헤어지고 싶어
heeojigo sipeo
To say "I want to break up" in Korean, you say 헤어지고 싶어 (heeojigo sipeo).
This phrase is used to tell a romantic partner that you no longer wish to be in a relationship with them.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 헤어지고 싶어 is composed of the verb 헤어지다 (to part ways/separate) and the auxiliary verb –고 싶다 (to want to).
Which one should you use?
While 헤어지고 싶어 expresses a personal feeling or desire, 헤어지자 is a more direct and forceful way to initiate the end of the relationship. The form 헤어지자 is a suggestion or a firm proposal ('let's'), which is often used in the heat of an argument or a definitive breakup moment instead of expressing a desire ('I want to').
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal setting or when addressing someone older, you can use 제가 헤어지고 싶습니다. To suggest ending the relationship more softly and formally, you can use 저희 사이를 끝내고 싶습니다.
How do you pronounce it?
heeojigo sipeo
Did you know?
- The word 헤어지다 is linguistically related to the concept of 'unraveling' or 'splitting apart', treating the bond of a relationship like a physical thread being pulled.
- In Korea, it is a common social custom for couples to perform a 'couple breakup' by returning gifts or deleting photos together on social media to signal the end to their circle of friends.
- The verb 헤어지다 can also be used for people who are simply parting ways after a meeting, not just romantic partners ending a relationship.
Examples in context
- 나 헤어지고 싶어.I want to break up.
- 진심으로 헤어지고 싶어.jinsimeuro heeojigo sipeo.I truly want to break up.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are meeting in a quiet park to talk.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준아, 나 헤어지고 싶어.Minjun-a, na heeojigo sipeo.Minjun, I want to break up.
- 민준 Min-jun갑자기 왜 그런 말을 해?gapjagi wae geureon mareul hae?Why are you saying that all of a sudden?
- 수빈 Su-bin미안해, 더는 못 하겠어.mianhae, deoneun mot hagesseo.I'm sorry, I can't do this anymore.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 헤어지고 싶다는 거야?jeongmal heeojigo sipdaneun geoya?Do you really mean you want to break up?
