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A2 noun 12 min read

~하려고

-haryeogo
Examples
Explanation ~하려고 in your Level:
At the A1 beginner level, the concept of expressing intention is introduced gently. While ~하려고 itself is formally classified as an A2 grammar point, beginners start forming the conceptual foundation for it by learning basic verbs and simple sentence structures. At this stage, learners focus on stating simple facts: 'I eat', 'I sleep', 'I go'. They begin to understand that Korean sentences end with verbs and that adding different endings changes the meaning. The idea of linking two actions together—like 'eating' and 'going'—is a significant step up from basic vocabulary memorization. Beginners are encouraged to recognize the sound '려고' when listening to native speakers, even if they cannot yet construct the sentences themselves. They learn that when they hear this sound, the speaker is talking about their plans or reasons for doing something. This early exposure is crucial for developing listening comprehension and preparing the brain for the more complex grammatical rules that will be explicitly taught at the A2 level. Teachers often use very simple, highly visual examples to demonstrate the concept, such as showing a picture of a book and a person walking to a library, to subtly introduce the idea of 'going in order to read'.
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The A2 level is where ~하려고 takes center stage. This is the critical juncture where learners transition from speaking in isolated, simple sentences to constructing complex, multi-clausal sentences. At A2, you explicitly learn the conjugation rules: attaching ~려고 to vowel-ending verb stems and ~으려고 to consonant-ending verb stems. You learn the strict rule that the subject of the first part of the sentence must be the exact same as the subject of the second part. This is a massive leap in communicative ability. Suddenly, you can explain *why* you are doing something. Instead of just saying 'I go to Korea' and 'I study Korean' as two separate thoughts, you can elegantly combine them: '한국어를 배우려고 한국에 가요' (I go to Korea in order to study Korean). Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the incredibly useful pattern '~려고 하다' (to plan to do something), which allows them to discuss their future intentions without sounding overly definitive. Mastering this grammar point at the A2 level is an absolute requirement for passing basic proficiency exams and is considered a hallmark of having successfully graduated from the absolute beginner stage of Korean language learning.
Upon reaching the B1 intermediate level, the usage of ~하려고 becomes second nature, and the focus shifts towards recognizing its limitations and mastering its alternatives. B1 learners must deeply understand the restrictions of this grammar point, specifically that it cannot be used with imperative (command) or propositive (suggestion) sentence endings. They learn to automatically switch to ~(으)러 when dealing with motion verbs like 'go' and 'come', and they begin to incorporate ~기 위해서 (for the sake of) into their vocabulary for more formal or emphatic expressions of purpose. At this stage, the vocabulary used with ~하려고 becomes significantly more advanced and abstract. Instead of just talking about eating or sleeping, B1 learners use this structure to discuss career goals, educational aspirations, and complex social interactions. They might say, '경험을 쌓으려고 인턴십에 지원했어요' (I applied for the internship in order to gain experience). The ability to seamlessly integrate ~하려고 into longer, more complex narratives without hesitation is a key indicator of B1 proficiency, demonstrating that the learner is now comfortable manipulating the language to express nuanced personal motivations.
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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the focus on ~하려고 moves away from basic mechanics and towards stylistic choice and register. B2 learners are expected to use this structure flawlessly in spontaneous conversation, but they also learn when *not* to use it. They understand that while ~하려고 is perfectly acceptable in most daily situations, there are moments in formal writing or professional presentations where ~기 위해서 or even the highly formal ~고자 might be more appropriate. They begin to appreciate the subtle differences in nuance between these structures. For instance, they understand that ~려고 하다 implies a personal, internal plan, while other future tense forms might imply a more concrete schedule. B2 learners also encounter complex sentence structures where ~하려고 is embedded within larger grammatical patterns, such as reported speech or relative clauses. They can comprehend and produce sentences like '친구가 유학을 가려고 돈을 모으고 있다고 들었어요' (I heard that my friend is saving money in order to go study abroad). This level of fluency requires a deep, intuitive understanding of the grammar, allowing the speaker to focus entirely on the message rather than the mechanics of the language.
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At the C1 advanced level, ~하려고 is fully integrated into the speaker's linguistic repertoire, functioning automatically and subconsciously. The focus here is on utilizing the structure to navigate complex, abstract, and highly specific topics. C1 learners use ~하려고 to articulate detailed arguments, explain intricate technical processes, or analyze literary motivations. They are comfortable using it with highly specialized vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Furthermore, C1 learners possess the sociolinguistic competence to adjust their usage based on the audience and the setting, effortlessly switching between ~하려고 in a casual debate and ~고자 in an academic paper. They can recognize and understand subtle variations or even intentional, creative misuses of the grammar in poetry or literature for stylistic effect. At this level, the learner's command of ~하려고 is nearly indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, demonstrating not just grammatical accuracy, but also cultural fluency and rhetorical sophistication. They can use it to express irony, sarcasm, or deep emotional intent, proving that they have mastered not just the rules of the language, but its soul.
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At the C2 mastery level, the understanding of ~하려고 goes beyond practical usage and enters the realm of linguistic analysis and absolute native-like intuition. A C2 speaker does not just use the structure correctly; they understand its historical evolution, its subtle psychological implications, and its precise place within the broader ecosystem of Korean grammar. They can effortlessly explain the minute differences in feeling between ~려고, ~고자, ~기 위해, and ~(으)러 to a lower-level learner. In their own speech and writing, they employ ~하려고 with unparalleled precision, using it to craft elegant, persuasive, and highly sophisticated discourse. They can manipulate the structure to create specific rhythmic effects in speech or to subtly shift the focus of an argument. At C2, the grammar point is no longer a tool to be wielded, but a natural extension of the speaker's thought process. They can read complex legal documents, classical literature, or dense philosophical texts where formal equivalents like ~고자 are heavily used, and instantly comprehend the underlying intention with the same ease as hearing a friend say '밥 먹으려고' (to eat) in a casual setting.
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Examples
The Korean grammatical structure ~하려고 is an essential conjunctive ending used to express intention, purpose, or a plan to do something. When you attach this ending to a verb stem, it translates directly to 'in order to do' or 'with the intention of doing' in English. Understanding the nuances of this grammar point is absolutely crucial for mastering intermediate Korean communication, as it allows speakers to articulate their motivations and reasons for performing specific actions. To fully grasp this concept, one must recognize that Korean is an agglutinative language, meaning that meanings are built by attaching various suffixes to a base verb or adjective. In this case, the suffix ~(으)려고 attaches exclusively to action verbs. It cannot be used with descriptive verbs (adjectives) or the copula (이다/아니다). The choice between ~려고 and ~으려고 depends entirely on the final sound of the verb stem. If the verb stem ends in a vowel or the consonant 'ㄹ', you attach ~려고. For example, the verb 가다 (to go) becomes 가려고, and the verb 만들다 (to make) becomes 만들려고. On the other hand, if the verb stem ends in any consonant other than 'ㄹ', you attach ~으려고. For instance, 먹다 (to eat) becomes 먹으려고, and 읽다 (to read) becomes 읽으려고. This phonological rule ensures smooth pronunciation and flow in spoken Korean.
Intention and Purpose
The primary function of this grammar point is to explicitly state the purpose behind a subsequent action. The clause containing ~하려고 represents the goal, while the following clause represents the action taken to achieve that goal.

