In this post, we’ll explore the Korean grammar pattern -(으)려고 하다, which expresses an intention or plan to do something in the future. This structure is very common in daily conversation, and it’s important for students learning Korean to grasp it well to express their future actions. Let’s break down this grammar step by step with practical examples and exercises to help you understand its use better.
Contents
1. Definition
The grammar structure -(으)려고 하다 is used to express an intention, plan, or decision to do something. It can be translated as “intend to” or “plan to” in English.
2. Form (Structure)
The structure is quite simple:
- Verb Stem + (으)려고 하다
- If the verb stem ends in a vowel, just add 려고 하다.
- If the verb stem ends in a consonant, add 으려고 하다.
| Verb Stem Ending | Grammar Structure | Example |
| Vowel | Verb stem + 려고 하다 | 가려고 하다 (to intend to go) |
| Consonant | Verb stem + 으려고 하다 | 먹으려고 하다 (to intend to eat) |
3. Meaning & Usage
The structure -(으)려고 하다 is used to express an intention or plan to do something. It can be used in the present, past, and future tense depending on the context.
Present Tense
When expressing plans or intentions happening in the present, use the present tense of the verb.
- 저는 내일 친구를 만나려고 해요.
(I am planning to meet my friend tomorrow.) - 그는 한국어를 배우려고 해요.
(He intends to learn Korean.)
Past Tense
To express intentions or plans that were made in the past, you can change 하려고 하다 to 하려고 했다.
- 저는 어제 책을 읽으려고 했어요.
(I intended to read a book yesterday.) - 그녀는 지난 주에 서울에 가려고 했어요.
(She planned to go to Seoul last week.)
Future Tense
Korean native speakers rarely use the future tense of ‘V(으)려고 하다’. While grammatically correct, it’s not natural in everyday Korean speech. Instead, Koreans typically express future intentions or plans using:
The present form ‘V(으)려고 해요’
Example: 내일 친구와 영화를 보려고 해요. (I’m planning to watch a movie with my friend tomorrow.)
The future expression ‘V(으)ㄹ 거예요’
Example: 다음 주에 새로운 취미를 시작할 거예요. (I’m going to start a new hobby next week.)
Using ‘계획이에요’ (it’s a plan)
Example: 이번 주말에 여행을 가려고 하는데, 아직 확실한 계획은 없어요.
(I’m thinking about going on a trip this weekend, but I don’t have definite plans yet.)
4. Examples
- 저는 집에 가려고 해요.
(I am planning to go home.) - 그는 학교에 가려고 해요.
(He intends to go to school.) - 저는 커피를 마시려고 해요.
(I am going to drink coffee.) - 우리는 내일 여행을 가려고 해요.
(We plan to go on a trip tomorrow.) - 그녀는 새로운 일을 시작하려고 해요.
(She plans to start a new job.) - 저는 친구를 만나려고 해요.
(I am going to meet a friend.) - 그들은 다음 주에 회의를 하려고 해요.
(They intend to have a meeting next week.) - 내일 아침에 운동을 하려고 해요.
(I plan to exercise tomorrow morning.) - 이 책을 읽으려고 해요.
(I am going to read this book.) - 저는 한국어를 유창하게 하려고 해요.
(I plan to become fluent in Korean.)
5. Key Points to Remember
- You can use this structure in both casual and formal contexts.
- -(으)려고 하다 is used for expressing an intention or plan.
- It is important to attach –(으)려고 하다 correctly according to the verb ending.
6. Practice Exercises
Now, let’s put this into practice. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb -(으)려고 하다.
- 저는 오늘 _________________. (친구를 만나다)
- 그녀는 내일 _________________. (영화를 보다)
- 우리는 지금 _________________. (저녁을 먹다)
- 저는 주말에 _________________. (공원에 가다)
- 그들은 내일 _________________.(여행을 가다)
- 우리는 아침에 _________________. (운동하다)
- 그는 이번 달에 _________________. (새로운 집을 사다)
- 저는 내일 친구를 _________________. (만나다)
- 그들은 내년에 _________________. (한국어를 배우다)
- 저는 매일 아침 _________________.(책을 읽다)
7. Answers
- 읽으려고
- 만나려고
- 보려고
- 먹으려고
- 가려고
- 가려고
- 하려고
- 사려고
- 만나려고
- 배우려고
8. Common Mistakes and Tips
- Don’t forget the vowel/consonant rule when adding –(으)려고 하다.
- Be careful not to confuse this structure with -려고 하다 when using it with 하다 verbs, like “말하려 하다” (to intend to speak).
- If you’re expressing an intention for an immediate future action, it’s common to use the simple present tense with this structure.