Learning how to express your desire to buy something in Korean is a vital skill, whether you are traveling to South Korea, interacting with Koreans, or simply engaging in Korean language learning. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “I want to buy this” in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll also provide regional variations, but please note that the standard Korean language, known as “Seoul Korean,” is widely understood throughout the country. So, let’s dive in and start with the common phrase!
Table of Contents
Formal Expression:
When you want to express your desire to buy something formally, you can use the following phrase:
“이것을 사고 싶습니다.” (Igeoseul sago sipseumnida.)
Breakdown and tips:
- “이것을” (Igeoseul): This means “this” and refers to the specific item you want to buy. If you want to be more specific, you can replace “이것을” with the name or description of the item.
- “사고 싶습니다” (Sago sipseumnida): This means “I want to buy.” It’s a polite expression that shows respect towards the listener. In formal settings or when talking to someone older or in a higher position, this form is the most appropriate.
- Remember to pronounce “이것을” as “ee-guh-seul” and “사고 싶습니다” as “sa-go sip-seum-ni-da.”
Informal Expression:
In informal situations, such as when talking to friends or people of similar age, you can use the following phrase:
“이거(를) 살래.” (Igeoreul sallae.)
Breakdown and tips:
- “이거(를)” (Igeoreul): This is a contraction of “이것을” (Igeoseul), which means “this.” It’s commonly used in casual conversations.
- “살래” (Sallae): This translates to “want to buy.” It’s a casual and friendly expression that you can use with peers or people of similar age.
- Remember to pronounce “이거(를)” as “ee-geo-(reul)” and “살래” as “sal-lae.”
Regional Variations:
While standard Seoul Korean is understood throughout South Korea, regional variations may exist. Here are a few regional variations of the phrase:
Busan Dialect:
In the Busan dialect, which is spoken in the southeastern part of Korea, the phrase “I want to buy this” is expressed as follows:
“이거(를) 살고 싶어.” (Igeoreul salgo sip-eo.)
The word “싶어” (sip-eo) replaces “살래” (sallae) to mean “want to buy” in the Busan dialect. Remember to pronounce it as “sip-eo.”
Gyeongsang Province Dialect:
In the Gyeongsang Province dialect, which includes cities like Daegu and Ulsan, the phrase is slightly different. It is:
“이걸 살고 싶당께.” (Igeol salgo sip-dang-kke.)
Here, “이걸” (Igeol) is used instead of “이거(를)” (Igeoreul), and “싶당께” (sip-dang-kke) replaces “살래” (sallae) to convey “want to buy.”
Keep in mind that these regional variations may not be universally understood, and it’s recommended to stick to standard Korean unless you are confident in the regional dialect prevalent in the area.
Examples:
Let’s look at a few examples using the phrases we’ve learned:
- Formal:
- “이 방해 없이 이것을 사고 싶습니다.” (I bahnghae eobsi igeoseul sago sipseumnida.) – “I would like to buy this without any disturbances, please.”
- “이것을 얼마에 팔까요?” (Igeoseul eolmae-e palkkayo?) – “How much is this item for sale?”
- Informal:
- “이거 살까?” (Igeo salkka?) – “Should I buy this?”
- “이거(를) 좀 싸게 팔아 줄래?” (Igeoreul jom ssage pala jullae?) – “Can you sell me this a bit cheaper?”
Feel free to adapt these examples according to your specific situation or the item you want to purchase.
It’s exciting to learn how to express your desire to buy something in Korean! Remember that practicing these phrases will help you communicate effectively in various situations, from shopping to bargaining. Have fun exploring the rich Korean culture and language!
