원해요
wonhaeyo
The English phrase "I want" is expressed in Korean as 원해요 (wonhaeyo).
원해요 is used to express a desire for something or a wish to do something. While 원해요 can mean 'to want something', it is more commonly used for abstract desires or wishes, whereas for physical objects or food, Koreans more frequently use the phrase 갖고 싶어요 (want to have) or 먹고 싶어요 (want to eat). You can add the word 정말 (really) before a verb to express intensity of desire.
How does it change in a sentence?
원해요 is the polite, standard way to say 'want' in a sentence. Adding ~고 싶다 to a verb stem is a common way to express desires in a casual and friendly tone. 희망하다 is a formal expression meaning to hope or to desire.
How do you pronounce it?
wonhaeyo
Did you know?
- If you use the verb 원하다 to ask for a physical object like a 'cup' or 'phone', it can sound strangely poetic or overly dramatic, as if you are longing for the very soul of the object.
- The root verb 원하다 is derived from the Hanja character 願, which is also used in the word for 'petition' or 'request'. This links the act of wanting to a formal request for a wish to be granted.
- In Korea, saying 원해요 directly to a superior or someone of much higher status can sound demanding or blunt. Koreans often use indirect phrases or ask if something is 'possible' to avoid sounding too insistent.
Examples in context
- 나는 배를 원해요.I want a boat.This sentence shows how to use 원해요 to express wanting an object.Tatoeba #3210437 by chris3spice, translation #3210440 by chris3spice
- 저는 휴가를 희망합니다.I want/Desire a vacation.
- 커피 마시고 싶어.I want to drink coffee.
- 저녁 식사하고 싶어.I want to have dinner.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are discussing what to order at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨는 무엇을 원해요?Jieun ssi-neun mueos-eul wonhaeyo?What do you want, Jieun?
- 지은 Ji-eun저는 시원한 커피를 원해요.jeoneun siwonhan keopi-reul wonhaeyo.I want a cold coffee.
- 민준 Min-jun저도 같은 것을 원해요.jeodo gateun geos-eul wonhaeyo.I want the same thing too.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 같이 주문해요.geureom gachi jumunhaeyo.Then let's order together.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
