거기 가고 싶어요
geogi gago sipeoyo
The English phrase "I want to go there" is expressed in Korean as 거기 가고 싶어요 (geogi gago sipeoyo).
This phrase is used to express a desire to visit a specific place. In spoken Korean, you may also use 갈래요 to express the same meaning of "I want to go.".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 거기 가고 싶어요 breaks down into 거기 (there), 가고 (go and) and 싶어요 (want to).
Which one should you use?
While 거기 가고 싶어요 is the standard way to express the desire, you can also use 가고 싶습니다 for a higher level of formality or 가고 싶어 and 가고 싶다 for informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
Additionally, you can add the particle 에 to the word 거기 to form 거기에 가고 싶어요, which emphasizes the destination, although this particle is often omitted in casual speech.
How do you pronounce it?
geogi gago sipeoyo
Did you know?
- Korean uses a three-way system for 'here' and 'there' based on the listener's position: 여기 for 'here', 거기 for where the listener is, and 저기 for a place far from both people.
- If you use 갈래요 instead of 가고 싶어요, you are often inviting the other person to join you or asking for their agreement rather than just stating a wish.
- The word 거기 is derived from the Middle Korean form 그ᅌᅥ긔〮, which was recorded as early as 1447.
Examples in context
- 회의가 끝나면 도서관에 가고 싶어요.I want to go to the library after the meeting.
- 오늘 박물관에 가고 싶어.I want to go to the museum today.
- 거기 가고 싶어요.geogi gago sipeoyo.I want to go there.
- 저도 거기 가고 싶어요.jeodo geogi gago sipeoyo.I want to go there too.
- 정말 거기 가고 싶어요!jeongmal geogi gago sipeoyo!I really want to go there!
Example conversation
Ji-hun and Min-ji are talking about a famous cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 카페 디저트가 아주 유명해요.i kape dijeoteuga aju yumyeonghaeyo.The desserts at this cafe are very famous.
- 민지 Min-ji와, 저도 거기 가고 싶어요.wa, jeodo geogi gago sipeoyo.Wow, I want to go there too.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이번 주말에 같이 갈까요?ibeon jumare gachi galkkayo?Shall we go together this weekend?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 좋아요!ne, joayo!Yes, that sounds great!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 거기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
