Expressing intention is essential in Korean, especially when talking about plans or future actions.

In this lesson, you will learn how to use “~(으)려고 하다”, a key grammar pattern used to describe intention.

By the end of this guide, you will be able to:

  • Understand the meaning of “~(으)려고 하다”
  • Use it naturally in sentences
  • Compare it with similar grammar

What is “~(으)려고 하다”?

“~(으)려고 하다” is used to express intention or plan.

It means “to intend to do something” or “to plan to do something”.

✔ Expresses intention
✔ Used for future plans
✔ Common in daily conversation

Structure

The structure is:

Verb stem + (으)려고 하다

Remove “다” from the verb before adding the structure.

Basic Examples

영화를 보려고 해요.
→ I plan to watch a movie.

한국에 가려고 해요.
→ I intend to go to Korea.

운동하려고 해요.
→ I plan to exercise.

Real-Life Usage

주말에 친구를 만나려고 해요.
→ I plan to meet a friend this weekend.

내일부터 공부하려고 해요.
→ I plan to start studying from tomorrow.

건강을 위해 운동하려고 해요.
→ I intend to exercise for my health.

Difference: ~(으)려고 하다 vs ~게 되다

~(으)려고 하다 → intention (planned)
→ I plan to do something

~게 되다 → result (happened naturally)
→ I ended up doing something

Common Mistakes

❌ 먹다려고 해요
✔ 먹으려고 해요

Be careful with consonant endings. Add “으” when necessary.

TOPIK Writing Tip

This grammar is useful for expressing plans and goals.

계획 → 행동 구조 만들기
→ showing intention clearly

Practice (Try before checking answers)

1. 저는 내일 여행을 (________) 해요.
→ I plan to travel tomorrow.

2. 오늘 운동을 (________) 해요.
→ I plan to exercise today.

3. 한국어를 더 열심히 (________) 해요.
→ I intend to study Korean harder.

Answers:

1. 하려고

2. 하려고

3. 공부하려고

Mini Writing

Write 3 sentences about your future plans using “~(으)려고 하다”.

Example:
저는 내일 공부하려고 해요.
→ I plan to study tomorrow.

저는 여행을 가려고 해요.
→ I plan to travel.

Related Grammar