갖고 싶어요
gatgo sipeoyo
In Korean, "I want it" is expressed as 갖고 싶어요 (gatgo sipeoyo).
This phrase is used specifically for wanting to possess a physical object or a tangible thing. Do not confuse this with 하고 싶어요, which is used to express the desire to perform an action.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 갖다 (to have/hold) and the auxiliary verb pattern -고 싶다 (to want to).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 갖고 싶어요 can be changed to 갖고 싶어 to be used in informal or casual speech with friends. The phrase 갖고 싶어요 can be changed to 갖고 싶습니다 to be used in highly formal or polite settings.
How do you pronounce it?
gatgo sipeoyo
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'I want it' regarding a person's affection or attention, you cannot use 갖고 싶어요 as it implies treating the person like a physical object.
- In Korea, if you want something but feel it is too greedy to say 갖고 싶어요, you might instead use the phrase 탐나다, which describes the feeling of eyeing something desirable.
- The auxiliary -고 싶다 is an adjective in Korean grammar, meaning the 'wanting' is treated as a state of being rather than an action.
Examples in context
- 저는 이것을 원합니다.I want this.
- 저는 그 책을 갖고 싶습니다.I want to have that book.
- 형, 그 신발 갖고 싶어.Brother, I want those shoes.
- 그 가방 정말 갖고 싶어요.geu gabang jeongmal gatgo sipeoyo.I really want that bag.
- 새 스마트폰을 갖고 싶어요.sae seumateupon-eul gatgo sipeoyo.I want a new smartphone.
- 그 인형을 꼭 갖고 싶어요.geu inhyeong-eul kkok gatgo sipeoyo.I really want that doll.
Example conversation
Dohyeon and Subin are looking at a display in a shop window.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저 시계 정말 예쁘다.jeo sigye jeongmal yeppeuda.That watch is really pretty.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 저거 갖고 싶어요?Dohyeon ssi, jeogeo gatgo sipeoyo?Dohyeon, do you want it?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 진짜 갖고 싶어요.ne, jinjja gatgo sipeoyo.Yes, I really want it.
- 수빈 Su-bin생일 선물로 사줄게요.saeng-il seonmul-lo sajulgeyo.I will buy it for you as a birthday present.
