If you’re learning how to express purpose or intention in Korean, the grammar pattern ‘-고자’ is an essential one to know. This formal structure is often used in written Korean, speeches, and polite conversation to indicate that the subject is doing something in order to achieve a goal or intention. In this post, you’ll learn how to use ‘-고자’ naturally, with plenty of real-life examples and helpful tips for clear understanding.
Contents
1. Definition
The Korean grammar pattern ‘-고자’ is used to express the speaker’s intention or purpose for doing something.
In English, it is similar to saying “in order to”, “so that I/we can”, or “with the intention of”.
2. Form (Structure)
- Verb stem + 고자
- Only verbs can be used with this pattern.
- Cannot be used with adjectives or in imperative or propositive sentences.
How to Conjugate Verbs with ‘-고자’
| Verb (Base Form) | ‘-고자’ Form | English Meaning |
| 배우다 (to learn) | 배우고자 | to intend to learn |
| 알리다 (to inform) | 알리고자 | to intend to inform |
| 돕다 (to help) | 돕고자 | to intend to help |
| 찾다 (to find) | 찾고자 | to intend to find |
3. Meaning & Usage
‘-고자’ is used when the subject does something with the purpose or goal of doing something else. It is formal and often used in announcements, formal speeches, writing, or public notices.
1. Expressing a clear purpose for an action
- 회의를 효율적으로 진행하고자 사전 자료를 준비했습니다. (I prepared the materials in advance in order to run the meeting efficiently.)
- 좋은 인상을 주고자 정장을 입었어요. (I wore a suit to make a good impression.)
- 유학을 가고자 영어를 열심히 공부했어요. (I studied English hard with the intention of studying abroad.)
- 정보를 공유하고자 메일을 보냈습니다. (I sent the email to share the information.)
- 새로운 기술을 배우고자 워크숍에 참석했어요. (I attended the workshop to learn a new skill.)
2. Often used in formal or written language
- 연구를 시작하고자 관련 자료를 수집했습니다. (I collected relevant materials to start the research.)
- 행사에 참여하고자 신청서를 작성했습니다. (I filled out the application to participate in the event.)
- 고객 만족을 높이고자 서비스를 개선했습니다. (We improved our services in order to increase customer satisfaction.)
- 자연을 보호하고자 캠페인을 열었습니다. (We launched a campaign to protect nature.)
- 문제를 해결하고자 회의를 소집했습니다. (A meeting was called to solve the problem.)
3. Cannot be used in commands or suggestions
The ‘-고자’ pattern cannot be used in imperative (commands) or propositive (suggestions) sentences.
- Imperative sentences give direct commands, often ending with polite forms like -세요, -십시오, or similar.
- Propositive sentences offer suggestions or proposals, usually ending with -ㅂ시다 or -자.
Here are some examples to clarify the usage:
Incorrect:
- 빨리 끝내고자 하세요. ❌
(This is a command using -세요, which cannot combine with ‘-고자’.)
Correct:
- 빨리 끝내세요. ✅
(Please finish quickly.)
Incorrect:
- 같이 가고자 합시다. ❌
(This is a suggestion using -ㅂ시다, which cannot combine with ‘-고자’.)
Correct:
- 같이 갑시다. ✅
(Let’s go together.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- Only verbs can be used with ‘-고자’.
- Cannot be used with adjectives.
- Formal and used mostly in writing or formal speech.
- Cannot be used in imperative or propositive sentences.
- Often interchangeable with ‘-기 위해서’ but slightly more formal.
5. Practice Exercises
Complete the sentence using ‘-고자’.
- 한국 문화를 배우다 → 한국 문화를 ________ 한국에 왔어요.
(I’m in Korea to learn Korean culture.) - 중요한 정보를 전달하다 → 중요한 정보를 ________ 이 자료를 만들었어요.
(I made this material to deliver important information.) - 손님을 환영하다 → 손님을 ________ 꽃을 준비했어요.
(We prepared flowers to welcome the guests.) - 팀워크를 강화하다 → 팀워크를 ________ 워크숍을 기획했습니다.
(We planned a workshop to strengthen teamwork.) - 건강을 지키다 → 건강을 ________ 매일 운동하고 있어요.
(I exercise every day to maintain my health.) - 회의를 시작하다 → 회의를 ________ 모두 일찍 모였습니다.
(Everyone gathered early to start the meeting.) - 지식을 나누다 → 지식을 ________ 이 글을 작성했습니다.
(I wrote this post to share knowledge.) - 고객 만족도를 높이다 → 고객 만족도를 ________ 새로운 정책을 도입했습니다.
(We implemented a new policy to improve customer satisfaction.) - 더 나은 결과를 얻다 → 더 나은 결과를 ________ 여러 방안을 검토했어요.
(We reviewed several options to achieve better results.) - 회사를 알리다 → 회사를 ________ 광고를 만들었습니다.
(We made an advertisement to promote the company.)
6. Answers
- 배우고자
- 전달하고자
- 환영하고자
- 강화하고자
- 지키고자
- 시작하고자
- 나누고자
- 높이고자
- 얻고자
- 알리고자
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Using ‘-고자’ with adjectives
Incorrect: 행복하고자 노력했어요. ❌
Correct: 행복해지기 위해 노력했어요. ✅
💡 Tip: ‘-고자’ can only be used with verbs. Use ‘-기 위해(서)’ when describing a purpose involving adjectives.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Using ‘-고자’ in casual, spoken language
Incorrect: 밥 먹고자 왔어. ❌
Correct: 밥 먹으려고 왔어. ✅
💡 Tip: ‘-고자’ sounds too formal for casual situations. Use patterns like ‘-려고’ or ‘-기 위해서’ in everyday conversation.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Using ‘-고자’ in commands or suggestions
Incorrect: 지금 가고자 해! ❌
Correct: 지금 가자! ✅
💡 Tip: ‘-고자’ is not used in imperative or propositive sentences. Use plain forms or ‘-자’ in those cases.
The grammar pattern ‘-고자’ is a useful and formal way to express purpose or intention in Korean. It helps you sound more polished and professional, especially in writing or formal conversation. By understanding when and how to use ‘-고자’ correctly, learners can improve the clarity and tone of their Korean communication.