한국어를 배우려고 한국에 왔어요.

Furthermore, this structure is frequently encountered in daily conversations, professional environments, and academic writing. It is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between simple sentence construction and complex, multi-clausal expressions. When native speakers use this form, they are providing context that makes their actions understandable and logical to the listener.
Action Verb Restriction
You must only attach this ending to action verbs. Attempting to use it with adjectives like 예쁘다 (to be pretty) to mean 'in order to be pretty' is grammatically incorrect and will sound unnatural to native speakers.

살을 빼려고 운동을 시작했어요.

The usage of this grammar extends beyond simple statements. It can be used to explain one's presence in a particular location, justify a purchase, or clarify the motivation behind a difficult decision.
Tense Restrictions
The ~하려고 clause itself does not take any tense markers like past (았/었) or future (겠). The tense of the entire sentence is determined exclusively by the final verb in the main clause.

책을 읽으려고 도서관에 갈 거예요.

친구를 만나려고 일찍 일어났어요.

돈을 모으려고 아르바이트를 해요.

To summarize this introductory section, mastering ~하려고 provides a foundational pillar for expressing your personal agency and objectives in the Korean language. It transforms fragmented thoughts into cohesive, logical narratives that clearly articulate the 'why' behind your 'what'. This is a critical step in progressing from a beginner who simply states facts to an intermediate speaker who tells compelling stories and shares complex motivations.
Constructing sentences with ~하려고 requires a precise understanding of Korean syntax and clause structure. A typical sentence using this grammar point consists of two main parts: the intention clause and the action clause. The intention clause always precedes the action clause, following the general Korean principle that subordinate or modifying information comes before the main information. The formula can be visualized as: [Subject] + [Object/Complement] + [Action Verb Stem] + [려고/으려고] + [Action taken to achieve the intention]. It is imperative to remember that the subject of both clauses must be identical. If you change the subject between the two clauses, the sentence becomes grammatically invalid and confusing. For instance, saying '내가 자려고 동생이 조용히 했어요' (My sibling was quiet in order for me to sleep) is incorrect. In such cases, a different grammar structure like ~게 (so that) or ~기 위해서 (for the sake of) must be utilized.
Sentence Ending Constraints
A critical rule when using ~하려고 is that the final verb of the sentence cannot be an imperative (command) or propositive (suggestion) form. You cannot end the sentence with ~(으)세요, ~(으)ㅂ시다, or ~자.

