What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective 좋다 (to be good) combined with the conjectural/future suffix –겠– and the polite ending –어요. Literally, it means "it would be good".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you are speaking to friends or people younger than you, you can use the informal version 좋겠어. In professional settings or when speaking to superiors, the formal version 좋겠습니다 is used. The verb 바라다 is commonly used to convey wishes in a formal context. The verb 기원하다 is frequently used when making formal wishes, especially in formal letters or official situations. The verb 소망하다 emphasizes an earnest wish, often used in more serious or profound contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express "I wish" in a sentence, the verb or adjective describing the desired state is typically followed by the conditional suffix –으면 (if) before adding 좋겠어요.
How do you pronounce it?
jokatgesseoyo
Did you know?
- While 좋겠어요 expresses a wish, Koreans often use the word 아쉽다 to express the feeling of 'I wish' when something is regrettable or missed. It describes a specific kind of longing for something that almost happened but did not.
- The root word 좋다 in 좋겠어요 describes a state of being 'good' rather than an action of 'wanting'. This reflects a cultural linguistic tendency to describe the desired situation as 'good' rather than the speaker's internal desire.
- If you use the formal 좋겠습니다 in a casual setting with friends, it can sound ironically stiff or even sarcastic, as if you are performing a role in a drama.
Examples in context
- 돈을 더 벌었으면 좋겠어요.I wish I earned more money.This sentence is useful for expressing a wish about earning more money.Tatoeba #13235661 by atitarev, translation #30512 by CK
- 일본에 갈 수 있었으면 좋겠어요.I wish I could go to Japan.This sentence is useful for expressing a wish about being able to go to Japan.Tatoeba #5375 by cueyayotl, translation #1393 by CK
- 알았으면 좋겠어요.I wish I knew.This sentence is useful for expressing a wish to know something.Tatoeba #13235674 by atitarev, translation #2549717 by CK
- 저는 합격하길 바랍니다.I wish to pass.
- 건강을 기원합니다.I wish you good health.
- 행복한 삶을 소망합니다.I wish for a happy life.
- 다음에 좀 더 재밌는 영화가 나왔으면 좋겠다.I wish a more interesting movie will come out next time.
- 진짜 그 소원 이루었으면 좋겠어.I really wish your wish comes true.
- 사랑을 찾길 바랍니다.I wish to find love.
- 거짓말 없는 세상이기를 소망합니다.I wish for a world without lies.
- 내일은 눈이 와서 눈싸움 할 수 있으면 좋겠어.I wish it snows tomorrow so we can have a snowball fight.
- 열심히 일해서 큰 돈을 벌기를 바라.I wish you work hard and earn a lot of money.
- 사랑과 행복이 가득한 새해가 되길 기원해.I wish you a New Year filled with love and happiness.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Do-hyun are talking about the weather.
- 지은 Ji-eun내일 날씨가 맑았으면 좋겠어요.naeil nalssiga malgasseumyeon jokkesseoyo.I wish the weather would be clear tomorrow.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저도 그렇게 생각해요.jeodo geureoke saenggakhaeyo.I think so too.
- 지은 Ji-eun같이 공원에 갔으면 좋겠어요.gachi gongwone gasseumyeon jokkesseoyo.I wish we could go to the park together.
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아요, 꼭 같이 가요.joayo, kkok gachi gayo.Sounds good, let's definitely go together.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
