-(으)려고 하다 vs -고자 하다

to intend to?

Let's study the differences between the Korean grammatical expressions "-(으)려고 하다" and "-고자 하다." Both are used to express intention or purpose, but they differ in formality, nuance, and context.

1. -(으)려고 하다

• Definition: "-(으)려고 하다" is a commonly used expression in Korean that means "to intend to" or "to be about to." It indicates the speaker's intention or plan to do something in the near future.

• Usage: This expression is used in everyday conversation and is informal to neutral in tone. It is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from casual to semi-formal.

• Examples:

  • "저는 내일 친구를 만나려고 해요." (I intend to meet a friend tomorrow.)

  • "저녁을 먹으려고 하는데 같이 가실래요?" (I’m about to have dinner; would you like to join me?)

  • "이 책을 읽으려고 해요." (I’m planning to read this book.)

2. -고자 하다

• Definition: "-고자 하다" is a more formal expression that also means "to intend to" or "to plan to." It is used to express a speaker's intention or goal, often in more official or written contexts.

• Usage: This expression is formal and is often used in speeches, presentations, formal writing, and official statements. It is less common in everyday conversation due to its formal tone.

• Examples:

  • "이번 회의에서는 새로운 전략을 논의하고자 합니다." (In this meeting, we intend to discuss the new strategy.)

  • "저는 여러분께 이 문제에 대해 설명드리고자 합니다." (I intend to explain this issue to you.)

  • "이 논문에서는 해당 주제를 연구하고자 합니다." (In this paper, I intend to research this topic.)

Comparison and Usage Nuances

• Formality:

  • "-(으)려고 하다" is informal to neutral, making it appropriate for everyday conversations and general communication.

  • "-고자 하다" is formal and is typically used in official settings, such as speeches, formal writing, and presentations.

• Context:

  • Use "-(으)려고 하다" when discussing personal plans or intentions in a casual or neutral setting.

  • Use "-고자 하다" when expressing intentions in formal or official contexts, where a more polite or respectful tone is required.

• Tone and Nuance:

  • "-(으)려고 하다" conveys a straightforward intention and is easily adaptable to many conversational situations.

  • "-고자 하다" conveys a more deliberate and formal intention, often used to express well-considered plans or objectives in formal communication.

Example Sentences for Comparison:

• Informal/Neutral:

  • "저는 한국어를 배우려고 해요." (I intend to learn Korean.)

  • "내년에 여행을 가려고 해요." (I’m planning to go on a trip next year.)

• Formal:

  • "저는 한국어를 배우고자 합니다." (I intend to learn Korean.)

  • "내년에 해외에서 공부하고자 합니다." (I intend to study abroad next year.)

Understanding these differences will help you choose the appropriate expression based on the level of formality required by the situation.