Thought and intentionKoreanB1

-(으)려고 하다 and -아/어야 되다

Use -(으)려고 하다 for intention and -아/어야 되다 for obligation or practical necessity.

Examples

KoreanTranslation
오늘 일찍 자려고 해요。Oneul iljjik jaryeogo haeyo.

I am planning to sleep early today.

지금 나가야 돼요。Jigeum nagaya dwaeyo.

I have to leave now.

주말에 친구를 만나려고 해요。Jumare chingureul mannaryeogo haeyo.

I am planning to meet a friend on the weekend.

Pattern

verb stem + (으)려고 하다 / verb stem + 아/어야 되다

How it works

Use -(으)려고 하다 for intention and -아/어야 되다 for obligation or practical necessity. This pattern typically appears as verb stem + (으)려고 하다 / verb stem + 아/어야 되다 and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.

What to notice

  • -(으)려고 하다 points to intention or planned action.
  • -아/어야 되다 expresses necessity or obligation.

Why it matters

Say what you think, plan, and seem to notice.

Use in context

This contrast helps Korean separate what someone plans to do from what they must do.