~려고/으려고

The Korean grammatical suffix -(으)려고 is a foundational structure used to express a person's intention, plan, or purpose for performing a specific action. In English, it is most closely translated as "in order to," "so as to," or "with the intention of." This suffix is ubiquitous in daily Korean conversation because it allows speakers to explain the 'why' behind their movements and decisions. Whether you are explaining why you went to the store, why you are studying late at night, or why you are saving money, this suffix provides the necessary link between your internal motivation and your external behavior. It specifically focuses on the subject's will or desire, making it a subjective expression of purpose. Unlike other purpose-oriented markers, -(으)려고 carries a nuance of a planned or considered intention that hasn't necessarily been completed yet.

Core Function

To connect a preceding clause (the purpose or intention) with a following clause (the action taken to achieve that purpose).

People use this word in a variety of social contexts. In a casual setting, you might tell a friend you are going home to sleep (자려고 집에 가요). In a professional setting, you might explain that you are calling to ask a question (질문하려고 전화했습니다). The versatility of -(으)려고 lies in its ability to attach to almost any active verb. However, it is important to note that it is primarily used with verbs that involve the subject's will. You wouldn't typically use it with descriptive verbs (adjectives) or natural phenomena unless you are personifying them. The usage of this suffix also implies a level of premeditation; it’s not just a random occurrence but a targeted effort toward a goal.

Furthermore, this suffix is often paired with the verb 하다 (to do) to form the pattern -(으)려고 하다, which means "to intend to" or "to be about to." This specific construction is used when the speaker wants to state their future plans or immediate intentions without necessarily linking them to another action in the same sentence. For example, 내일 영화를 보려고 해요 (I intend to watch a movie tomorrow). This makes the suffix not just a connector but a vital part of expressing future-oriented thoughts in Korean. Understanding the difference between the connector and the sentence-ending form is crucial for achieving fluency at the A2 level and beyond.

In summary, -(으)려고 is the go-to tool for expressing intent. It is used when the speaker has a clear goal in mind and is taking steps to achieve it. It is polite, clear, and essential for navigating everyday interactions in Korea, from ordering food to explaining your career goals. As you progress, you will see it used in complex sentences to provide depth and motivation to narratives, making it one of the most powerful connectors in the Korean language.

Using -(으)려고 correctly requires attention to the verb stem it attaches to. The choice between -려고 and -으려고 is determined by whether the verb stem ends in a vowel or a consonant. This is a standard phonological rule in Korean designed to make the transition between sounds smoother. If the verb stem ends in a vowel or the consonant ㄹ, you use -려고. If the verb stem ends in any other consonant, you use -으려고. This distinction is vital for proper pronunciation and grammatical accuracy.

Rule 1: Vowel Stems

Verb stems ending in a vowel take -려고. Example: 가다 (to go) → 가려고.

Rule 2: Consonant Stems

Verb stems ending in a consonant (except ㄹ) take -으려고. Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으려고.

Rule 3: ㄹ Consonant Stems

Verb stems ending in ㄹ take -려고. Example: 살다 (to live) → 살려고.

One of the most important grammatical constraints of -(으)려고 is that the following clause (the main action) cannot be in the imperative or propositive mood. This means you cannot use it with endings like -(으)세요 (please do), -자 (let's), or -(으)ㄹ까요? (shall we?). If you want to say "Let's go to the library to study," you must use a different suffix like -(으)러. -(으)려고 is strictly for declarative or interrogative sentences where the speaker is stating or asking about an intention. For example, 공부하려고 도서관에 가요 (I go to the library to study) is correct, but 공부하려고 도서관에 갑시다 is grammatically incorrect in standard Korean.

Another key point is the tense of the sentence. The tense is always expressed in the final verb of the sentence, never in the -(으)려고 clause itself. Even if the intention was in the past, you use the base form of the verb with -(으)려고 and put the final verb in the past tense. For example, "I went to buy bread" is 빵을 사려고 갔어요, not 빵을 샀으려고 갔어요. This maintains the focus on the intention as a state of mind that existed at the time of the action. Similarly, for future intentions, you would use the -(으)려고 해요 form mentioned earlier.

Irregular verbs also follow specific patterns. For instance, ㄷ irregular verbs like 듣다 (to listen) change the ㄷ to ㄹ before adding -으려고, resulting in 들으려고. ㅂ irregular verbs like 돕다 (to help) change the ㅂ to 우, resulting in 도우려고. Mastering these irregularities is a sign of moving from a basic to an intermediate understanding of Korean grammar. By practicing these patterns, you will be able to construct complex, meaningful sentences that accurately reflect your thoughts and plans.

You will encounter -(으)려고 in almost every corner of Korean life. In the workplace, it is used to explain the purpose of meetings, emails, and phone calls. A colleague might say, 회의 내용을 확인하려고 메일 보냈습니다 (I sent an email to confirm the meeting details). This usage is professional and provides clear context for the recipient. It helps in setting expectations and clarifying the objective of communication, which is highly valued in Korean corporate culture. In these contexts, the suffix acts as a bridge of professional courtesy, explaining the 'why' before the 'what'.

In social settings, the suffix is used to share personal goals and daily plans. When friends meet, they often discuss their intentions: 이번 주말에는 푹 쉬려고요 (I intend to rest well this weekend). Note the addition of -요 at the end of -(으)려고; this is a very common colloquial way to end a sentence when answering a question about your plans. It sounds natural and friendly. You will also hear it in marketplaces or shops when customers explain what they are looking for: 찌개 끓이려고 두부 좀 사러 왔어요 (I came to buy some tofu to make stew). Here, the speaker uses the intention to justify their presence or their specific request.

