Are you confused about the difference between ‘-(으)려고 하다’ and ‘-(으)려 하다’ in Korean? Both forms express intention or plans, but they differ slightly in tone and usage. This post explains how to use each one naturally, with clear examples and tips to avoid common mistakes.
Contents
1. Definition
‘-(으)려고 하다‘
This grammar is used to express intention, purpose, or a plan to do something. The closest English equivalents are “to intend to,” “to plan to,” or “to try to.”
‘-(으)려 하다‘
This is a shortened and more formal/literary version of ‘-(으)려고 하다.’ It also means “to intend to” or “to try to,” but is often used in written language or formal speech.
2. Form (Structure)
‘-(으)려고 하다‘
- Attach ‘-려고 하다’ to verbs ending in a vowel.
- Attach ‘-으려고 하다’ to verbs ending in a consonant (except for ‘ㄹ’).
- Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으려고 하다 (to intend to eat)
- For verbs ending with the consonant ‘ㄹ’, treat them like vowel-ending verbs and attach ‘-려고 하다’.
‘-(으)려 하다’
- Attach ‘-려 하다’ to verbs ending in a vowel.
- Attach ‘-으려 하다’ to verbs ending in a consonant (except for ‘ㄹ’).
- Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으려 하다 (to try to eat)
- For verbs ending with the consonant ‘ㄹ’, treat them like vowel-ending verbs and attach ‘-려 하다’.
Summary Table
| Verb Stem Ending | -(으)려고 하다 | -(으)려 하다 | Example |
| Vowel | -려고 하다 | -려 하다 | 가다 → 가려고 하다 / 가려 하다 (I intend to go / I try to go) |
| Consonant (not ‘ㄹ’) | -으려고 하다 | -으려 하다 | 먹다 → 먹으려고 하다 / 먹으려 하다 (I intend to eat / I try to eat) |
| ‘ㄹ’ consonant | -려고 하다 | -려 하다 | 만들다 → 만들려고 하다 / 만들려 하다 (I intend to make / I try to make) |
3. Meaning & Usage
‘-(으)려고 하다’ and ‘-(으)려 하다’ both express the subject’s intention, plan, or effort to do something. While they are grammatically similar and sometimes interchangeable, there are important differences in nuance, formality, and frequency of use. The following points explain how they differ in actual usage.
1. ‘-(으)려고 하다’ is the standard and most common form in spoken Korean
This form is neutral and polite. It is widely used in daily conversation, messages, and general speech. It expresses a clear and direct intention or plan.
- 오늘은 집에서 쉬려고 해요.
(I plan to rest at home today.) - 친구에게 전화하려고 했어요.
(I was going to call my friend.) - 운동을 시작하려고 해요.
(I’m planning to start exercising.) - 한국어를 배우려고 해요.
(I am planning to learn Korean.) - 무리하지 않으려고 했어요.
(I tried not to overdo it.)
2. ‘-(으)려 하다’ is more formal, refined, or literary
This form sounds more thoughtful or introspective and is often used in written language, formal speech, public announcements, or when expressing internal effort or emotion. It can add a subtle nuance of effort, hesitation, or emotional weight.
- 나를 이해시키려 했어요.
(I tried to make myself understood.) - 진실을 말하려 합니다.
(I intend to speak the truth.) - 큰 변화를 이루려 해요.
(I’m trying to make a big change.) - 마음을 열려 했어요.
(I tried to open up.) - 학생들은 질문을 하려 했어요.
(The students tried to ask a question.)
3. Nuance: Direct intent vs. effort or emotional nuance
‘-(으)려고 하다’ usually emphasizes a clear, direct plan or action.
‘-(으)려 하다’ often reflects tentative effort, emotional nuance, or a more thoughtful tone.
- 한국어를 배우려고 해요.
(I am planning to learn Korean.) — straightforward plan - 마음을 열려 했어요.
(I tried to open up.) — emotional, hesitant - 실수를 하지 않으려고 했어요.
(I tried not to make a mistake.) — clear intent - 마지막까지 포기하지 않으려 했어요.
(I tried not to give up until the end.) — emotional, determined - 친구를 이해하려고 해요.
(I am trying to understand my friend.) — direct intention
4. ‘-(으)려 하다’ is common in formal writing, reports, or polite announcements
This form is frequently used in formal settings such as presentations, speeches, or academic language to maintain a respectful and thoughtful tone.
- 저희는 이 문제를 해결하려 합니다.
(We intend to solve this issue.) - 정부는 제도를 개선하려 하고 있습니다.
(The government is trying to improve the system.) - 저는 이 주제에 대해 더 연구하려 합니다.
(I plan to research this topic further.) - 새로운 방법을 찾으려 합니다.
(I am trying to find a new method.) - 회사는 서비스를 확대하려 합니다.
(The company plans to expand its services.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- ‘-(으)려고 하다’ is most commonly used in spoken Korean and in daily conversation.
- ‘-(으)려 하다’ often sounds more formal, refined, or introspective, and is frequently seen in written Korean, formal speech, or when expressing effort or emotional nuance.
- Both forms are grammatically correct and can often be used interchangeably, but the choice depends on the context and the nuance you want to convey.
- These forms only attach to verbs (including noun + 하다 verbs), not to adjectives or nouns.
5. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Forgetting to change the verb ending according to the final consonant
Incorrect: 책을 읽려고 해요. ❌ (I intend to read a book.)
Correct: 책을 읽으려고 해요. ✅ (I intend to read a book.)
💡 Tip: If the verb stem ends with a consonant (except ‘ㄹ’), use ‘-으려고 하다’ or ‘-으려 하다’. If it ends with a vowel or ‘ㄹ’, use ‘-려고 하다’ or ‘-려 하다’.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Using these patterns with adjectives
Incorrect: 예쁘려고 해요. ❌ (I plan to be pretty.)
Correct: 예뻐지려고 해요. ✅ (I plan to become pretty.)
💡 Tip: Use these patterns only with verbs. If you want to use an adjective, convert it to a verb with ‘-아/어지다’ (for example, 좋아지다 – to become better, 달라지다 – to change).
⚠️ Mistake 3: Mixing the two forms in one sentence
Incorrect: 공부를 하려고 하려 합니다. ❌
Correct: 공부를 하려고 합니다. ✅
💡 Tip: Only one intention marker should be used in a single verb clause. Using both together is unnatural.
Both ‘-(으)려고 하다’ and ‘-(으)려 하다’ are used to express intention or plan, but they differ slightly in tone and frequency. ‘-(으)려고 하다’ is more commonly used in daily conversation, while ‘-(으)려 하다’ feels more deliberate or literary. Understanding this subtle difference helps learners sound more natural and precise in Korean.