앞으로의 목표Future Goals
Chapter Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Expand your use of -(으)려고 하다 to express plans and intentions with more detail and in a wider range of everyday situations.
- Use -기로 하다 to state a firm decision or commitment, and distinguish it from the more tentative intention expressed by -(으)려고 하다.
- Talk about goals, plans, and steps toward a goal using level-appropriate vocabulary for study, work, health, and personal development.
- Explain a reason for choosing one goal over another, recycling connectors from earlier chapters.
- Ask someone about their plans and goals, and respond to another person's stated decision appropriately.
- Distinguish a plan that is still being considered from a decision that has already been made, both in speech and in writing.
- Maintain consistent everyday polite -아요/어요 speech level and accurate Hangeul spelling while discussing goals and decisions.
This chapter continues Unit IV, 경험, 의견, 그리고 프로젝트 (Experiences, Opinions, and Projects). It expands two systems introduced earlier in the volume — intention with -(으)려고 하다 and decision with -기로 하다 — into fuller, more independent use, and connects them to goal-setting vocabulary and reasoning language.
Communication Scenario
After comparing shows and hobbies in Chapter 17, 라일라 and 지영 start talking about what they each want to do differently in the coming months. 라일라 has been thinking about a few possible changes but has not committed to anything yet, while 지영 has already made up her mind about one specific goal. As they talk, they explain their reasons and encourage each other.
- This chapter recycles opinion and contrast language from Chapter 17, along with experience, desire, and intention language from Chapter 16.
- This chapter expands -(으)려고 하다 and -기로 하다 into fuller productive use as its two principal grammar systems.
- This chapter also introduces goal-setting and self-improvement vocabulary and practices explaining reasons for a goal.
Unit IV Overview
Unit IV, 경험, 의견, 그리고 프로젝트, is the final unit of Volume II. Chapter 17 activated opinion expression and sentence-level contrast in the context of culture and media. Chapter 18 turns that reflective habit toward the future, expanding intention and firm decision language so that learners can talk about goals with more confidence and detail before moving into advice-giving in Chapter 19 and the final portfolio in Chapter 20.
| Chapter | Focus | Principal New Systems |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Travel and Special Experiences | experience -아/어 본 적이 있다, desire -고 싶다, intention -(으)려고 하다, narrative paragraphs |
| 17 | Culture, Leisure, and Media | opinions -는 것 같다, contrast 반면에, media vocabulary, register awareness |
| 18 | Future Goals | -(으)려고 하다 expansion, -기로 하다 expansion, goal statements |
| 19 | Explaining Problems and Giving Advice | advice, softening, indirect requests, -는데 intro |
| 20 | Final B1 Portfolio | integrated B1-oriented portfolio and presentation |
Chapter 18 does not introduce a brand-new grammar system. It expands two systems already active since Chapter 16 — -(으)려고 하다 and -기로 하다 — into more independent, detailed, and reasoned use, alongside a goal-setting vocabulary load.
Core Vocabulary
The following productive vocabulary supports this chapter's communication goals: talking about goals, plans, and self-improvement.
| Korean | Meaning | Category / Pattern | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 목표 | goal | noun | 목표를 세우다 |
| 계획 | plan | noun | 계획을 세우다 |
| 결심 | resolution, determination | noun | 결심하다 |
| 결심하다 | to resolve, to make up one's mind | action verb; 을/를 | often with -기로 |
| 세우다 | to set up, establish (a plan) | action verb; 을/를 | 목표를 세워요 |
| 이루다 | to achieve, accomplish | action verb; 을/를 | 꿈을 이루다 |
| 꿈 | dream | noun | |
| 습관 | habit | noun | 습관을 바꾸다 |
| 바꾸다 | to change (something) | action verb; 을/를 | |
| 건강 | health | noun | 건강을 챙기다 |
| 챙기다 | to take care of, look after | action verb; 을/를 | 건강을 챙겨요 |
| 운동하다 | to exercise | action verb | recycled |
| 저축하다 | to save (money) | action verb; 을/를 | |
| 자격증 | certificate, qualification | noun | 자격증을 따다 |
| 따다 | to earn, obtain (a certificate) | action verb; 을/를 | 자격증을 따요 |
| 승진하다 | to be promoted | action verb | workplace context |
| 이직하다 | to change jobs | action verb | |
| 유학 | studying abroad | noun | 유학을 가다 |
| 단계 | step, stage | noun; counter | 첫 단계 |
| 노력하다 | to make an effort, try hard | action verb | 노력할게요 |
| 포기하다 | to give up | action verb; 을/를 | 포기하지 않아요 |
| 도전하다 | to challenge oneself, take on a challenge | action verb; 에 | 새로운 일에 도전하다 |
| 응원하다 | to cheer on, support | action verb; 을/를 | 제가 응원할게요 |
| 앞으로 | from now on, in the future | adverb | chapter title item |
| 언젠가 | someday | adverb | tentative future |
| 꼭 | definitely, without fail | adverb | recycled; firm-decision marker |
| 단기적 | short-term | noun modifier | 단기적인 목표 |
| 장기적 | long-term | noun modifier | 장기적인 목표 |
| 그래서 그런지 | maybe that's why | fixed expression | reason-softening |
| 왜냐하면 | because, the reason is | connector (adverb) | begins a reason sentence |
Approximately 29 productive items are listed here as a representative core set; instructors may supplement with additional goal-related vocabulary at their discretion, provided new items remain within the -(으)려고 하다 and -기로 하다 patterns.
