-고자

Build it

When to use it

Attach -고자 to an action verb stem — no vowel rule, ㄹ stays, no tense in front. Adjectives are excluded, since an intention has to be an action.

Both clauses share a subject, and the intention is normally the speaker’s own: 이 자리를 빌려 감사의 말씀을 드리고자 합니다.

The pattern -고자 하다 is how it appears in formal speech, and it is the polite way to announce what you are about to do: 말씀드리고자 합니다, 여쭤보고자 합니다.

It takes no commands or suggestions. And in casual conversation it sounds ceremonial — there, -(으)려고 is the natural form.

How to attach it

In use

1. 이 자리를 빌려 감사의 말씀을 드리고자 합니다.

   I should like to take this opportunity to express my thanks.

2. 변경 사항을 알리고자 안내문을 보냅니다.

   We are sending this notice in order to inform you of the changes.

3. 문제를 해결하고자 여러 방안을 검토했다.

   We reviewed a number of options with a view to solving the problem.

4. 더 나은 제품을 만들고자 노력하고 있습니다.

   We are striving to make a better product.

5. 몇 가지 여쭤보고자 연락드렸습니다.

   I am writing to ask a few questions.

6. 회사는 사업을 확장하고자 한다.

   The company intends to expand its operations.

Compared with

• -(으)려고

  Same meaning, different register. -(으)려고 is everyday; -고자 marks the sentence as formal or written.

  알리려고 연락했어요. (speech)  /  알리고자 연락드렸습니다. (formal)

• -기 위해서

  Both state purpose formally, but 위해서 accepts commands and works with third-party goals. -고자 stays with the speaker’s own intention.

  건강을 위해서 운동하세요. (advice)  /  알리고자 합니다. (my intention)

• -고자 하다

  The set pattern for announcing what you are about to do. In presentations and formal letters it appears constantly.

  말씀드리고자 합니다.  /  여쭤보고자 합니다.

Watch out

• 행복하고자 노력합니다.

  행복해지고자 노력합니다.

  An intention has to be an action. An adjective needs -아/어지다 first.

• 알리고자 연락하세요.

  알리기 위해 연락하시기 바랍니다.

  -고자 cannot be followed by a command. It states the speaker’s own intention.

• 야, 나 밥 먹고자 나가.

  야, 나 밥 먹으려고 나가.

  -고자 is ceremonial. In casual speech, -(으)려고 is the natural choice.

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