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-(으)려고 vs -기 위해서

Intermediate · TOPIK II

Both express purpose ('in order to'). -(으)려고 is the speaker's intention, conversational, and can't be followed by commands/suggestions; -기 위해서 emphasises the goal, is more formal, and works with commands, suggestions and -아야 하다.

-(으)려고A connective ending used to indicate that one has an intention or desire of doing a certain act.-기 위해서An expression used to indicate the intention, which is the goal for doing a certain thing.

Rules of thumb

  • If the main clause is a command, suggestion or 'must' (-아/어야 하다), use -기 위해서 (합격하기 위해서 열심히 공부하세요).
  • In casual talk about your own plans, -(으)려고 sounds more natural.
  • With nouns: N을/를 위해서 (건강을 위해서 'for health', 가족을 위해서 'for my family').
  • -(으)려고 also means 'plan to / be about to' (-(으)려고 하다); -기 위해서 doesn't.
  • -기 위해서 doesn't attach to adjectives; use -아/어지기 위해서 (건강해지기 위해서 'to become healthy').

Example sentences

  • -(으)려고

    I go to a language exchange meetup to make Korean friends.

  • -기 위해서

    To stay healthy, you should walk for 30 minutes every day.

  • -기 위해서

    Prepare hard so you can pass the exam.

  • 시험에 합격하려고 열심히 준비하세요.

    Incorrect

    Prepare hard to pass the exam. [Wrong: -(eu)ryeogo can't be followed by a command; use -gi wihaeseo]

  • -(으)려고

    I was just about to head out when the phone rang.

Often confused with

← All confused pairs