Mastering Korean grammar patterns can make your sentences sound more natural and precise. One especially useful pattern is ‘-고자’ in Korean, which is used to express intention and purpose. Knowing how to use ‘-고자’ in Korean: Expressing Intention and Purpose will help you state your goals clearly in both writing and speech. In this guide, we’ll break down its meaning, structure, and practical examples so you can start using it with confidence.
Contents
1. Definition
The grammar pattern -고자 is used to express the speaker’s intention, goal, or purpose for doing something.
- English equivalents: “in order to,” “with the intention to,” “so that.”
- It shows that one action is done for the purpose of achieving another action.
- Commonly used in formal speech and writing.
2. Form (Structure)
- ‘-고자’ is only attached to verbs to express purpose, intention, or aims.
- Remove ‘-다’ from the verb stem and add ‘-고자’.
- This pattern cannot be used with adjectives or nouns.
Examples
- 읽다 → 읽고자
(to read → 읽고자: in order to read) - 가다 → 가고자
(to go → 가고자: in order to go) - 만들다 → 만들고자
(to make → 만들고자: in order to make)
3. Meaning & Usage
1. Expressing Purpose
Used to show the reason or goal behind an action.
- 회사를 세우고자 많은 준비를 했습니다. (I prepared a lot in order to start a company.)
- 환경을 보호하고자 재활용을 실천합니다. (I practice recycling to protect the environment.)
- 건강을 지키고자 매일 운동을 합니다. (I exercise every day to protect my health.)
- 외국어를 배우고자 해외에 나갔습니다. (I went abroad in order to learn a foreign language.)
- 아이들을 돕고자 봉사활동을 시작했습니다. (I started volunteering to help children.)
2. Showing Determination or Strong Intention
Indicates the speaker’s firm will to achieve something.
- 꿈을 이루고자 절대 포기하지 않았습니다. (I never gave up in order to achieve my dream.)
- 성공하고자 매일 밤늦게까지 노력했습니다. (I worked late every night to succeed.)
- 학위를 받고자 열심히 논문을 썼습니다. (I worked hard on my thesis to earn my degree.)
- 목표를 달성하고자 계획을 세웠습니다. (I made a plan to achieve my goal.)
- 더 나은 삶을 살고자 이민을 결정했습니다. (I decided to immigrate to live a better life.)
3. Formal Written Expression
Frequently used in formal contexts such as announcements, speeches, and official writing.
- 본 행사를 알리고자 안내문을 드립니다. (We provide this notice to inform you of the event.)
- 여러분께 도움을 드리고자 마련한 자리입니다. (This event is prepared to help you.)
- 새로운 상품을 소개하고자 전시회를 개최합니다. (We hold an exhibition to introduce new products.)
- 고객 만족을 높이고자 서비스 품질을 개선했습니다. (We improved service quality to increase customer satisfaction.)
- 지역 발전을 이루고자 다양한 정책을 시행합니다. (We implement various policies to achieve regional development.)
4. Similar Grammar Patterns to -고자
Here’s a clear and practical comparison of -고자 with other common Korean grammar patterns that express purpose or intention:
| Grammar Pattern | Usage Purpose | Example | Key Difference from -고자 |
| -(으)려고 | Intention or purpose in casual speech | 한국어를 배우려고 한국에 왔어요. (I came to Korea to learn Korean.) | More casual and common in daily conversation. |
| -기 위해서 | Purpose with verbs and nouns | 건강을 지키기 위해 운동을 합니다. (I exercise to stay healthy.) | Works with both nouns and verbs; versatile. |
| -(으)러 | Purpose of movement (go/come) | 밥을 먹으러 식당에 갔어요. (I went to a restaurant to eat.) | Only used with movement verbs like 가다/오다. |
| -도록 | Purpose, result, or extent | 늦지 않도록 일찍 출발했어요. (I left early so I wouldn’t be late.) | Focuses on ensuring a result or condition. |
| -아/어 가지고 | Informal cause or purpose | 돈을 벌어 가지고 집을 샀어요. (I earned money and bought a house.) | Very colloquial; avoided in formal writing. |
| -고자 | Formal purpose or intention | 회사를 세우고자 많은 준비를 했습니다. (I prepared a lot in order to start a company.) | More formal and mainly used in written or official contexts. |
5. Key Points to Remember
- Only used with verbs, not adjectives or nouns.
- Expresses purpose, intention, or determination.
- Sounds more formal than -(으)려고 or -기 위해서.
- Often used in official speeches, writing, and formal contexts.
6. Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of -고자.
- 한국어를 (배우다) _______ 한국에 왔습니다.
(I came to Korea to learn Korean.) - 건강을 (지키다) _______ 매일 달리기를 합니다.
(I run every day to stay healthy.) - 회사를 (세우다) _______ 자금을 모으고 있습니다.
(I am saving money to start a company.) - 손님을 (환영하다) _______ 꽃을 준비했습니다.
(I prepared flowers to welcome the guest.) - 해외 경험을 (쌓다) _______ 교환학생 프로그램에 참여했어요.
(I joined an exchange program to gain overseas experience.) - 직원들의 의견을 (듣다) _______ 회의를 열었습니다.
(We held a meeting to hear employees’ opinions.) - 아이를 잘 (키우다) _______ 육아책을 읽습니다.
(I read parenting books to raise my child well.) - 새 차를 (사다) _______ 돈을 저축하고 있어요.
(I am saving money to buy a new car.) - 고객 만족을 (높이다) _______ 서비스 품질을 개선했습니다.
(We improved service quality to increase customer satisfaction.) - 지역 사회를 (발전시키다) _______ 다양한 활동을 하고 있습니다.
(We are doing various activities to develop the local community.)
7. Answers
- 배우고자
- 지키고자
- 세우고자
- 환영하고자
- 쌓고자
- 듣고자
- 키우고자
- 사고자
- 높이고자
- 발전시키고자
8. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Using with adjectives
- Incorrect: 예쁘고자 화장을 했어요. ❌ (I put on makeup to be pretty.)
- Correct: 예뻐지려고 화장을 했어요. ✅ (I put on makeup to look prettier.)
💡 Tip: Remember, -고자 is only for verbs, not adjectives.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Mixing with casual speech
- Incorrect: 밥 먹고자 해. ❌ (I eat to…)
- Correct: 밥 먹으려고 해. ✅ (I intend to eat.)
💡 Tip: Use -고자 in formal writing or speeches. Use -(으)려고 in casual conversation.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Using with nouns
- Incorrect: 학생이고자 열심히 공부해요. ❌ (I study hard to be a student.)
- Correct: 학생이 되려고 열심히 공부해요. ✅ (I study hard to become a student.)
💡 Tip: If you want to use a noun, switch to -이 되려고 or -을/를 위해.
The grammar pattern -고자 is an important tool for expressing intention, purpose, and determination in Korean. It is especially useful in formal contexts such as announcements, reports, and public speeches. By mastering -고자, learners will not only improve their ability to state goals but also sound more natural and confident in academic or professional situations.