When learning Korean, understanding the difference between ‘-게’ and ‘-(으)려고’ is essential for expressing purpose and intention correctly. Both grammar patterns are used to indicate why something is done, but they are applied in different contexts. In this post, we’ll explore how to use each structure effectively with clear examples, helping you master these important expressions in Korean.
Contents
1. Definition
- ‘-게’: This is a grammatical structure used to express purpose or intention, often following an action or descriptive verb. It can be translated as “in order to” or “so that.”
- ‘-(으)려고’: This pattern also expresses intention or purpose but is typically used when indicating the reason behind an action, or a goal that is sought after. It translates roughly as “in order to” or “so as to.”
2. Form (Structure)
- ‘-게’:
This structure is attached directly to the verb stem and is followed by the verb or adjective.
| Verb | +게 |
| 가다 (to go) | 가게 (in order to go) |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹게 (in order to eat) |
| 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하게 (in order to study) |
- ‘-(으)려고’:
This pattern is attached to the verb stem and is followed by the particle ‘려고’ (or ‘으려고’ if the stem ends in a consonant).
| Verb | +(으)려고 |
| 가다 (to go) | 가려고 (in order to go) |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹으려고 (in order to eat) |
| 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하려고 (in order to study) |
3. Meaning & Usage
Both ‘-게’ and ‘-(으)려고’ are used to express purpose or intention in Korean, but there are important differences in their usage. Understanding these differences will help you use them correctly in various contexts.
1. Result-Oriented Purpose vs. Intentional Purpose
- ‘-게’ is often used to describe an action done so that a certain result or outcome can happen, especially when the action affects someone else or a situation. The focus is on the result or the effect of the action.
- ‘-(으)려고’ is used to express the speaker’s (or subject’s) intention or plan to do something. It shows a deliberate purpose or intention to perform an action.
Examples:
‘-게’ (Result-Oriented Purpose)
- 아이가 늦지 않게 학교에 데려다줬어요.
(I took my child to school so that he wouldn’t be late.) - 친구가 놀라지 않게 조용히 말했어요.
(I spoke quietly so that my friend wouldn’t be surprised.) - 문이 닫히지 않게 문을 잡았어요.
(I held the door so that it wouldn’t close.) - 학생들이 이해하게 설명했어요.
(I explained so that the students could understand.) - 손님이 편하게 앉게 의자를 준비했어요.
(I prepared chairs so that guests could sit comfortably.)
‘-(으)려고’ (Intentional Purpose)
- 한국어를 배우려고 해요.
(I am planning to learn Korean.) - 내일 일찍 일어나려고 해요.
(I plan to wake up early tomorrow.) - 친구를 만나려고 카페에 갔어요.
(I went to a cafe to meet my friend.) - 사진을 찍으려고 카메라를 샀어요.
(I bought a camera to take pictures.) - 운동하려고 공원에 갔어요.
(I went to the park to exercise.)
2. Context: Neutral, Formal, and Informal Situations
- ‘-게’ can be used in both neutral and formal or informal situations. It is common in both spoken and written Korean, especially when describing actions taken to cause a result or benefit for someone else.
- ‘-(으)려고’ is also used in both formal and informal contexts. It is most common when talking about one’s own intentions, plans, or goals for the future.
Examples:
‘-게’ (Neutral or Formal)
- 학생들이 이해하게 설명해 주세요.
(Please explain so that the students can understand.) - 운동을 열심히 해서 건강하게 살고 싶어요.
(I want to live healthily by exercising hard.) - 아이가 다치지 않게 조심했어요.
(I was careful so that the child wouldn’t get hurt.) - 늦지 않게 일찍 일어났어요.
(I woke up early so that I wouldn’t be late.) - 친구가 편하게 쉴 수 있게 방을 청소했어요.
(I cleaned the room so that my friend could rest comfortably.)
‘-(으)려고’ (Intentional, Any Context)
- 회사를 그만두려고 생각 중이에요.
(I am thinking about quitting the company.) - 한국에 여행을 가려고 한국어를 공부해요.
(I study Korean to travel to Korea.) - 시험을 잘 보려고 열심히 공부해요.
(I study hard to do well on the exam.) - 친구를 도우려고 도서관에 갔어요.
(I went to the library to help my friend.) - 비행기표를 예약하려고 전화했어요.
(I called to book a plane ticket.)
3. Verb Usage and Limitations
- ‘-게’ can be attached to a wide range of verbs, especially those that describe causing a result, a state, or an effect on someone or something.
- ‘-(으)려고’ is only used with verbs that express purposeful, intentional actions. It cannot be used with adjectives or with verbs that do not involve intention.
Examples:
‘-게’
- 아이가 울지 않게 장난감을 줬어요.
(I gave a toy so that the child wouldn’t cry.) - 친구가 이해하게 천천히 말했어요.
