-(으)려고 들다
Indicates a strong, active, and sometimes aggressive effort or determination to achieve a purpose or perform an action.
Summary
Equivalent
To be determined to..., To keep trying to..., To be bent on...
Also: -(으)려 들다
Example
He doesn't listen to others and is only bent on making his own arguments.
그는 남의 말은 듣지 않고 자기주장만 하려고 들어요.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'The subject is pushing hard / bent on doing [X].' Often used to describe someone's stubborn or persistent attitude.
- Can be shortened to '-(으)려 들다'.
- Adding '만' emphasizes that the person is *only* focused on that one action: '-(으)려고만 들다'.
공부는 안 하고 잠만 자려고만 든다. (They are only bent on sleeping and don't study.)
Patterns
V (Verbs)
현재 (Present) · -(으)려고 들다
Example sentences
He doesn't listen to others and is only bent on making his own arguments.
그는 남의 말은 듣지 않고 자기주장만 하려고 들어요.
I'm worried because the kids keep trying to act so rudely.
아이들이 너무 버릇없이 행동하려고 들어서 걱정이에요.
The more difficult the situation, the more we can solve it if everyone is determined to join forces.
어려운 상황일수록 모두가 힘을 합치려고 들면 해결할 수 있어요.
Conversation
A: Why is the meeting atmosphere so bad?
회의 분위기가 왜 저렇게 안 좋아요?
B: Because everyone is bent on not losing out even a little bit, they can't reach a consensus.
서로 조금도 손해를 안 보려고 드니 의견이 좁혀지지 않네요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct phrase indicating strong determination or attitude.
Someone stubbornly refuses to help.
Only wants to do fun things.