시험에 합격하려고 열심히 공부했어요.

Let us explore the conjugation rules in more detail. When dealing with irregular verbs, you must apply the specific irregularity rules before attaching the ending. For 'ㄷ' irregular verbs like 듣다 (to listen), the 'ㄷ' changes to 'ㄹ' before the vowel '으', resulting in 들으려고. For 'ㅂ' irregular verbs like 돕다 (to help), the 'ㅂ' changes to '우', resulting in 도우려고. For 'ㅅ' irregular verbs like 짓다 (to build), the 'ㅅ' is dropped, resulting in 지으려고.
Irregular Verb Conjugations
Mastering irregular verb conjugations is essential for using ~하려고 correctly. Always identify the verb type before attempting to attach the suffix to ensure grammatical accuracy.

음악을 들으려고 이어폰을 샀어요.

Another important aspect of using this grammar is its combination with the verb 하다 (to do) to form ~하려고 하다. This combined structure translates to 'I am planning to do' or 'I intend to do'. It expresses a future intention or a plan that has not yet been executed. For example, '내일 영화를 보려고 해요' means 'I am planning to watch a movie tomorrow'. This is a softer, more intentional way of expressing the future compared to using the definitive future tense ~(으)ㄹ 거예요.
Expressing Future Plans
Adding 하다 to ~하려고 creates a powerful structure for discussing future plans and intentions without committing to a definitive, unchangeable future action.

내년에는 한국에 가려고 해요.

새로운 언어를 배우려고 합니다.

저녁에 피자를 만들려고 했어요.

By mastering these sentence structures, constraints, and combinations, learners can significantly elevate their Korean proficiency, moving beyond simple factual statements to expressive, intention-driven communication.
The grammatical structure ~하려고 is ubiquitous in both spoken and written Korean, making it an indispensable tool for anyone aiming to achieve fluency. You will encounter this expression in a vast array of contexts, ranging from casual conversations with friends to formal business meetings, academic lectures, and various forms of media. In everyday life, native speakers constantly use ~하려고 to explain their daily routines, justify their purchases, and share their short-term goals. If you ask a Korean friend why they are rushing, they might reply, '기차를 타려고 서두르고 있어요' (I am hurrying in order to catch the train). If you ask someone why they are studying late at night, they will likely use this structure to explain their academic ambitions.
Everyday Conversations
In casual settings, ~하려고 is the go-to grammar point for explaining the 'why' behind everyday actions, from grocery shopping to exercising.

선물을 사려고 백화점에 가요.

In professional and business environments, ~하려고 takes on a slightly more formal tone but remains just as prevalent. Employees use it to explain the purpose of a meeting, the goal of a new project, or the reason behind a specific strategic decision. A manager might state, '매출을 늘리려고 새로운 마케팅 전략을 도입했습니다' (We introduced a new marketing strategy in order to increase sales). This demonstrates the structure's adaptability across different registers of formality.
Business and Formal Contexts
In the workplace, articulating intention is crucial for professional clarity. ~하려고 helps professionals explain the rationale behind their corporate actions.

문제를 해결하려고 회의를 열었습니다.

Furthermore, Korean media, including dramas, movies, and variety shows, provides a rich source of examples for this grammar point. Characters frequently use it to reveal their inner motivations, plot their next moves, or explain their past actions to other characters. In a suspense thriller, a detective might say, '범인을 잡으려고 밤을 새웠다' (I stayed up all night in order to catch the criminal). In a romantic comedy, a protagonist might confess, '너를 보려고 여기까지 왔어' (I came all the way here in order to see you).
Korean Dramas and Media
Media consumption is an excellent way to hear ~하려고 used with natural intonation and emotional depth, providing context that textbooks often lack.

진실을 알아내려고 노력 중이야.

가족을 지키려고 싸웠습니다.

꿈을 이루려고 서울로 올라왔어.

