Are you planning to visit Korea and eager to express your desire to travel? Knowing how to convey “I want to travel” in Korean will come in handy during your journey. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this sentiment. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Phrases: Polite and Respectful
When speaking with someone of higher status, an elderly person, or a stranger, it’s essential to utilize formal language to show respect and politeness. Here are a few phrases you can use:
1. 가고 싶어요 (gago sip-eoyo)
The literal translation of this phrase is “I want to go,” but it is commonly used to express the desire to travel. The verb “가다” (gada) means “to go,” and “싶다” (sipda) is the modifier that expresses the want or desire. When combined, they form “가고 싶어요.”
서울에 가고 싶어요. (Seoul-e gago sip-eoyo)
I want to go to Seoul.
2. 여행하고 싶어요 (yeohaenghago sip-eoyo)
If you specifically want to use the word “travel,” you can say “여행하고 싶어요.” The verb “여행하다” (yeohaenghada) means “to travel.” By using “하고 싶어요” (hago sip-eoyo), you express your desire, resulting in “여행하고 싶어요.”
여행하고 싶어요. 그래서 한국에 왔어요. (Yeohaenghago sip-eoyo. Geuraeseo Hanguk-e wasseoyo)
I want to travel, so I came to Korea.
Informal Phrases: Casual and Friendly
When speaking with close friends, family members, or people of similar age, you can switch to informal language, which reflects a more comfortable and friendly tone. Here are some informal phrases to express your desire to travel:
1. 가고 싶어 (gago sip-eo)
The casual form of “가고 싶어요” is “가고 싶어.” It is suitable to use when talking to friends or those younger than you. Drop the respectful ending “요” (yo), and you’ll have the informal version.
그곳에 가고 싶어. 같이 가자! (Geugos-e gago sip-eo. Gat-i gaja!)
I want to go there. Let’s go together!
2. 여행하고 싶어 (yeohaenghago sip-eo)
Similarly, to make the phrase informal, you can drop the “요” (yo) from “여행하고 싶어요” and say “여행하고 싶어.” This form is suitable when chatting with friends or family members.
여행하고 싶어? 집에 있는 동안 계획을 세워 볼까? (Yeohaenghago sip-eo? Jib-e inneun dong-an gyehoeg-eul sewo bolkka?)
Do you want to travel? Shall we make plans while at home?
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
While the above phrases cover the general Korean language, it’s important to note that the dialects and regional variations within Korea can result in additional ways to express the desire to travel. Here are some notable regional variations:
- Busan Dialect: In the Busan dialect, “가고 싶어요” (gago sip-eoyo) is expressed as “가보고 싶어요” (gabogo sip-eoyo).
- Gyeongsang Province: In Gyeongsang Province, the phrase “가고 싶어요” (gago sip-eoyo) becomes “가고 싶당” (gago sipdang).
- Jeju Island: On Jeju Island, people often say “가도 싸코” (gado ssako) to mean “I want to go.”
These regional variations can add charm and uniqueness to your conversations while you travel within Korea.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to say “I want to travel” in both formal and informal ways in Korean, you can confidently express your desire during your adventures. Remember to use formal phrases when speaking to those of higher status or age, and switch to informal language when talking to close friends or family members. Enjoy your travel experience in Korea, and have a fantastic time exploring this vibrant country!
