-(으)려고
Quick answer: -(으)려고 means in order to — the purpose that made you act.
How to form it
No final consonant → -려고 · final consonant → -으려고 · the second clause cannot be a command or suggestion
In Korean: 받침 X → -려고 받침 O → -으려고 뒤에 명령·제안은 못 옵니다
What to know
You met -(으)러 가다 in level 1, which only works with 가다 and 오다. -(으)려고 takes any verb after it, so it is the one you will use most. But like -아/어서, it cannot be followed by a request or a suggestion.
Examples
- 한국어를 배우려고 한국에 왔어요.I came to Korea to learn Korean.
- 친구를 만나려고 일찍 갔어요.I went early to meet a friend.
- 옷을 사려고 시장에 갔어요.I went to the market to buy clothes.
Where it's taught
HanDa Level 2 (TOPIK I), Lesson 1: 한국어를 배우려고 한국에 왔어요 — I came to Korea to learn Korean. Also in the Level 2 book.
Learned in the same lesson: -게 되다.
Practise -(으)려고 out loud
In the HanDa app this is Level 2, Lesson 1 — drills, a speaking check and an AI teacher that corrects what you say. Free for 7 days.