What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 공부하고 싶어 is composed of 공부하다 (to study), the connective -고 (and/to) and 싶어 (want to).
Which one should you use?
While 공부하고 싶어 is the informal version, 공부하고 싶습니다 is the formal version. The dictionary or base form of this expression is 공부하고 싶다. If you are expressing a desire to study a specific major, you would use 전공을 공부하고 싶습니다.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 공부하고 싶어 is in banmal (informal speech) and should only be used with close friends or people younger than you. For formal situations, such as presentations, news or military contexts, use the highly formal version 공부하고 싶습니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that a third person (he, she or they) wants to do something, you must change the form to 싶어 하다, such as in 공부하고 싶어 했어 (He/she wanted to study).
How do you pronounce it?
gongbuhago sipeo
Did you know?
- The word 공부 in 공부하고 싶어 is derived from Chinese characters meaning 'effort' and 'achievement'. In its original context, it referred to the hard work of creating a physical project or building something.
- Students often say they want to study at a 독서실, which literally translates to 'reading room'. Unlike a library, these are private businesses providing tiny, individual cubicles for silent, isolated study.
- In Korea, the desire to study is often tied to 교육열, a cultural phenomenon of 'education fever'. This intense societal pressure makes the phrase 공부하고 싶어 carry more weight than a simple preference in English.
Examples in context
- 선생님, 저는 공부하고 싶습니다.Teacher, I want to study.
- 선생님, 저는 음악을 공부하고 싶습니다.Teacher, I want to study music.
- 친구야, 나는 공부하고 싶어.Hey friend, I want to study.
- 나는 한국어를 공부하고 싶어.naneun hangugeoreul gongbu-hago sipeo.I want to study Korean.
Example conversation
Ji-hun and Seo-yeon are talking about their weekend plans.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연아, 내일 뭐 할 거야?Seoyeon-a, naeil mwo hal geoya?Seo-yeon, what are you doing tomorrow?
- 서연 Seo-yeon나 도서관에서 공부하고 싶어.na doseogwan-eseo gongbu-hago sipeo.I want to study at the library.
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋은 생각이다. 나도 같이 갈게.joeun saeng-gak-ida. nado gachi galge.That's a good idea. I'll go with you.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그래, 내일 같이 가자.geurae, naeil gachi gaja.Okay, let's go together tomorrow.