Receptive Vocabulary
The following items appear in this chapter's reading and listening materials for recognition only. They are not assessed productively.
| Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 새해 다짐 | New Year's resolution |
| 동기 부여 | motivation |
| 작심삼일 | a resolution that lasts only three days (idiom) |
Pronunciation Focus
This chapter recycles previously introduced sound changes and adds no new sound-change rule. Two items deserve attention because they appear frequently in this chapter's expanded grammar patterns.
In -(으)려고 해요, the syllable 려 links smoothly with the stem before it, and the whole ending is usually spoken as one connected phrase rather than word by word. Listen for the phrase as a unit — 배우려고 해요 is one smooth breath group, not "bae-u" plus "ryeo-go hae-yo" spoken separately.
Because -기로 했어요 announces a decision that has already been made, speakers often say it with slightly more even, confident stress than the softer, more open-ended -(으)려고 해요. Compare 운동하려고 해요 (a plan still being considered) with 운동하기로 했어요 (a decision already made) and notice how the second sounds a little more settled.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
This chapter expands two systems learners have already met — intention and firm decision — into fuller, more independent use, and adds language for explaining the reason behind a goal.
1. Intention, Expanded: -(으)려고 하다
Form: verb stem + -으려고 하다 after a stem ending in a consonant, or verb stem + -려고 하다 after a stem ending in a vowel. In everyday polite speech, this becomes -(으)려고 해요. This chapter also activates the past-oriented use -(으)려고 했어요 for a plan someone had at an earlier point, and the question form -(으)려고 해요? for asking about someone's plans.
Meaning: -(으)려고 하다 expresses an intention or plan that a person is considering or working toward. It is more tentative than -기로 하다; the plan may still change.
Use: use -(으)려고 해요 to talk about what you are planning or hoping to do, especially when a decision does not yet feel completely final. Use -(으)려고 했어요 to describe what someone intended to do at an earlier time, including plans that did not work out.
- 저는 내년에 자격증을 따려고 해요. I'm planning to earn a certificate next year. 따다 stem + 려고 해요
- 사실은 어제 운동하려고 했는데, 시간이 없었어요. Actually, I was planning to exercise yesterday, but I didn't have time. 운동하다 stem + 려고 했는데 (past intention, unrealized)
- 방학에 뭐 하려고 해요? What are you planning to do during vacation? 하다 stem + 려고 해요? (question about plans)
2. Firm Decision, Expanded: -기로 하다
Form: verb stem + -기로 하다. In everyday polite speech, a decision already made is usually expressed with the past form -기로 했어요, since the decision itself happened before the moment of speaking, even though the action described may still be in the future. A decision announced at the moment of speaking may use -기로 해요 or -기로 할게요.
Meaning: -기로 하다 expresses a decision or commitment that has been settled, either by the speaker alone or together with another person. It is firmer and more final than -(으)려고 하다.
