Skip to content

Unit 11: I want to (고 싶어요)

Now that you can identify objects and order food, it's time to learn how to express your desires! In Korean, saying "I want to [do something]" requires attaching a specific grammar pattern to the end of a verb.

1. The Verb Stem

Before we can conjugate verbs, we need to find the verb stem. In Korean, all verbs in their dictionary form end in 다 (da).

Examples: * 가다 (ga-da) = to go * 먹다 (meok-da) = to eat * 보다 (bo-da) = to see / to watch

To get the verb stem, simply drop the 다. * 가다 -> 가 (verb stem) * 먹다 -> 먹 (verb stem) * 보다 -> 보 (verb stem)

2. -고 싶어요 (-go si-peo-yo)

To say "I want to [verb]", you take the verb stem and attach -고 싶어요.

  • Verb Stem + 고 싶어요 = I want to...

Examples: * 가다 (to go) -> 가 + 고 싶어요 = 가고 싶어요 (I want to go) * 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹 + 고 싶어요 = 먹고 싶어요 (I want to eat) * 보다 (to watch) -> 보 + 고 싶어요 = 보고 싶어요 (I want to see / I miss you)

Note: In Korean, "I want to see you" (보고 싶어요) is the standard way to say "I miss you"!

3. Asking Questions

As always, making it a question is as simple as raising your intonation.

  • 가고 싶어요? = Do you want to go?
  • 뭐 먹고 싶어요? = What do you want to eat?
  • 뭐 하고 싶어요? = What do you want to do? (하다 = to do)

4. Word Order

In English, we say "I want to eat a hamburger." (Subject - Verb - Object). In Korean, the verb comes last: "I a hamburger want to eat." (Subject - Object - Verb).

  • 햄버거 먹고 싶어요. = I want to eat a hamburger.
  • 영화 보고 싶어요. = I want to watch a movie. (영화 = movie)

Summary

  • Verb Stem = Dictionary form minus 다.
  • -고 싶어요 = I want to...
  • 보고 싶어요 = I want to see / I miss you.
  • 뭐 하고 싶어요? = What do you want to do?