals in a formal meeting.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Define task limits using -도록 to ensure team alignment.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome to your B2 Korean grammar journey, where we're elevating your communication skills to a truly advanced level! This chapter, "Setting Goals and Intentions," is designed to equip you with the nuanced tools needed to express your aims and purposes with clarity and sophistication, especially in professional and formal environments. Moving beyond basic expressions, you'll master how native Korean speakers articulate their objectives, plans, and desired outcomes. We'll dive deep into three powerful structures: -고자, -고자 하다, and -도록. Understanding these forms is crucial for anyone aiming for fluency and cultural competence, enabling you to participate effectively in business meetings, academic discussions, or any situation requiring precise formal language. By the end of this chapter, you'll not only understand the mechanics of these Korean grammar B2 patterns but also their appropriate usage, helping you sound more natural and professional.
In the realm of B2 Korean, precision is paramount. These grammar points allow you to convey deep intentions and specific results, ensuring your message is understood exactly as you mean it. Whether you're outlining project goals, stating your career aspirations, or giving polite but firm instructions, the structures taught here will empower you. Get ready to refine your Korean expression and confidently navigate complex conversations, making your speech and writing genuinely impactful.

How This Grammar Works

Let's break down the core mechanisms of these essential B2 Korean grammar structures.
First, we have -고자. This connective ending attaches to verb stems and means "in order to" or "with the intention of." It's predominantly used in formal contexts, such as presentations, reports, or speeches, to state a serious purpose. A key characteristic of -고자 is that the subject of the main clause and the -고자 clause are almost always the same, ensuring a clear and coherent flow of intention. For example:
* 저는 이 프로젝트를 성공시키고자 최선을 다하겠습니다. (I will do my best in order to make this project successful.)
* 새로운 기술을 도입하고자 회의를 개최했습니다. (We held a meeting in order to introduce new technology.)
Next, we build on this with -고자 하다. This expression explicitly translates to "I intend to" or "I plan to," directly stating the speaker's personal intention in a formal and clear manner. It's perfect for professional settings where you need to declare your objectives or commitments. Like -고자, it retains its formal tone and is typically used when the speaker is the subject. For example:
* 저는 다음 주까지 보고서를 제출하고자 합니다. (I intend to submit the report by next week.)
* 저희 팀은 새로운 시장에 진출하고자 합니다. (Our team intends to enter the new market.)
Finally, we explore the versatile ending -도록. Attached to verb or adjective stems, -도록 expresses a range of meanings including "so that," "to the extent that," "until," or "in such a way that." It's incredibly useful for projecting desired results, defining limits, or giving instructions. Unlike -고자, the subjects of the two clauses connected by -도록 can be different.
* 모든 팀원들이 이해할 수 있도록 자세히 설명해 주세요. (Please explain in detail so that all team members can understand.) (Desired result)
* 프로젝트가 완료될 때까지 밤샘 작업을 하도록 하겠습니다. (I will work overnight until the project is completed.) (Limit/Extent)
* 내일까지 이 서류를 준비해 오도록 하세요. (Please make sure to prepare these documents by tomorrow.) (Instruction)

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 친구를 만나려고 고향에 가고자 합니다.
✓ Correct: 저는 친구를 만나러 고향에 가려고 합니다.
*Explanation:* -고자 and -고자 하다 are formal and often used for more serious, planned intentions. For casual intentions like "going to meet a friend," -으려고 하다 or -러 가다 is more natural.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 이 문제를 해결하고자, 우리는 노력해야 합니다. (This is grammatically correct but often sounds unnatural in speech if the subject changes implicitly or is not clearly defined.)
✓ Correct: 이 문제를 해결하기 위해, 우리는 노력해야 합니다.
*Explanation:* While -고자 usually requires the same subject, -기 위해(서) is more flexible and can be used when the subjects are different or when emphasizing the means to achieve a goal. -고자 is more about the *speaker's* intention.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 나는 네가 행복하도록 노력할게. (While grammatically possible, the nuance is a bit off for a direct "I'll try to make you happy.")
✓ Correct: 나는 네가 행복하게 노력할게. (More natural for "I'll try to make you happy" focusing on the adverbial 'happily') OR
✓ Correct: 네가 행복하도록 내가 도울게. (I'll help you so that you can be happy.)
*Explanation:* -도록 expresses a result or limit. When the intention is more about *how* something is done (e.g., 'happily'), -게 is often more appropriate. -도록 is better when the first clause is a means to achieve the second clause's result, or when giving an instruction.

Real Conversations

A

A

이번 프로젝트의 목표는 무엇입니까? (What is the goal of this project?)
B

B

저희 팀은 시장 점유율을 10% 증가시키고자 합니다. (Our team intends to increase market share by 10%.)
A

A

회의 자료는 언제까지 준비하면 될까요? (By when should the meeting materials be prepared?)
B

B

모든 참석자들이 검토할 수 있도록 내일 오전까지 준비해 주십시오. (Please prepare them by tomorrow morning so that all attendees can review them.)
A

A

신제품 개발에 대한 보고서를 작성해야 합니다. (I need to write a report on new product development.)
B

B

팀원들과 협력하여 신속하게 보고서를 완성하고자 합니다. (I intend to complete the report quickly by collaborating with team members.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between -고자 and -기 위해(서) when expressing purpose in Korean grammar?

-고자 typically implies a speaker's strong, personal intention or a formal organizational objective, usually requiring the same subject for both clauses. -기 위해(서) is more general for "in order to" and can be used with different subjects, emphasizing the means to achieve a goal.

Q

Can -도록 be used interchangeably with -게 for expressing results or manner?

