-(으)려고
Used to express an intention or purpose for an action. The first clause contains the intention, and the second clause contains the action taken to achieve it.
Summary
Equivalent
In order to / So that
Also: -기 위해(서) (In order to - more formal)
Example
I study Korean in order to enter a Korean university.
한국 대학교에 입학하려고 한국어를 공부해요.
Grammar rules
- Unlike '-(으)러', '-(으)려고' can be followed by ANY action verb, not just movement verbs.
- The tense is marked only on the final verb.
- Cannot be used with imperative (-(으)세요) or propositive (-(으)ㅂ시다) sentences. Use '-(으)러' (if moving) or '-기 위해서' for commands.
살을 빼려고 운동을 하세요 (X) -> 살을 빼기 위해서 운동을 하세요. (O)
Patterns
Verbs (Consonant)
Present/Purpose · Verb Stem + 으려고
Verbs (Vowel/ㄹ)
Present/Purpose · Verb Stem (drop ㄹ) + 려고
Example sentences
I study Korean in order to enter a Korean university.
한국 대학교에 입학하려고 한국어를 공부해요.
I exercise every day in order to lose weight.
살을 빼려고 매일 운동을 합니다.
I bought a gift to give to my parents.
부모님께 드리려고 선물을 샀어요.
Conversation
A: Why did you wake up so early?
왜 이렇게 일찍 일어났어요?
B: I woke up early in order to do morning exercise.
아침 운동을 하려고 일찍 일어났어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct form indicating broad purpose.
Reading.
Making.