What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 배우고 싶어요 means "want to learn" and is built from the verb 배우다 (to learn) combined with the grammar pattern -고 싶다 (to want to).
Which one should you use?
한국어를 배우고자 합니다 is a formal expression that conveys a deeper level of commitment. For a very casual setting, you might use 한국어 배우고 싶은데 to convey curiosity or a wish to learn in a relaxed way.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 한국어를 배우고 싶어요 uses the polite ending -어요, making it appropriate for speaking to strangers, teachers or people older than you. For a highly formal setting, you can use 저는 한국어를 배우고 싶습니다. In less formal or casual settings, you might use 저는 한국어를 배우고 싶어요. to be polite. To speak with close friends or people younger than you, use the informal/casual version 한국어를 배우고 싶어 or 나는 한국어 배우고 싶어. There is also a casual form, 한국어 배우고 싶다, used to express the desire.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 를 (reul) is the object marker, which attaches to 한국어 to indicate that the Korean language is the object being learned.
How do you pronounce it?
hangugeo-reul bae-ugo sipeoyo
Did you know?
- While you might say 한국어 (hangugeo) to mean 'Korean', the language is also called 우리말 (urimal), which translates to 'our language'. This reflects a strong cultural emphasis on collective identity over individual ownership.
- If you express your desire to learn the language, a Korean speaker might respond by saying 잘하시네요 (jalhasineyo), meaning 'you are doing great', even if you only know a few words.
- When expressing this desire to a teacher or a superior, using the verb 배우다 is much more common than using 공부하다 (to study), as 배우다 implies receiving knowledge from a mentor.
Examples in context
- 한국어를 배우고 싶어요.I want to learn Korean.This sentence is useful for stating the desire to learn the language.Tatoeba #961720 by Eevee, translation #961721 by Eevee
- 요즘 한국어를 배우고 싶어요.yojeum hangugeoreul baeugo sipeoyo.I want to learn Korean these days.
- 저는 꼭 한국어를 배우고 싶어요.jeoneun kkok hangugeoreul baeugo sipeoyo.I really want to learn Korean.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their future goals.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨는 취미가 뭐예요?dohyeon ssineun chwimiga mwoyeyo?Dohyun, what is your hobby?
- 도현 Do-hyeon저는 한국어를 배우고 싶어요.jeoneun hangugeoreul baeugo sipeoyo.I want to learn Korean.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 멋진 목표네요!jeongmal meotjin mokpyoneyo!That is a really cool goal!
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워요, 서연 씨.gomawoyo, seoyeon ssi.Thank you, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