Not always. While both can express results, -도록 often implies a desired outcome, a limit, or a strong instruction, with a more formal or deliberate nuance. -게 is more general for "so that" or "in a way that" and can be less formal, often used adverbially.

Q

Is -고자 하다 always used by the speaker to state their *own* intention?

Yes, -고자 하다 is primarily used to explicitly state the speaker's (or the speaker's organization's) intention or plan in a formal context.

Q

Are these B2 Korean grammar forms common in everyday casual conversation?

No, -고자 and -고자 하다 are quite formal and primarily used in written documents, official speeches, or professional settings. -도록 can appear in slightly less formal contexts for instructions, but its most common uses are also in formal or semi-formal situations.

Cultural Context

In Korean culture, the way you express your intentions and goals, especially in professional or academic settings, reflects your respect and professionalism. Using structures like -고자, -고자 하다, and -도록 demonstrates a high level of linguistic sophistication and seriousness. These forms are not just grammatical choices; they are cultural signals that you are taking the interaction seriously, articulating your points clearly, and showing deference where appropriate. You'll frequently encounter them in business reports, official announcements, formal presentations, and academic papers, highlighting their importance in conveying precise and respectful communication.

Key Examples (8)

1

I intend to apply to this company.

I intend to apply to this company.

Formal Intentions: In order to (-goja)
2

CEO, I intend to see you because I have something urgent to tell you.

CEO, I would like to see you as I have something urgent to discuss.

Formal Intentions: In order to (-goja)
3

저는 취업을 목적으로 자격증을 공부하고 있어요.

I am studying for a certificate for the purpose of employment.

Goal-setting: For the Purpose of (-을/를 목적으로)
4

건강을 목적으로 매일 아침 조깅을 해요.

I jog every morning for the purpose of health.

Goal-setting: For the Purpose of (-을/를 목적으로)
5

새로운 프로젝트를 설명하고자 이 자리에 섰습니다.

I stand here today in order to explain the new project.

Formal Intent: In Order To (-고자)
6

우수한 인재를 채용하고자 면접을 진행하고 있습니다.

We are conducting interviews in order to hire talented individuals.

Formal Intent: In Order To (-고자)
7

배가 터지도록 먹었어요.

I ate until my stomach exploded.

Projecting Results & Limits (-도록)
8

사람들이 지나가도록 비켜 주세요.

Please step aside so people can pass.

Projecting Results & Limits (-도록)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Register Check

If you aren't sure if it's formal enough, don't use it.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formal Intentions: In order to (-goja)
💡

Keep it formal

Don't use this with friends; it sounds like you are giving a speech.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Goal-setting: For the Purpose of (-을/를 목적으로)
💡

Subject Consistency

Always ensure the subject of the first and second clause is the same.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formal Intent: In Order To (-고자)
💡

Use for Emphasis

Use -도록 when you want to emphasize the effort put into a task.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Projecting Results & Limits (-도록)

Key Vocabulary (5)

목적 (mokjeok) purpose 수행하다 (suhaenghada) to carry out 의도 (uido) intention 결과 (gyeol-gwa) result 제출하다 (jechulhada) to submit

Real-World Preview

users

Project Kick-off Meeting

Review Summary

  • Verb-고자
  • Noun-을/를 목적으로
  • Verb-고자 하다
  • Verb-도록

Common Mistakes

Do not combine intention markers like -러 and -고자. Choose one.

Wrong: 먹으러 가고자 합니다.
Correct: 먹고자 합니다.

목적으로 follows a noun, not a verb conjugation.

Wrong: 공부하도록을 목적으로 합니다.
Correct: 공부를 목적으로 합니다.

-고자 requires the same subject for both clauses.

Wrong: 그가 공부하고자 나는 커피를 샀다.
Correct: 내가 공부하고자 커피를 샀다.

Next Steps

You have mastered a critical B2 skill today. Keep practicing these in your daily professional interactions!

Write a formal email to a professor or boss using these structures.

Continue to: Recalling Observations and Habits

Quick Practice (10)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

친구랑 놀고자 카페에 가요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 놀려고
Casual context.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formal Intentions: In order to (-goja)

Fill in the blank.

잊지 ___ 메모하세요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 않도록
Instruction.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Projecting Results & Limits (-도록)

Fill in the blank.

데이터 분석___ 목적으로 프로젝트를 시작했어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 을
Object particle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Goal-setting: For the Purpose of (-을/를 목적으로)

Fill in the blank.

시험에 합격___ 공부했어요.

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

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Projecting Results & Limits (-도록)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

내가 가고자 친구가 왔다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 내가 가고자 식당에 갔다
Subjects must match.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formal Intent: In Order To (-고자)

Choose the best fit.

이 모임은 ___을 목적으로 합니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 친목
Noun fits before particle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Goal-setting: For the Purpose of (-을/를 목적으로)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가고자 합니다
Only action verbs work with -고자.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formal Intent: In Order To (-고자)

Fill in the blank.

건강___ 목적으로 운동해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 을
Needs object particle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Goal-setting: For the Purpose of (-을/를 목적으로)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 공부를 목적으로 합니다
Correct particle usage.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Goal-setting: For the Purpose of (-을/를 목적으로)

Fill in the blank.

저는 한국어를 잘 ( ) 노력합니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 하고자
Formal purpose.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formal Intentions: In order to (-goja)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, it sounds too formal.
Functionally yes, but register is different.
Yes, as long as it represents a goal.
Only if it's a formal text.
No, it sounds too formal and unnatural.
They have the same meaning, but -고자 is formal.
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