-고 싶어요
-go sipeoyo
In Korean, "I want to" is expressed as -고 싶어요 (-go sipeoyo).
This phrase is used to express a desire or wish to perform a specific action. It is created by attaching the form to the stem of a verb.
What does it mean word for word?
The form consists of the connective particle -고, which links a verb to the auxiliary verb 싶다, which means "to want".
Which one should you use?
The different forms of this expression are used to change the level of politeness or the person being described. While -고 싶다 is the dictionary or plain form, -고 싶어요 is the polite form used in daily conversation. Use -고 싶습니다 for a more formal or honorific tone, and use -고 싶어 for a casual tone. When you are expressing the desire of a third person rather than yourself, you must use -고 싶어해요 instead of -고 싶어요.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the desire of a third person, use -고 싶어해요 instead of -고 싶어요.
How do you pronounce it?
-go sipeoyo
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 저는 한국어를 배우고 싶습니다.I want to learn Korean.
- 운동하고 싶습니다.I want to exercise.
- 친구를 만나고 싶어.I want to meet my friend.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries -고, CC BY-SA 4.0.
