Processing keyword: ~기를 [gireul] (In order to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~기를 [gireul] (In order to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~기를 [gireul] (In order to)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~기를 [gireul] is used to express purpose or intention, translating to "in order to" in English. It allows the speaker to articulate what they aim to achieve through an action, making it an essential structure for expressing goals.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure ~기를 [gireul] is formed by attaching the verb stem (without the 다 ending) followed by the suffix ~기 and the particle ~를 (or ~을) based on whether the verb stem ends with a consonant or vowel respectively. Formation Diagram:

Verb Stem + 기 + (를/을)

Structure

• Verb Stem: Base form of the verb without 다.
• ~기: Suffix indicating the action as a noun (gerund form).
• ~를/을: Particle that marks the noun phrase if required in the sentence.

Example:

• Learn (배우다) → 배우기 + 를 → 배우기를
  • Meaning: "in order to learn"

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• ~려고 [ryeogo]: Used similarly to mean "in order to," but is more direct and often implies intention more strongly.
• ~고자 [goja]: This also indicates intention, but is more formal and used primarily in written Korean.

  Structure	Meaning	Usage
  ~기를	"in order to (do)"	General purpose/intention
  ~려고	"in order to (do)"	Stronger, often more common
  ~고자	"in order to (do)"	More formal, written contexts

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Informal:
   • 영어를 배우기를 원해요.
   • "I want to learn (in order to learn) English."
2. Formal:
   • 그 프로젝트를 성공시키기를 바랍니다.
   • "I hope to succeed in (in order to succeed in) that project."
3. Written:
   • 연구를 위해 데이터를 수집하기를 계획하고 있습니다.
   • "I am planning to collect data in order to conduct research."
4. Spoken:
   • 운동하기를 시작했어요.
   • "I started working out (in order to work out)."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of ~기를 [gireul] reflects personal goals and ambition, which is culturally significant in Korea, where reaching goals is often emphasized. Using the correct level of politeness is also crucial; avoiding excessively formal structures in informal settings is essential.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 나아지기를 바라다
  • "I hope (in order to improve)."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Confusing ~기를 with ~려고:
  • Remember that ~려고 emphasizes intention more vividly, whereas ~기를 can feel softer or more general.

Learning Strategies

• Tip: To remember that ~기를 is about purpose, think of the word "goal." Associating it with the actions you take to achieve your goals can aid recall.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~기를 [gireul] is used to express intention or purpose translating to "in order to."
• It forms by attaching ~기 to the verb stem and may use the object marker ~를/을.
• Distinguish this structure from ~려고 and ~고자 for varied levels of formality and emphasis.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~기를 mean in English?
2. How is the structure formed?
3. Compare ~기를 with ~려고 in terms of usage. Answers:
4. "In order to"
5. Verb stem + 기 + (를/을)
6. ~기는 more general while ~려고 is stronger in expressing intention.