By paying attention to these various contexts, learners will quickly realize that ~하려고 is not just a textbook grammar rule, but a living, breathing component of the Korean language that is essential for authentic communication and deep cultural understanding.
Despite its straightforward translation, the grammatical structure ~하려고 poses several challenges for Korean language learners, leading to a variety of common, yet easily correctable, mistakes. One of the most frequent errors is attempting to use ~하려고 with imperative (command) or propositive (suggestion) sentence endings. Because ~하려고 expresses a personal intention, it logically conflicts with telling someone else what to do or suggesting a joint action based on that personal intention. For example, a learner might try to say '밥을 먹으려고 식당에 갑시다' (Let's go to the restaurant in order to eat). While the English translation might seem plausible, the Korean sentence is grammatically incorrect. To express this idea, one must use the structure ~(으)러, which is specifically designed for motion verbs and is compatible with suggestions and commands: '밥을 먹으러 식당에 갑시다'.
The Imperative/Propositive Error
Never end a sentence containing a ~하려고 clause with ~으세요, ~읍시다, ~자, or any other command or suggestion form. This is a strict grammatical rule in Korean.

Incorrect: 쉬려고 집에 가세요.

Another prevalent mistake involves subject inconsistency. As established, the subject of the intention clause and the action clause must be identical when using ~하려고. Learners often attempt to translate English sentences like 'I bought this book for my friend to read' directly into Korean using this structure. They might formulate a sentence like '친구가 읽으려고 내가 이 책을 샀어요'. This is entirely unnatural and confusing to a native speaker. The correct way to express this involves using causative forms or different grammar structures entirely, such as '친구가 읽게 하려고...' or '친구를 위해서...'.
Subject Mismatch
Ensure that the person holding the intention is the exact same person performing the subsequent action. Mixing subjects will render the sentence incomprehensible.

Incorrect: 비가 안 오려고 기도를 했어요.

A third common error is applying tense markers directly to the ~하려고 clause. Learners sometimes try to express a past intention by adding the past tense infix 았/었 before 려고, resulting in an incorrect form like '먹었으려고'. The tense is strictly governed by the final verb in the sentence. The intention itself does not carry a separate tense marker in this grammatical construction.
Tense Placement Errors
Never insert tense markers (았/었/겠) before ~려고. The base verb stem must connect directly to the intention suffix.

Incorrect: 어제 공부했으려고 도서관에 갔어요.

Correct: 어제 공부하려고 도서관에 갔어요.

Correct: 내일 공부하려고 도서관에 갈 거예요.

By consciously avoiding these three major pitfalls—imperative/propositive endings, subject mismatches, and incorrect tense placement—learners can confidently and accurately utilize ~하려고 in their Korean communication.
While ~하려고 is a fundamental and frequently used structure for expressing intention and purpose, the Korean language offers several nuanced alternatives that learners should understand to enhance their expressive capabilities. Comprehending these alternatives allows for more precise communication and a deeper appreciation of Korean grammatical subtleties. The most common source of confusion is the distinction between ~하려고 and ~(으)러. Both translate to 'in order to' or 'to' in English, but their usage rules are distinctly different. The structure ~(으)러 is exclusively used when the action clause involves a motion verb, specifically 가다 (to go), 오다 (to come), or 다니다 (to attend/commute). For instance, '밥을 먹으러 가요' (I am going in order to eat). Crucially, unlike ~하려고, sentences using ~(으)러 can end in imperative or propositive forms ('밥을 먹으러 갑시다').
~(으)러 vs. ~하려고
Use ~(으)러 strictly with motion verbs in the main clause. If the main action is not a motion verb (e.g., buying, studying, making), you must use ~하려고.

운동하러 공원에 가요.

Another highly relevant alternative is ~기 위해서 (or its shortened form ~기 위해). This structure translates to 'for the sake of' or 'in order to' and carries a slightly more formal, written, or emphatic tone than ~하려고. It emphasizes the goal or the beneficiary of the action. Furthermore, ~기 위해서 is much more flexible grammatically. It can be used with imperative and propositive endings, and it can even be attached to nouns using the form 'Noun + 을/를 위해서'.
~기 위해서 (For the sake of)
This form is ideal for formal presentations, writing, or when you want to place strong emphasis on the ultimate goal of your actions, overriding the restrictions of ~하려고.

성공하기 위해서 노력합니다.

Finally, learners might encounter the structure ~고자, which is a highly formal, literary equivalent of ~하려고. It is predominantly found in official speeches, formal documents, academic papers, and historical dramas. You will rarely, if ever, hear ~고자 used in everyday casual conversation. Understanding ~고자 is essential for advanced reading comprehension, but active usage should be reserved for appropriately formal contexts.
~고자 (Highly Formal Intention)
Recognize this as the formal, written sibling of ~하려고. It conveys the exact same meaning but elevates the register of the text significantly.

