보고 싶어요
bogo sipeoyo
The English phrase "I want to see" is expressed in Korean as 보고 싶어요 (bogo sipeoyo).
This phrase is used to express a desire to see someone or something. While the literal meaning is "I want to see," it is also the standard way to say "I miss you" in Korean. Unlike English, which uses different phrases for wanting to see an object versus missing a person, the Korean phrase 보고 싶어요 covers both situations.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 보다 (to see) in its connective form 보고 and the auxiliary verb 싶다 (to want to).
How does it change in a sentence?
The highly formal version is 보고 싶습니다, while the informal version 보고 싶어 is used with close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
bogo sipeoyo
Did you know?
- The auxiliary verb 싶다 used in 보고 싶어요 only expresses the desires of the first person, meaning you cannot use this exact structure to say 'he wants to see'.
- The word 보고 can be a Sino-Korean term derived from 寶庫, which refers to a 'treasure house' or 'treasury'.
- Korean speakers often omit the subject 'I' in 보고 싶어요, as the context makes it clear who is doing the wanting.
Examples in context
- 난 당신이 웃는 걸 보고 싶어요.I want to see you smile.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 보고 싶어요.Tatoeba #4846821 by kinsella, translation #2952577 by CK
- 사장님을 보고 싶습니다.I want to see the CEO.
- 저는 예술 전시회를 보고 싶습니다.I want to see an art exhibition.
- 친구를 보고파.I want to see my friend.
- 그 영화를 보고 싶어.I want to see that movie.
- 그 영화를 정말 보고 싶어요.geu yeonghwaleul jeongmal bogo sipeoyo.I really want to see that movie.
- 내일은 가족들을 보고 싶어요.naeil-eun gajokdeureul bogo sipeoyo.I want to see my family tomorrow.
Example conversation
Jieun and Jihun are talking on the phone.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 보고 싶어요.Jihun ssi, bogo sipeoyo.Jihun, I want to see you.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저도 지은 씨가 보고 싶어요.Jeodo Jieun ssi-ga bogo sipeoyo.I want to see you too, Jieun.
- 지은 Ji-eun이번 주말에 만날까요?Ibeon jumare mannalkkayo?Shall we meet this weekend?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 좋아요.Ne, joayo.Yes, that sounds good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 보고, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
