커피 마시고 싶어
keopi masigo sipeo
The English phrase "I want coffee" is expressed in Korean as 커피 마시고 싶어 (keopi masigo sipeo).
This phrase is used to express a desire to drink coffee. Note that in Korean, the subject "I" (나/저) is often omitted when it is clear from the context that the speaker is talking about themselves.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun 커피 (coffee), the verb 마시다 (to drink) in its connective form and the auxiliary verb 싶다 (to want to).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express necessity rather than desire, you can use the verb 필요하다 (to need). For example, 커피가 필요합니다 is a formal way to convey that you need coffee, while 커피가 필요해 is the informal version. The word 좀 is an adverb that can mean "a little" or "just". The verb 주다 (to give) has several imperative forms: 주세요 is the polite imperative, while 줘 is the casual imperative.
How do you pronounce it?
keopi masigo sipeo
Did you know?
- The term 아아 (AA) is a popular shorthand used when ordering, referring to 아이스 아메리카노 or 'iced americano', the most common coffee choice in Korea.
- In Korea, it is common for the person with the higher social or professional status to pay for the coffee, making the act of 'wanting coffee' a catalyst for a social transaction.
- The word 커피 (coffee) traces its long linguistic journey back to the Arabic word qahwa, making its presence in Korean a link to ancient Middle Eastern history.
Examples in context
- 지금 커피 마시고 싶어.jigeum keopi masigo sipeo.I want to drink coffee now.
- 졸려서 커피 마시고 싶어.jollyeoseo keopi masigo sipeo.I'm sleepy, so I want to drink coffee.
- 따뜻한 커피 마시고 싶어.ttatteuthan keopi masigo sipeo.I want to drink hot coffee.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are studying together at a library.
- 민지 Min-ji도현아, 나 커피 마시고 싶어.Dohyeona, na keopi masigo sipeo.Dohyun, I want coffee.
- 도현 Do-hyeon나도 마시고 싶어. 갈까?nado masigo sipeo. galkka?I want some too. Shall we go?
- 민지 Min-ji응, 카페에 가자.eung, kape-e gaja.Yes, let's go to a cafe.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그래, 지금 바로 가자.geurae, jigeum baro gaja.Okay, let's go right now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 커피, CC BY-SA 4.0.