Use: use -기로 했어요 to report a decision you or someone else has already made, especially one you intend to follow through on. Use -기로 해요 when making or agreeing to a decision together with someone else in the moment.
| Situation | -(으)려고 하다 (tentative plan) | -기로 하다 (firm decision) |
|---|---|---|
| Considering exercising more | 운동하려고 해요 | 운동하기로 했어요 |
| Considering studying abroad | 유학을 가려고 해요 | 유학을 가기로 했어요 |
| Considering saving money | 돈을 저축하려고 해요 | 돈을 저축하기로 했어요 |
| Two friends agreeing together | — (less natural for joint agreement) | 같이 운동하기로 했어요 |
- 저는 이번 달부터 매일 운동하기로 했어요. I've decided to exercise every day starting this month. 운동하다 stem + 기로 했어요 (firm decision, already made)
- 지영 씨하고 저는 같이 자격증 시험을 준비하기로 했어요. Jiyoung and I have decided to prepare for the certificate exam together. 준비하다 stem + 기로 했어요 (joint decision)
Error: Saying 운동하려고 했어요 to report a firm, already-settled decision, which makes the decision sound uncertain or unrealized.
Correction: If the decision is settled and you intend to follow through, use 운동하기로 했어요. Reserve -(으)려고 했어요 for a plan you had in mind, especially one that did not happen or is still tentative.
3. Explaining a Reason for a Goal: 왜냐하면 and -기 때문에
Form: [Goal statement]. 왜냐하면 [reason] -기 때문이에요. 왜냐하면 begins a new sentence, similar to 반면에 from Chapter 17, and the reason sentence typically closes with -기 때문이에요.
Meaning: this pattern explains why a person has a particular goal or has made a particular decision. 왜냐하면 signals that an explanation is coming, and -기 때문이에요 closes the explanation.
Use: use this pattern after stating a goal or decision with -(으)려고 해요 or -기로 했어요, to explain your reasoning in a connected way. This complements -아/어서 and -(으)니까 from earlier chapters, which join a reason and a result within one sentence.
- 저는 자격증을 따려고 해요. 왜냐하면 승진하고 싶기 때문이에요. I'm planning to earn a certificate. Because I want to be promoted. goal + 왜냐하면 + reason -기 때문이에요
[goal with -(으)려고 해요 or -기로 했어요] + [왜냐하면] + [reason -기 때문이에요]
A natural goal statement often states the plan or decision first, then explains the motivation behind it, connecting this chapter's expanded systems to reasoning language from earlier in the volume.
저는 올해 건강을 더 챙기기로 했어요. 왜냐하면 요즘 너무 피곤하기 때문이에요.
I've decided to take better care of my health this year. Because I've been too tired lately.
Practice — Combining the expanded systems
- Write one sentence about a plan you are still considering using -(으)려고 해요.
- Write one sentence about a decision you have already made using -기로 했어요.
- Add a reason to one of your sentences using 왜냐하면 ~ 기 때문이에요.
Model Dialogue
Setting: 라일라 and 지영 continue their conversation from Chapter 17 and start talking about their goals for the coming months.
내용 이해 — Comprehension questions:
- What has 지영 already firmly decided to do? What has 라일라 only been considering?
- Why does 지영 suggest exercising together, and how does she explain her reason?
- What does 라일라 say about her certificate exam goal?
Guided Practice
- Write two goals you are still considering using -(으)려고 해요.
- Write one goal you have already firmly decided on using -기로 했어요.
- Choose one goal from above and explain your reason for it using 왜냐하면 ~ 기 때문이에요.
Listening Practice
Ask your instructor, a language partner, or a text-to-speech tool to read the following passage aloud. Listen twice without reading, then complete the tasks below.
민수의 새로운 목표
민수 씨는 요즘 새로운 목표를 세우려고 해요. 그동안 이직하고 싶었지만, 아직 확실히 결심하지 못했어요. 반면에, 자격증은 꼭 따기로 했어요. 왜냐하면 자격증이 있으면 이직할 때 도움이 되기 때문이에요. 민수 씨는 매일 조금씩 공부하기로 했고, 포기하지 않으려고 노력하고 있어요.
듣기 과제 — Listening task: Listen and answer in English.
| 질문 | 답 |
|---|---|
| What is 민수 still only considering, not yet firmly decided? | ______ |
| What has 민수 firmly decided to do? | ______ |
| What is 민수's reason for that decision? | ______ |
Reading Practice
Below is a short message that 라일라 wrote to a friend about her goals. Read it and answer the questions below. No romanization is provided.
