-(으)려고
-(eu)ryeogo
Setting up a target in your head: -(으)려고
The picture Holding a drawn bow, aiming at a target you have not shot yet. Your whole body leans that way. -(으)려고 attaches to any action as long as the target is in your mind, while -(으)러 attaches only to a trip you actually make — 사려고 돈을 모아요 is fine, 사러 돈을 모아요 is not.
Where the picture shows up in -(으)려고
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because of the target you aim at
돈을 모으려고 아르바이트를 해요.
do-neul mo-eu-ryeo-go a-reu-ba-i-teu-reul hae-yo
I work part-time to save money.
Glancing at the balance in your bankbook, then tying on an apron and walking into the shop.
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the stance you take toward it
일찍 자려고 누웠어요.
il-jjik ja-ryeo-go nu-wo-sseo-yo
I lay down early so I could get to sleep.
Not sleepy yet, but the light is already off and your body is under the blanket.
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naming the target only
내년에 유학 가려고요.
nae-nyeon-e yu-hak ga-ryeo-go-yo
I'm planning to study abroad next year.
A pin stuck into one city on the map, with the suitcase still unpacked.
Ending a sentence with -(으)려고요 means 'that's what I intend to do'.
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on the verge of it
버스가 출발하려고 해요.
beo-seu-ga chul-bal-ha-ryeo-go hae-yo
The bus is about to leave.
The doors close, the body of the bus tilts forward a little, and the engine note climbs.
It works for things too. Then it is not intention but 'just about to happen'.
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the target you never shot
말하려고 했는데 잊어버렸어요.
mal-ha-ryeo-go haen-neun-de i-jeo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo
I meant to say it, but I forgot.
Opening your mouth, stopping, and standing there with a blank look on your face.
No command or suggestion may follow -(으)려고. Say 먹으러 갑시다, not 먹으려고 갑시다.
All of it in one picture
-(으)려고 is a bow that has not been loosed. Aim at 'save money' and the part-time job becomes work done in that direction; aim at 'sleep early' and lying down becomes a stance taken in advance; name the 'study abroad' target alone and the plan is already conveyed. Let the bus lean toward departure and it is on the verge of going; aim and never shoot and you get 'I meant to say it, but I forgot'. So -(으)려고 says nothing about whether the thing happened — only which way the body is leaning.