생각했어
saenggakhaesseo
The English phrase "I thought" is expressed in Korean as 생각했어 (saenggakhaesseo).
This phrase is used to express a previous belief or a conclusion that one reached in the past.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 생각 (thought/idea) and 했어 (did), literally meaning "did a thought".
How does it change in a sentence?
The level of politeness changes the ending of the phrase: adding 요 to the end of the polite form makes it suitable for speaking to elders or strangers. The casual form 생각했어 is used for informal speech, while the highly formal 생각했습니다 is used in professional environments.
How do you pronounce it?
saenggakhaesseo
Did you know?
- The root 생각 is often used in the phrase 생각나다, which means a thought 'occurs' or 'comes' to you, treating a memory like a visiting guest.
- Because Korean is a pro-drop language, the 'I' in 'I thought' is almost always omitted. If you say 생각했어 without a subject, the listener understands from the context that you are referring to your own thought.
- The word 생각 is used not only for intellectual thoughts but also for 'consideration' or 'care' for another person.
Examples in context
- 네가 날 싫어한다고 생각했어.I thought you hated me.This sentence is useful for expressing a thought about someone's feelings toward you regarding the form 생각했어.Tatoeba #8363539 by Eunhee, translation #2162647 by Hybrid
- 내가 총소리를 들었다고 생각했어.I thought I heard gunshots.This sentence is useful for expressing a thought about a sound you believed you heard regarding the form 생각했어.Tatoeba #8361443 by Eunhee, translation #6090796 by CK
- 난 톰이 외로울 거라고 생각했어.I thought Tom would be lonely.This sentence is useful for expressing a thought about a person's potential state regarding the form 생각했어.Tatoeba #8384621 by Eunhee, translation #6251028 by CK
- 저는 오늘 비가 올 거라고 생각했어요.I thought it would rain today.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are talking about a movie they just watched.
- 지훈 Ji-hun영화가 너무 길 거라고 생각했어.yeonghwaga neomu gil georago saenggakhaesseo.I thought the movie would be too long.
- 서연 Seo-yeon전혀 아니었어. 정말 빨리 끝났어.jeonhyeo anieosseo. jeongmal ppalli kkeutnasseo.It wasn't at all. It ended really quickly.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아. 결말이 아주 좋았어.maja. gyeolmari aju joasseo.True. The ending was very good.
- 서연 Seo-yeon나도 그렇게 생각해.nado geureoke saenggakhae.I think so too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
