이것을 사고 싶어요
igeoseul sago sipeoyo
In Korean, 'I want to buy this' is expressed as 이것을 사고 싶어요 (igeoseul sago sipeoyo).
This phrase is used to express a desire to purchase a specific item. While 이것을 사고 싶어요 is grammatically correct, native speakers more commonly use 이거 주세요 (Please give me this) when actually making a purchase in a store.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 이것 (this), 을 (object marker), 사다 (to buy) and -고 싶어요 (want to).
How does it change in a sentence?
The -어요 ending makes this a polite, standard way to express your desire to a shopkeeper or stranger. Dropping the -요 from the end makes the phrase 이것을 사고 싶어 informal and suitable only for close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
igeoseul sago sipeoyo
Did you know?
- The word 사고 can have three completely different meanings depending on the context: 'to buy', 'an accident', or 'to think'.
- Korean has a specific system of 'demonstratives' where 이것 ('this') is only used for things close to the speaker. If the item is closer to the shopkeeper, you must switch the word to 그것 ('that').
- In fast-paced market settings, Koreans often strip the phrase of its grammatical object marker 을 to create a smoother, more rhythmic flow of speech.
Examples in context
- 이것을 사고 싶어요.igeoseul sago sipeoyo.I want to buy this.
- 정말로 이것을 사고 싶어요.jeongmallo igeoseul sago sipeoyo.I really want to buy this.
- 선물로 이것을 사고 싶어요.seonmullo igeoseul sago sipeoyo.I want to buy this as a gift.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Jieun are shopping for clothes together.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 이 옷 어때요?jieun ssi, i ot eottaeyo?Jieun, how is this piece of clothing?
- 지은 Ji-eun디자인이 정말 예뻐요.dijaini jeongmal yeppeoyo.The design is really pretty.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저 이것을 사고 싶어요.jeo igeoseul sago sipeoyo.I want to buy this.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨에게 잘 어울려요.dohyun ssi-ege jal eoullyeoyo.It looks good on you, Dohyun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사고, CC BY-SA 4.0.
