Core Pattern Rule: -(으)러 (in order) to
This pattern expresses the purpose or intention for moving from one place to another. It attaches to a verb stem and is always followed by a verb of motion like 가다 (to go) or 오다 (to come).
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "(in order) to [do verb]" and explains why someone is going or coming somewhere.
When to use: Use it when you want to state the reason for your movement. For example, you're not just 'going to the restaurant'; you're 'going to eat'.
Formation
Verb stems ending in a vowel or ㄹ: Attach -러.
보다 (to see) → 보러
놀다 (to play/hang out) → 놀러
마시다 (to drink) → 마시러
Verb stems ending in a consonant (except ㄹ): Attach -으러.
먹다 (to eat) → 먹으러
받다 (to receive) → 받으러
씻다 (to wash) → 씻으러
밥 먹으러 가자. / 영화 보러 가요. / 돈 받으러 왔어. / 손 씻으러 가요.
Common Combinations & Usage Notes
This pattern is extremely common in daily life and often appears in set phrases. The key is that it must be paired with a verb that indicates movement.
Key Movement Verbs
While 가다 (to go) and 오다 (to come) are the most common, other verbs of movement also work:
다니다 (to attend, go to regularly): 한국어를 배우러 학원에 다녀요. (I attend an academy to learn Korean.)
나가다 (to go out): 담배 피우러 나갔어요. (He went out to smoke.)
들어오다 (to come in): 책 빌리러 들어왔어요. (I came in to borrow a book.)
Important Distinction: -(으)러 vs. -(으)려고
Both patterns can mean "in order to," but they are not interchangeable.
-(으)러: Used ONLY with verbs of movement (가다, 오다, etc.).
운동하러 헬스장에 가요. (I go to the gym to exercise.)
-(으)려고: Used for general purpose/intention with ANY verb. It cannot be used if the main point is the movement itself.
살 빼려고 운동해요. (I exercise in order to lose weight.)