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Easy Korean - Level 3, Unit 26: Plan to, Intend to -(으)려고 하다

When you want to talk about something you are planning or intending to do (but maybe haven't finalized the exact details yet), you can use the structure -(으)려고 하다.

How to Conjugate

1. Verb stem ends in a VOWEL: Add -려고 하다 * 가다 (to go) -> 가 + 려고 하다 = 가려고 해요 (I am planning to go) * 사다 (to buy) -> 사 + 려고 하다 = 사려고 해요 (I am planning to buy)

2. Verb stem ends in a CONSONANT: Add -으려고 하다 * 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹 + 으려고 하다 = 먹으려고 해요 (I intend to eat) * 읽다 (to read) -> 읽 + 으려고 하다 = 읽으려고 해요 (I plan to read)

3. Verb stem ends in ㄹ: Just add -려고 하다 * 만들다 (to make) -> 만들려고 해요 (I plan to make) * 팔다 (to sell) -> 팔려고 해요 (I am planning to sell)

Difference from -(으)ㄹ 거예요 (Future Tense)

  • 내일 갈 거예요. (I will go tomorrow.) -> A firm decision or solid plan.
  • 내일 가려고 해요. (I am planning to go tomorrow.) -> Your current intention, but it could change. It sounds softer.

Past Tense: -(으)려고 했어요 (I was planning to...)

This is very commonly used when you were planning to do something, but didn't end up doing it, or to explain your past intentions.

  • 어제 친구를 만나려고 했어요. 그런데 너무 바빠서 못 만났어요. (I was planning to meet a friend yesterday. But I was too busy so I couldn't.)

Example Sentences

  1. 한국어를 열심히 배우려고 해요. (I plan to learn Korean diligently.)
  2. 이 신발을 사려고 해요. (I intend to buy these shoes.)
  3. 다이어트를 시작하려고 해요. (I am planning to start a diet.)
  4. 전화하려고 했어요. (I was intending to call you.)