Expression dictionary — full article
Conditions & Hypotheses · If you intend to..., If you want to..., If you're going to..., In order to...
The V+(으)려거든 grammar pattern is used to set a condition based on the speaker's or listener's intention or desire to perform an action. It combines the intention/plan ending -(으)려고 with the conditional ending -거든, creating a strong "if you intend to..." nuance. This structure often precedes advice, a warning, or a necessary prerequisite for the intended action.
V+(으)려거든 is employed when you want to stipulate a condition that must be fulfilled if a particular action is intended or desired. The clause preceding (으)려거든 expresses the intended action, and the following clause provides the necessary condition, advice, or consequence. It's frequently used to give practical advice or instructions, emphasizing that the condition is crucial for the successful execution of the intended plan. It often implies a sense of "if you're serious about doing X, then Y must happen."
The conjugation follows the standard rules for -(으)려고:
While similar to -(으)려면, V+(으)려거든 carries a stronger emphasis on the intention or will of the subject to perform the action. -(으)려면 can sometimes be more general, simply stating a condition for an outcome. (으)려거든 often implies that the speaker is giving advice or a warning to the person who has the intention. It's less about a general conditional statement and more about a specific plan or desire. It can also be used in a slightly more direct or even admonishing tone, depending on context and intonation.