In K-Dramas

Characters often use this to reveal their hidden motives or romantic intentions. "너 보려고 여기까지 왔어" (I came all the way here to see you).

In Advertisements

Brands use it to suggest that their product is the means to an end. "예뻐지려고 이 크림을 바르세요" (Apply this cream to become pretty).

Furthermore, the suffix is frequently heard in self-improvement contexts. In Korea's competitive society, people are often talking about what they are doing to improve themselves. 취직하려고 자격증을 따고 있어요 (I am getting a certification in order to get a job). This highlights the goal-oriented nature of the suffix. It’s not just about doing something; it’s about doing something with a clear target in sight. Whether you're listening to a podcast, watching a variety show, or eavesdropping on a conversation in a cafe, -(으)려고 will be there, signaling the intentions and motivations of the speakers.

Lastly, in educational settings, teachers use it to explain the purpose of exercises. 말하기 연습을 하려고 이 활동을 준비했습니다 (I prepared this activity in order to practice speaking). This helps students understand the pedagogical reason behind their tasks. In every layer of Korean society, from the most formal to the most intimate, -(으)려고 serves as the primary linguistic tool for articulating human purpose and agency.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using -(으)려고 is confusing it with the suffix -(으)러. While both express purpose, -(으)러 is strictly used with verbs of movement like 가다 (to go), 오다 (to come), and 다니다 (to attend). -(으)려고, on the other hand, can be used with any verb in the following clause. For example, 밥을 먹으러 식당에 가요 (I go to the restaurant to eat) is common, but 밥을 먹으러 요리해요 is wrong. You should say 밥을 먹으려고 요리해요 (I cook in order to eat). The distinction is subtle but crucial for sounding natural.

Mistake 1: Imperative Sentences

Using -(으)려고 with commands. Wrong: 살을 빼려고 운동하세요. Right: 살을 빼려면 운동하세요 or 살을 빼기 위해서 운동하세요.

Mistake 2: Propositive Sentences

Using -(으)려고 with 'let's'. Wrong: 영화 보려고 만납시다. Right: 영화 보러 만납시다.

Another common error involves the subject of the sentence. In a sentence using -(으)려고, the subject of the first clause and the second clause must be the same. You cannot say "I did X so that he would do Y" using this suffix. For example, 친구가 공부하려고 내가 조용히 했어요 (I stayed quiet so my friend could study) is incorrect. In such cases, you would use -게 or -도록, such as 친구가 공부하게 내가 조용히 했어요. -(으)려고 is strictly about the subject's own intention for their own subsequent action.

Tense marking is also a pitfall. Beginners often try to put the past tense marker -았/었- before -려고. As mentioned in the grammar section, the intention itself doesn't take a tense; only the final action does. Saying 먹었으려고 is a major grammatical error. Always keep the verb stem in its base form. Additionally, remember the ㄹ batchim rule. Many students accidentally say 살으려고 instead of 살려고. Because ㄹ is treated similarly to a vowel in this specific grammar rule, it skips the -으- and goes straight to -려고.

Lastly, avoid using -(으)려고 with adjectives. You cannot say 예쁘려고 화장해요 (I put on makeup to be pretty) because 'being pretty' is a state, not an action you intend to perform. Instead, you must use the 'become' form: 예뻐지려고 화장해요. By turning the adjective into a verb of change (-아/어지다), you make it compatible with the intention suffix. Paying attention to these nuances will prevent common 'foreigner' mistakes and make your Korean sound much more authentic.

Korean has several ways to express purpose, and choosing the right one depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. The most common alternative to -(으)려고 is -(으)러. As previously discussed, -(으)러 is used exclusively with movement verbs like 가다 and 오다. It is more common in daily speech for simple errands. For example, 우유 사러 마트에 가요 (I'm going to the mart to buy milk) is slightly more natural than 우유 사려고 마트에 가요, though both are technically correct. Use -(으)러 for physical movement toward a goal and -(으)하려고 for the mental intention behind an action.

-(으)러 vs. -(으)려고

-(으)러 is for movement (go/come). -(으)려고 is for any action and emphasizes the subject's plan.

-기 위해서 vs. -(으)려고

-기 위해서 is more formal and emphatic. It translates to "for the sake of" or "in order to." It is common in writing and speeches.

-고자 vs. -(으)려고

-고자 is very formal and used in official documents or extremely formal speeches. It is the literary equivalent of -(으)려고.

Another similar expression is -기 위해(서). This is much more formal than -(으)려고 and is often found in news reports, textbooks, and formal presentations. While -(으)려고 sounds like a personal plan, -기 위해(서) sounds like a dedicated mission or a formal objective. For example, 성공하기 위해서 노력해요 (I strive in order to succeed) sounds more determined and serious than 성공하려고 노력해요. Also, -기 위해(서) can be used with nouns (Noun + 을/를 위해), whereas -(으)려고 only attaches to verbs.

For expressing immediate intention or things about to happen, -(으)려던 참이다 is a useful alternative. It means "I was just about to..." This is perfect for when someone asks you to do something you were already planning to do. For example, 전화하려던 참이었어요 (I was just about to call you). This adds a layer of timing that -(으)려고 lacks. Additionally, -도록 and -게 are used when the purpose involves another person or a specific result, such as "so that..." or "to ensure that..." These are more result-oriented, whereas -(으)려고 is more intent-oriented.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to fine-tune your Korean to match the social situation. While -(으)려고 is the workhorse of purpose expressions, knowing when to use the formal -기 위해서 or the movement-specific -(으)러 will make your speech more precise and natural. As you move into higher CEFR levels, you will learn even more nuanced versions like -느라고 (used for negative results of an intention), but for A2, mastering the trio of -(으)려고, -(으)러, and -기 위해서 is the primary goal.