Key facts
- Six purpose and intention patterns each have a lesson: one at A1, one at A2, two at B1 and two at B2.
- Each pattern has its own lesson page with a formation table, audio examples and practice with answers.
- The main choice is between -(으)러 (a movement verb follows), -(으)려고 (one person plans and acts) and -도록 (another person reaches the aim).
- Comparison pages exist for -(으)려고 vs -(으)러 and -(으)려고 vs -도록.
Listen to the sentence that shows the simplest pattern.
The next section defines the topic.
What Are the Korean in Order to Grammar Patterns?
They are the connective endings that name a purpose. A connective ending is a word ending that joins one clause to the next. A purpose pattern tells the listener what an action is for. English uses "to", "in order to" and "so that" for the same job.
Korean has several because each one carries different limits. Some need a movement verb. Some need the same person in both clauses. Some are formal. The patterns in this group cover everyday speech, school Korean and formal writing. The wider area is described in Korean grammar, and the other connector groups are listed on the Korean connectors page.
Which Pattern Should You Learn First?
Start with -(으)러 at level A1. It is short and you can use it at once. Then learn -(으)려고, which works with any action. After that, learn -도록 and -기 위해(서) at B1. Leave -고자 and -(으)ㄹ 겸 until you read formal or written Korean.
If you already use -(으)러 and -(으)려고 correctly, you can start at -도록. A learner who has not yet met the polite ending -아요/어요 should review Beginner Grammar first.
Quick Chooser
| Meaning wanted | Pattern | Level |
|---|---|---|
| "to" after go or come | -(으)러 | A1 |
| "in order to, intending to" | -(으)려고 | A2 |
| "so that, until, to the point that" | -도록 | B1 |
| "for the purpose of, in order to" | -기 위해(서) | B1 |
At B2: -고자 (with the aim of) and -(으)ㄹ 겸 (doing X as well as Y).
The Patterns, Grouped by Meaning
Each entry below has a short description, one example sentence with Revised Romanization (RR, the official Latin spelling, shown only as an aid) and audio.
Beginner and Elementary Patterns
-(으)러 (to)
This lesson teaches the pattern for a trip with a reason. The main verb must be a movement verb such as 가다 or 오다, and no tense goes before 러. Example: 친구를 만나러 카페에 가요. (chingureul mannareo kapee gayo.) "I go to a cafe to meet a friend."
Read the full lesson: -(으)러 grammar.
-(으)려고 (in order to, intending to)
This lesson teaches the pattern for an aim that you act on yourself. The main verb can be any action, the subject is the same in both clauses, and the main clause cannot be a command. It also means "be about to" in -(으)려고 하다. Example: 한국어를 배우려고 학원에 다녀요. (hangugeoreul baeuryeogo hagwone danyeoyo.) "I attend an academy in order to learn Korean."
Read the full lesson: -(으)려고 grammar.
Intermediate and Advanced Patterns
-도록 (so that, until, to the point that)
This lesson teaches the pattern for an aim that someone else can reach, and for an extent. The subjects may differ, and the main clause can be a request. Example: 아이가 잘 수 있도록 불을 껐어요. (aiga jal su itdorok bureul kkeosseoyo.) "I turned off the light so that the child could sleep."
Read the full lesson: -도록 grammar.
-기 위해(서) (for the purpose of, in order to)
This lesson teaches the neutral-to-formal "in order to". It attaches to a verb stem, or to a noun as 을/를 위해(서), and it works in commands, requests and advice. Example: 건강해지기 위해서 매일 운동해요. (geonganghaejigi wihaeseo maeil undonghaeyo.) "I exercise every day to get healthier."
Read the full lesson: -기 위해(서) grammar.
How Do You Choose between Look-Alike Patterns?
Three questions settle most choices.
- Is the main verb "go" or "come"? If yes, -(으)러 is the shortest choice: 책을 사러 가요. If the main verb is any other action, -(으)러 is not possible. The lesson on -(으)려고 vs -(으)러 gives a decision rule with five test sentences.
- Does the same person want the aim and act? If yes, use -(으)려고 or the more formal -기 위해(서): 책을 사려고 돈을 모아요. If another person reaches the aim, use -도록: 아이가 잘 수 있도록 불을 껐어요. The comparison -(으)려고 vs -도록 covers this.
- How formal is the setting? Everyday talk uses -(으)러 and -(으)려고. A report or an interview suits -기 위해(서). A speech or an official email suits -고자: 도움을 드리고자 연락드렸습니다 (doumeul deurigoja yeollakdeuryeotseumnida, "I contacted you in order to offer help").
A short warning about -(으)러 and -(으)ㄹ 겸. They look different, but both can sit before 가다. -(으)러 gives one purpose of the trip. -(으)ㄹ 겸 gives two purposes at once, as in 운동도 할 겸 걸어서 갔어요 (undongdo hal gyeom georeoseo gasseoyo, "I walked there to get some exercise too"). Learn -(으)러 first, then read the -(으)ㄹ 겸 lesson.
Where Can You Practise?
Each lesson ends with four tasks, an answer key and a quiz. Start with the A1 lesson on -(으)러, then follow the order in the quick chooser. Listen to each example clip, say the sentence aloud, and then write one sentence of your own. Pronunciation matters, because the ending joins the stem in speech: 먹으러 is said [머그러] and 먹으려고 is said [머그려고].
What Does This Section Not Cover?
This section covers purpose and intention connectors only. Other connectors are in sibling groups on the Korean connectors page. Particles, tenses, negation, speech levels, modifiers, nominalizers and auxiliary verbs have their own sections of the Korean grammar hub. The comparison lessons cover the pairs above and no other pairs. To plan by level, use Beginner Grammar.
About this page. Last updated 2026-10-09. Revised Romanization follows the national rules and is shown only as a learning aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Korean in Order to Grammar Include?
They are the connective endings that say why an action is done: -(으)러, -(으)려고, -도록, -기 위해(서), -고자 and -(으)ㄹ 겸. Each joins two clauses and names a purpose or an intention. This page lists six patterns, and each has a full lesson.
Which Pattern Should I Learn First?
Start with -(으)러, at level A1, because it is short and you can use it at once: 친구를 만나러 가요. Next learn -(으)려고, which works with any action. Then learn -도록 and -기 위해(서) at B1. Leave -고자 and -(으)ㄹ 겸 until you read formal Korean.
How Do I Know Which Pattern Fits My Sentence?
Ask three questions. Is the main verb "go" or "come"? Then use -(으)러. Does the same person want the aim and act? Then use -(으)려고, or -기 위해(서) for a formal tone. Does another person reach the aim? Then use -도록. The chooser table on this page shows the same steps.
Are These Patterns on the TOPIK Exam?
They are common in textbooks, speeches and reading texts, so they help at TOPIK I and II. The level labels on this page are editorial estimates, not an official list. Learners who plan to take the test should know all four main patterns, especially -(으)려고, -도록 and -기 위해(서).
Where Are the Comparison Pages?
Two comparison pages cover the pairs learners confuse most: -(으)려고 vs -(으)러 and -(으)려고 vs -도록. Each gives a decision rule, side-by-side examples and practice. They are linked in the section on look-alike patterns below, and from each lesson that they compare.