위해
wihae
In Korean, 'in order to' is expressed as 위해 (wihae).
위해 is used as a conjunction to indicate the means of achieving a specific aim or purpose.
Meaning: as a means of achieving the specified aim (conj)
Which one should you use?
While 위해 expresses a general purpose or intention, it is distinct from the grammatical form –려고, which is used more specifically for personal plans or intentions.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to attach 위해 to a verb, you must first use the nominalizing suffix –기 to create the form –기 위해.
How do you pronounce it?
wihae
Did you know?
- The word 위해 is a homonym with a word meaning 'harm' or 'danger', which comes from the Sino-Korean characters 危害.
- While a learner might use 위해 to sound sophisticated, using it too frequently in casual conversation with friends can make you sound unnaturally formal or like a textbook. In daily speech, Koreans often prefer more natural endings to express intent.
- In Korean, the 'purpose' part of a sentence often comes much earlier than a learner would expect from English sentence structure. You must establish your 'in order to' clause before the main action of the sentence is even revealed.
Examples in context
- 우린 시간을 아끼기 위해서 컴퓨터를 썼어.We used the computer in order to save time.This sentence shows how to use 위해 to express the purpose of using a tool.Tatoeba #8364889 by Eunhee, translation #263062 by jakov
- 나는 가족을 먹여 살리기 위해 열심히 일했다.I worked hard in order to support my family.This sentence demonstrates using 위해 to express the purpose of working hard.Tatoeba #11105449 by intertime, translation #256523 by CK
- 한국어를 배우기 위해 열심히 공부합니다.I study hard in order to learn Korean.
- 모두의 행복을 위하여 봉사하는 것은 중요합니다.It is important to volunteer in order to achieve everyone's happiness.
- 환경을 보호하기 위하여 에너지를 절약해야 합니다.We must save energy in order to protect the environment.
- 친구 만나러 학교에 갔어요.I went to school in order to meet my friend.
- 영화를 보러 극장에 갈 거예요.I will go to the theater in order to watch a movie.
- 한국에 가려고 한국어를 배웠어요.I learned Korean in order to go to Korea.
- 더 효과적이게 공부하려고 다양한 학습 방법을 사용해요.I use various learning methods in order to study more effectively.
- 건강을 위해 매일 운동해요.geon-gang-eul wi-hae mae-il un-dong-hae-yo.I exercise every day in order to be healthy.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their weekend plans at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun주말에 뭐 할 거예요?ju-mal-e mwo hal geo-ye-yo?What are you going to do this weekend?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo여행을 위해 돈을 모으고 있어요.yeo-haeng-eul wi-hae don-eul mo-eu-go iss-eo-yo.I am saving money in order to travel.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 멋진 계획이네요!jeong-mal meot-jin gye-hwek-i-ne-yo!That is a really wonderful plan!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워요, 지은 씨.go-ma-wo-yo, Ji-eun ssi.Thank you, Jieun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 위해, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