메시지: 올해 목표
안녕! 오늘은 내 목표에 대해 이야기하고 싶어. 나는 이번 달부터 지영 씨하고 같이 매일 운동하기로 했어. 왜냐하면 요즘 건강이 안 좋아졌기 때문이야. 반면에, 자격증 시험 준비는 아직 언젠가 하려고만 하고 있어. 그건 장기적인 목표라서 천천히 준비하려고 해. 올해는 꼭 포기하지 않고 노력할 거야!
This passage recycles vocabulary and grammar from Chapters 1 through 17 and introduces no structures beyond this chapter's scheduled systems. Note that this personal message uses casual endings appropriate to a close friend; learners are not expected to produce this casual style productively at this level, only to recognize it.
내용 이해 — Comprehension questions:
- What has 라일라 firmly decided to do, and with whom?
- What is 라일라's reason for that decision?
- What goal is 라일라 still only considering, and how does she describe it?
Writing Workshop
This chapter's writing task is a short goals paragraph: 나의 목표 ("My Goals").
- State a tentative plan. Write one sentence about something you are considering using -(으)려고 해요.
- State a firm decision. Write one sentence about something you have already decided using -기로 했어요.
- Explain a reason. Choose one of your goals and explain your reason using 왜냐하면 ~ 기 때문이에요.
- Add a contrast. Use 반면에 from Chapter 17 to contrast your tentative plan with your firm decision.
- Close with commitment. End with a sentence expressing determination, using 꼭 or 포기하지 않다.
- Revise. Check your draft against the checklist below.
체크리스트 — Editing checklist:
- A tentative plan is expressed using -(으)려고 해요.
- A firm decision is expressed using -기로 했어요.
- A reason is given using 왜냐하면 ~ 기 때문이에요.
- A contrast between the two goals is made using 반면에.
- The paragraph closes with a clear statement of commitment.
- Speech level is consistent everyday polite -아요/어요 throughout.
- Only Hangeul is used; no romanization appears in the final draft.
- No grammar or vocabulary beyond Chapters 1 through 18 appears productively.
Speaking Practice
통제 연습 — Controlled practice: 계획과 결심 구별하기
Practice saying one sentence with -(으)려고 해요 and one sentence with -기로 했어요 about the same general topic, and notice how the second sounds more settled.
의사소통 과제 — Communicative task: 목표 나누기
With a partner, share two goals: one you are still considering and one you have firmly decided on. Explain your reason for at least one goal using 왜냐하면, and respond to your partner's goals by offering encouragement with 응원할게요 or a similar expression.
혼자 하는 연습 — Solo alternative
Record yourself describing two goals — one tentative and one firmly decided — and explaining your reason for at least one of them.
Culture and Communication
Talking about resolutions and goals, especially around the New Year, is a common social activity in South Korea, often summarized with the idiom 작심삼일 ("a three-day resolve"), a humorous acknowledgment that resolutions can be hard to keep. Friends and coworkers often share their goals with each other and check in on each other's progress, similar to what 라일라 and 지영 do in this chapter's dialogue.
Offering encouragement with expressions like 제가 응원할게요 ("I'll cheer you on") is a common and expected response when someone shares a goal or decision, especially among friends or close colleagues. It is considered supportive rather than intrusive to ask a friend about their progress afterward.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Error: Saying 유학을 가기로 했어요 when the speaker is only thinking about the possibility and has not actually decided.
Correction: Use the more tentative 유학을 가려고 해요 until the decision is actually settled, and reserve -기로 했어요 for a genuine commitment.
Error: Saying 운동하기로 해요 to report a decision that was already made earlier, which can sound like the decision is happening only now.
Correction: Use the past form 운동하기로 했어요 to report a decision that was made before the moment of speaking, even though the exercising itself is still in the future.
Error: Beginning a reason with 왜냐하면 but ending the sentence with a plain statement such as 왜냐하면 저는 승진하고 싶어요. without the expected closing pattern.
Correction: Close the reason sentence with -기 때문이에요: 왜냐하면 승진하고 싶기 때문이에요.
Chapter Review
Section A — 어휘 (Vocabulary)
1. List three goal-setting vocabulary items from this chapter, with their meanings.
Section B — 문법 (Grammar)
1. Write one sentence using -(으)려고 해요.
2. Write one sentence using -기로 했어요.
3. Write one sentence explaining a reason using 왜냐하면 ~ 기 때문이에요.
Section C — 독해 이해 (Reading Comprehension)
1. According to 라일라's message, describe her firm decision, her tentative goal, and her reason for the firm decision.
Section D — 쓰기 (Writing)
1. Write your "My Goals" paragraph following the Writing Workshop steps and checklist.
Section E — 말하기 (Speaking)
1. Role-play or record a conversation sharing your goals with a partner, including at least one tentative plan, one firm decision, and one explained reason.
