친구를 사귀고 싶어요
chin-gureul sagwigo sipeoyo
The English phrase "I want to make friends" is expressed in Korean as 친구를 사귀고 싶어요 (chin-gureul sagwigo sipeoyo).
This phrase is used to express a desire to establish new friendships with other people. The phrase centers on the word 친구, which means "friend". It uses the verb 사귀다, which can mean "to make friends" or "to associate with someone". Because 사귀다 is also used to mean "to date," it is important to ensure the context is clear to distinguish between platonic and romantic intentions.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of several parts: 친구 (friend), the object marker 를, the verb 사귀다 (to associate/make friends) and the auxiliary verb -고 싶다 (to want to).
Which one should you use?
While 친구를 사귀고 싶어요 is the standard way to express the desire to make friends, you may encounter other variations. 친구를 만들고 싶어요 can also be used to mean "I want to make friends," using the verb 만들다 (to make). 친구가 되고 싶어요 translates to "I want to become friends," and 친해지고 싶어 expresses a desire to become close friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the level of formality, you can adjust the verb endings. You can replace the polite -어요 ending with the formal -습니다 ending for a more professional tone.
How do you pronounce it?
chin-gureul sagwigo sipeoyo
Did you know?
- In Korea, the word 친구 (friend) historically referred only to people born in the same calendar year. If two people are from different years, they usually use different kinship terms regardless of how close they are.
- Because of the strict social hierarchy in Korea, the process of 친구를 사귀다 often begins with a polite exchange of ages to determine which level of speech to use.
- While 친구를 사귀다 is common, Koreans often use the expression 인맥을 넓히다 to describe 'expanding one's network'. This focuses on the social utility of connections rather than just personal friendship.
Examples in context
- 저는 한국에서 친구를 만들고 싶어요.I want to make friends in Korea.
- 한국 사람들과 친구가 되고 싶어요.I want to become friends with Korean people.
- 같이 공부하자! 친구하자!Let's study together! Let's be friends!
- 난 너랑 친해지고 싶어.I want to become close friends with you.
- 새로운 친구를 사귀고 싶어요.saeroun chingureul sagwigo sipeoyo.I want to make new friends.
- 동호회에서 친구를 사귀고 싶어요.donghohoeeseo chingureul sagwigo sipeoyo.I want to make friends in a hobby club.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hoon are talking about their social life at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨는 한국에서 친구를 사귀고 싶어요?jihun ssineun hangugeseo chingureul sagwigo sipeoyo?Ji-hoon, do you want to make friends in Korea?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 저는 많은 친구를 사귀고 싶어요.ne, jeoneun maneun chingureul sagwigo sipeoyo.Yes, I want to make many friends.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 저랑 같이 동호회에 가요.geureom jeorang gachi donghohoe-e gayo.Then, come to a hobby club with me.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 좋아요, 지은 씨!jeongmal joayo, jieun ssi!That's great, Ji-eun!
