In Order To (-려고)
-려고
Expresses intention or purpose, meaning 'in order to' or 'intending to'.
Pattern
Verb stem + -(으)려고 (+ 하다)
Explanation
-(으)려고 expresses the speaker's intention or purpose for doing something. Use -려고 after stems ending in a vowel and -으려고 after stems ending in a consonant. For example, 먹으려고 means 'in order to eat' and 가려고 means 'in order to go'.
This pattern connects two clauses where the first clause is the purpose and the second is the action taken to achieve it. 한국어를 배우려고 한국에 왔어요 means 'I came to Korea in order to learn Korean'. The subject of both clauses must be the same person.
-(으)려고 하다 is a related pattern meaning 'to plan to' or 'to intend to'. 내일 가려고 해요 means 'I'm planning to go tomorrow'. This adds 하다 and shifts the meaning from purpose to intention or plan.
Examples
한국어를 배우려고 한국에 왔어요.
Hangugeoreul baeuryeogo hanguge wasseoyo.
I came to Korea to learn Korean.
선물을 사려고 백화점에 갔어요.
Seonmureul saryeogo baekhwajeome gasseoyo.
I went to the department store to buy a gift.
내일 일찍 일어나려고 해요.
Naeil iljjik ireonaryeogo haeyo.
I'm planning to wake up early tomorrow.
건강해지려고 운동을 시작했어요.
Geonganghaejiryeogo undongeul sijakhaesseoyo.
I started exercising in order to become healthy.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
비가 오려고 우산을 가져갔어요.
Correct
비가 올까 봐 우산을 가져갔어요.
-(으)려고 expresses the subject's own intention. Rain cannot have intention. Use a different pattern for external causes.
Wrong
먹려고 식당에 갔어요.
Correct
먹으려고 식당에 갔어요.
After consonant-ending stems (먹), use -으려고, not -려고.
Related Grammar Points
Vocabulary in Examples
Practice vocabulary from these grammar patterns
Build your vocabulary with science-backed spaced repetition — 30 days free.
Start Practicing