Welcome to our guide on how to say “I want this” in Korean! Whether you’re planning to travel to Korea, connect with Korean-speaking friends or express your desires while shopping, it’s essential to know how to effectively convey your wishes. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this phrase, along with some useful tips and examples to help you navigate your Korean conversations. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions: Polite and Respectful
When speaking to someone older or in a formal setting, it is important to use polite and respectful expressions. Here are a few formal ways to say “I want this” in Korean:
1. 이것을 원합니다 (igeoseul wonhamnida)
Example:
– 가게 직원에게 말합니다.
(Gage jikwonege malhamnida.)
(You say to the store employee.)
– 이것을 원합니다.
(Igeoseul wonhamnida.)
(I want this.)
2. 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo)
Example:
– 가게 직원에게 말합니다.
(Gage jikwonege malhamnida.)
(You say to the store employee.)
– 이거 주세요.
(Igeo juseyo.)
(Please give me this.)
Informal Expressions: Casual and Familiar
Using informal expressions is suitable when talking to friends, siblings, or people of the same age group. Here are a few casual ways to say “I want this” in Korean:
1. 이거 원해 (igeo wonhae)
Example:
– 친구에게 말합니다.
(Chingu-ege malhamnida.)
(You say to your friend.)
– 이거 원해.
(Igeo wonhae.)
(I want this.)
2. 이걸 갖고 싶어 (igeol gatgo sip-eo)
Example:
– 동생에게 말합니다.
(Dongseng-ege malhamnida.)
(You say to your younger sibling.)
– 이걸 갖고 싶어.
(Igeol gatgo sip-eo.)
(I want to have this.)
Tips for Communicating Your Desires
Besides the specific phrases, here are a few additional tips to help you communicate your desires effectively in Korean:
1. Use non-verbal cues:
While saying the actual phrase, you can point at the item you want or use hand gestures to help convey your message more clearly.
2. Body language matters:
When expressing your desire, maintain a friendly and polite tone, coupled with a smile, to appear approachable and respectful.
Regional Variations
In general, these phrases can be used throughout Korea. However, you might encounter some regional variations or dialects across different areas. It’s important to note that these variations are not major and will not hinder understanding. Here is an example of a regional variation:
In Busan, a southern city in Korea, some people might say:
- “이거 달라” (igeo dalla) – In Busan dialect.
- “이거 좀 주세요” (igeo jom juseyo) – Slightly more polite and commonly understood variation.
It’s always good to be aware of these small variations, especially if you are traveling to specific regions.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say “I want this” in Korean. Remember to adjust your expressions based on the formality of the situation, using formal phrases when necessary and informal phrases with friends or people of a similar age group. Additionally, utilize non-verbal cues and maintain a friendly demeanor while expressing your desires. Now you’re ready to explore Korean shops, communicate effectively, and have a fantastic time in Korea! Happy learning!