누적 복습 — Cumulative review
This chapter recycles opinion and contrast language from Chapter 17 and experience, desire, and intention language from Chapter 16, while expanding -(으)려고 하다 and -기로 하다 into fuller, more independent use, and introducing goal-setting vocabulary and reason-giving with 왜냐하면 ~ 기 때문이에요. These systems will be reinforced in Chapter 19, where they support explaining problems and giving advice.
Practical Performance Task
수행 과제
나의 목표 — My Goals
You will describe your goals in both written and spoken form, distinguishing a tentative plan from a firm decision and explaining your reasoning.
- Written: Write your "My Goals" paragraph from the Writing Workshop.
- Spoken: Present the same goals aloud or role-play a conversation about them with a partner, including at least one tentative plan, one firm decision, one reason, and one expression of encouragement.
- Reflection: Write one English sentence identifying which system — tentative plans or firm decisions — you feel most confident using now.
| Criterion | What is evaluated |
|---|---|
| Tentative plan | A plan is expressed correctly using -(으)려고 하다 |
| Firm decision | A decision is expressed correctly using -기로 하다, with appropriate past tense |
| Reason | A reason is explained correctly using 왜냐하면 ~ 기 때문이에요 |
| Vocabulary | Goal-setting and self-improvement vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately |
| Cumulative recycling | Opinion, contrast, or experience/desire language from Chapters 16–17 is recycled naturally |
| Speech-level consistency | Everyday polite -아요/어요 maintained throughout |
| Hangeul and spacing accuracy | Accurate spelling and level-appropriate spacing throughout, no romanization |
| Scope discipline | No structures used productively beyond Chapter 18 |
Answer Key
Grammar Practice — Expanded Systems
1. Sample answer: 저는 내년에 유학을 가려고 해요.
2. Sample answer: 저는 이번 달부터 매일 저축하기로 했어요.
3. Sample answer: 저는 자격증을 따려고 해요. 왜냐하면 이직하고 싶기 때문이에요.
Model Dialogue — Comprehension
- 지영 has already firmly decided to exercise every morning starting next month; 라일라 has only been considering taking better care of her health.
- 지영 suggests exercising together because it's easy to give up when doing it alone (혼자 하면 포기하기 쉽기 때문이에요).
- 라일라 says the certificate exam is still a long-term goal, and she plans to take care of her health first.
Listening comprehension
- 민수 is still only considering changing jobs (이직); he hasn't firmly decided.
- 민수 has firmly decided to earn a certificate.
- His reason is that having a certificate will help him when changing jobs.
Reading comprehension
- 라일라 has firmly decided to exercise every day starting this month, together with 지영.
- Her reason is that her health has gotten worse lately.
- 라일라 is still only considering preparing for the certificate exam, and describes it as a long-term goal she plans to prepare for slowly.
Chapter Review — Section B
1. Sample answer: 저는 이번 여름에 새로운 취미에 도전하려고 해요.
2. Sample answer: 저는 올해 건강을 더 챙기기로 했어요.
3. Sample answer: 저는 매일 운동하기로 했어요. 왜냐하면 요즘 너무 피곤하기 때문이에요.
Section D — Sample "My Goals" paragraph
저는 올해 몇 가지 목표를 세우려고 해요. 저는 이번 달부터 매일 아침에 운동하기로 했어요. 왜냐하면 요즘 건강이 안 좋아졌기 때문이에요. 반면에, 자격증 시험 준비는 아직 언젠가 하려고만 하고 있어요. 그건 장기적인 목표라서 천천히 준비하려고 해요. 올해는 꼭 포기하지 않고 노력할 거예요.
Check that: a tentative plan is expressed with -(으)려고 해요, a firm decision is expressed with -기로 했어요, a reason is given with 왜냐하면 ~ 기 때문이에요, a contrast is made with 반면에, and no structures beyond Chapter 18 appear productively.
Looking Ahead
지금 할 수 있는 것 — What you can do now
You can describe a tentative plan, announce a firm decision, explain your reasons for a goal, and talk about goals and self-improvement using level-appropriate vocabulary, all in consistent everyday polite speech level.