(I spoke slowly so that my friend could understand.) - 문이 잘 닫히게 문고리를 고쳤어요.
(I fixed the doorknob so that the door closes well.) - 손님이 편하게 앉게 의자를 준비했어요.
(I prepared chairs so that guests could sit comfortably.) - 아이가 다치지 않게 조심했어요.
(I was careful so that the child wouldn’t get hurt.)
‘-(으)려고’
- 숙제를 하려고 도서관에 갔어요.
(I went to the library to do homework.) - 친구를 만나려고 카페에 갔어요.
(I went to a cafe to meet my friend.) - 운동하려고 공원에 갔어요.
(I went to the park to exercise.) - 비행기표를 예약하려고 전화했어요.
(I called to book a plane ticket.) - 책을 읽으려고 도서관에 갔어요.
(I went to the library to read a book.)
Summary of Key Differences
| Aspect | ‘-게’ | ‘-(으)려고’ |
| Purpose Type | Result-oriented, for outcome or effect | Intentional, for one’s own plan |
| Context | Neutral, formal, or informal | Neutral, formal, or informal |
| Verb Usage | Wide range, including causing results | Only with intentional actions |
4. Key Points to Remember
- ‘-게’ expresses purpose or result, and is often used to indicate that an action is done in order to achieve a specific outcome, especially when affecting someone else or a situation.
- ‘-(으)려고’ is used to express the speaker’s or subject’s intention or plan to do something, showing an active goal or purpose.
- Both ‘-게’ and ‘-(으)려고’ are used with verbs. ‘-게’ focuses on causing a result or effect, while ‘-(으)려고’ focuses on the intention or plan behind the action. ‘-(으)려고’ cannot be used with adjectives.
5. Practice Exercises
Choose the correct grammar form (‘-게’ or ‘-(으)려고’) from the options in brackets to complete each sentence.
- 친구가 [이해하게 / 이해하려고] 쉽게 설명했어요.
(I explained simply so that my friend could understand.) - 한국어를 [배우게 / 배우려고] 한국에 왔어요.
(I came to Korea to learn Korean.) - 아이가 [울게 / 울지 않게 / 울려고] 장난감을 줬어요.
(I gave a toy so that the child wouldn’t cry.) - 사진을 [찍게 / 찍으려고] 카메라를 샀어요.
(I bought a camera to take pictures.) - 문이 [닫히게 / 닫히지 않게 / 닫히려고] 문을 잡았어요.
(I held the door so that it wouldn’t close.) - 시험을 [잘 보게 / 잘 보려고] 열심히 공부했어요.
(I studied hard so that I could do well on the exam.) - 친구를 [만나게 / 만나려고] 카페에 갔어요.
(I went to a cafe to meet my friend.) - 손님이 [편하게 앉게 / 편하게 앉으려고] 의자를 준비했어요.
(I prepared chairs so that guests could sit comfortably.) - 운동[하게 / 하려고] 공원에 갔어요.
(I went to the park to exercise.) - 엄마가 [듣게 / 들으려고] 크게 말했어요.
(I spoke loudly so that my mom could hear.)
6. Answers
- 이해하게
- 배우려고
- 울지 않게
- 찍으려고
- 닫히지 않게
- 잘 보게
- 만나려고
- 편하게 앉게
- 하려고
- 듣게
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Using ‘-게’ when ‘-(으)려고’ is needed.
Incorrect: 나는 한국어를 배우게 매일 공부한다. ❌ (I study every day in order to learn Korean.)
Correct: 나는 한국어를 배우려고 매일 공부한다. ✅ (I study every day to learn Korean.)
💡 Tip: Use ‘-게’ when the result or purpose of the action is the focus. Use ‘-(으)려고’ when expressing an intention or goal behind an action.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Using ‘-(으)려고 되었다’ instead of ‘-게 되었다’ to describe a result or outcome.
Incorrect: 나는 건강을 위해 일찍 일어나려고 되었다. ❌ (I ended up waking up early in order to be healthy.)
Correct: 나는 건강을 위해 일찍 일어나게 되었다. ✅ (I ended up waking up early for my health.)
💡 Tip: Use ‘-게 되다’ to express how something happened as a result or outcome, not ‘-(으)려고 되다’, which is incorrect in Korean.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Using an informal form when a formal form is required.
Incorrect: 나는 공부하게 되었다. ❌ (I started studying.)
Correct: 저는 공부하게 되었습니다. ✅ (I started studying.)
💡 Tip: In formal situations, use the appropriate level of politeness. Also, remember that ‘-게 되다’ is used to describe a result or change, not a purpose or intention.
Both ‘-게’ and ‘-(으)려고’ are essential for expressing purpose or intention in Korean, but they are used in different ways. Understanding the subtle differences between them will help you communicate your intentions more accurately and clearly. Keep practicing these structures with real-life examples to master their usage in various contexts.