의견을 말씀드리고자 합니다.

새로운 방안을 모색하고자 모였습니다.

목표를 달성하기 위해 최선을 다합시다.

By carefully distinguishing between ~하려고, ~(으)러, ~기 위해서, and ~고자, a Korean language learner can select the perfect grammatical tool for any situation, ensuring their intentions are communicated accurately, appropriately, and naturally.
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Examples by Level

1

가려고 해요.

I plan to go.

Basic introduction of intention with the verb 'to go'.

2

먹으려고 해요.

I plan to eat.

Basic introduction of intention with the verb 'to eat'.

3

자려고 해요.

I plan to sleep.

Basic introduction of intention with the verb 'to sleep'.

4

보려고 해요.

I plan to watch.

Basic introduction of intention with the verb 'to watch'.

5

사려고 해요.

I plan to buy.

Basic introduction of intention with the verb 'to buy'.

6

읽으려고 해요.

I plan to read.

Basic introduction of intention with the verb 'to read'.

7

쓰려고 해요.

I plan to write.

Basic introduction of intention with the verb 'to write'.

8

배우려고 해요.

I plan to learn.

Basic introduction of intention with the verb 'to learn'.

1

한국어를 배우려고 한국에 왔어요.

I came to Korea in order to study Korean.

Standard A2 usage combining intention and a past tense action.

2

책을 읽으려고 도서관에 가요.

I am going to the library in order to read a book.

Using ~으려고 with a consonant-ending verb.

3

친구를 만나려고 카페에서 기다려요.

I am waiting at the cafe in order to meet a friend.

Using ~려고 with a vowel-ending verb.

4

살을 빼려고 운동을 시작했어요.

I started exercising in order to lose weight.

Expressing a goal and the action taken to achieve it.

5

돈을 모으려고 아르바이트를 해요.

I work a part-time job in order to save money.

Expressing financial intention.

6

시험에 합격하려고 열심히 공부해요.

I study hard in order to pass the exam.

Expressing academic intention.

7

좋은 직장을 구하려고 자격증을 따요.

I am getting a certification in order to get a good job.

Expressing career intention.

8

건강해지려고 매일 물을 많이 마셔요.

I drink a lot of water every day in order to become healthy.

Using a descriptive verb changed to an action verb via ~아/어지다.

1

부모님께 드리려고 선물을 샀어요.

I bought a gift to give to my parents.

Using honorific verbs (드리다) with the intention structure.

2

스트레스를 풀려고 주말에 여행을 갈 거예요.

I will go on a trip this weekend to relieve stress.

Combining intention with future tense in the main clause.

3

새로운 문화를 경험하려고 교환학생을 신청했어요.

I applied as an exchange student to experience a new culture.

Using more complex vocabulary related to experiences.

4

발음을 고치려고 매일 한국어 뉴스를 들어요.

I listen to Korean news every day to fix my pronunciation.

Expressing specific language learning goals.

5

회의 시간에 늦지 않으려고 일찍 출발했어요.

I left early in order not to be late for the meeting.

Using the negative intention form ~지 않으려고.

6

이해를 돕려고 그림을 그려서 설명했어요.

I drew a picture and explained it to help with understanding.

Using 'ㅂ' irregular verb (돕다 -> 도우려고).

7

음악을 들으려고 이어폰을 찾고 있어요.

I am looking for my earphones to listen to music.

Using 'ㄷ' irregular verb (듣다 -> 들으려고).

8

집을 지으려고 땅을 샀어요.

I bought land in order to build a house.

Using 'ㅅ' irregular verb (짓다 -> 지으려고).

1

전문적인 지식을 쌓으려고 대학원에 진학하기로 결정했습니다.

I decided to enter graduate school in order to accumulate professional knowledge.

Combining intention with decision-making grammar (~기로 하다).

2

환경을 보호하려고 일회용품 사용을 줄이고 있습니다.

I am reducing the use of disposable products in order to protect the environment.

Discussing social and environmental issues.

3

업무 효율성을 높이려고 새로운 소프트웨어를 도입하려고 합니다.

We are planning to introduce new software in order to increase work efficiency.

Using ~려고 in both the intention clause and the final planning clause.

4

오해를 풀려고 먼저 연락을 했지만 받지 않았어요.

I contacted them first to resolve the misunderstanding, but they didn't answer.

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