Korean grammar patterns › Level 2
-(으)려고
in order to, with the intention of
Level 2 · TOPIK I · beginner
How to use it
Gives the purpose or intention behind the subject's action. Both clauses have the same subject.
Forming it
| 사다 | → 사려고 |
| 먹다 | → 먹으려고 |
| 만들다 | → 만들려고 |
| 듣다 | → 들으려고 |
Not followed by commands or suggestions: ✗ 선물을 사려고 가세요 → 선물을 사러 가세요.
Examples
한국 회사에 취직하려고 한국어를 공부해요.
I'm studying Korean to get a job at a Korean company.
친구 생일 선물을 사려고 백화점에 갔어요.
I went to the department store to buy my friend's birthday present.
Compared with similar patterns
-(으)러 only goes with movement verbs (가다/오다/다니다) but allows commands; -기 위해(서) is more formal and emphatic; -(으)려면 means 'if you want to' and is followed by advice.