원하다
wonhada[ˈwɘ(ː)nɦa̠da̠]
To want in Korean is 원하다 (wonhada).
원하다 is often used for abstract desires and in formal or written contexts.
Which one should you use?
희망하다 is a formal expression for one's wishes or hopes. -고 싶어하다 is used to describe what someone else wants to do.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite present form is 원해요. The plain form 원한다 is used in writing such as books, newspapers or a diary.
How do you pronounce it?
Say it as wonhada.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use 원하다 to say I want to do something. For wanting to do an action, use a verb stem followed by -고 and 싶다 instead.
Did you know?
- Korean grammar reflects a cultural modesty by using the ending -싶어하다 when talking about another person's desires, as it treats the desire as an observation rather than a known fact.
- Using 원하다 to describe a simple action like eating or drinking can make you sound like a robot or a formal government decree.
- Using 원하다 in a casual conversation can make you sound like a character in a dubbed foreign movie or a character from a written novel.
Examples in context
- 저는 아이폰을 원합니다.I want an iPhone.
- 저는 방문하는 것을 희망합니다.I hope to visit.
- 나는 먹고 싶어.I want to eat.
- 그는 여행을 가고 싶어해.He wants to travel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 원하다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
