A2 · Élémentaire Chapitre 7

Wants, Abilities, and Goals

7 Règles totales
77 exemples
5 min
Règles dans ce chapitre Pratique rapide

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of expressing your personal desires, capabilities, and intentions in natural Korean.

  • Express your heartfelt wishes using the '-고 싶다' pattern.
  • Describe your skills and limitations with '-(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다'.
  • Explain your purpose for travel or actions using '-(으)러' and '-(으)려고'.
Speak your mind and share your journey in Korean.

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Hey Korean learner! Ready to level up your conversations? You've got the basics down, and now it's time to make your Korean sound much more natural and expressive. This chapter is exactly what you need! In this section, you'll learn how to talk about your desires and what you want to do. With the '-고 싶다' grammar (meaning 'I want to...'), you can easily turn any action verb into a heartfelt wish. Imagine you're at a restaurant and want to say, 'I want to eat kimchi,' or planning with friends, 'I want to go to that band's concert.' See how easily you can convey your feelings? Next, we'll dive into expressing what you 'can' or 'cannot' do. Using the (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 pattern, you can articulate your abilities. For example, 'I can speak Korean' or 'I can't play this game.' These phrases are incredibly useful for introducing yourself, asking for help, or politely declining something in daily situations. Finally, we'll tackle purpose and intention. With the (으)러 가다/오다 grammar (meaning 'to go/come to do something') and (으)려고 (meaning 'intending to...'), you'll learn to explain why you're going somewhere or why you're doing something. For instance, 'I'm going to the market to shop' or 'I intend to study Korean.' These patterns help you show your thought process within sentences, making your conversations much richer. By the end of this chapter, you'll confidently be able to say what you want, what you're capable of, and what your purpose is behind your actions. Your conversations will gain so much life, and you'll be able to express your desires and abilities in Korean more easily in various situations. Ready? Let's go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Express personal wants and abilities in a travel context.

Guide du chapitre

Overview

Welcome, Korean language learner, to a pivotal chapter that will significantly enhance your conversational abilities! This guide is designed for A2 Korean grammar students ready to move beyond basic sentences and express themselves more naturally. In this section, we'll unlock the secrets to talking about your wants, abilities, and goals – crucial elements for engaging in everyday conversations.
Mastering these patterns will allow you to articulate desires like
I want to eat,
state your capabilities such as
I can speak Korean,
and explain your intentions, like "I'm going to the library to study." This isn't just about memorizing rules; it's about gaining fluency and confidence in real-world scenarios.
Understanding these Korean grammar structures is essential for anyone aiming to sound more like a native speaker. They are frequently used in daily interactions, from ordering food to making plans with friends or explaining your actions. By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to express a much wider range of thoughts and feelings, making your Korean language learning journey even more rewarding.
Get ready to transform your basic sentences into rich, expressive statements that truly reflect what you mean. Let's dive into these fundamental A2 Korean expressions!

How This Grammar Works

This chapter introduces three core Korean grammar concepts that will dramatically expand your conversational range. First, expressing desires is made simple with the -고 싶다 pattern, meaning 'I want to do...'. You attach -고 싶다 directly to the stem of an action verb.
For example, if the verb is 먹다 (to eat), it becomes 먹고 싶다 (I want to eat). If it's 가다 (to go), it's 가고 싶다 (I want to go). This is straightforward and widely applicable.
Next, we tackle abilities using the (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 pattern, meaning 'can' or 'cannot'. This structure is attached to a verb stem. If the verb stem ends in a vowel, you add -ㄹ 수 있다/없다.
For example, 하다 (to do) becomes 할 수 있다 (can do). If the verb stem ends in a consonant, you add -을 수 있다/없다. For instance, 읽다 (to read) becomes 읽을 수 있다 (can read).
Similarly, 할 수 없다 means 'cannot do' and 읽을 수 없다 means 'cannot read'.
Finally, we explore expressing purpose and intention. The (으)러 가다/오다 grammar indicates 'to go/come to do something'. You attach -러 to a verb stem ending in a vowel (e.g., 보러 가다 - to go to see) and -으러 to a verb stem ending in a consonant (e.g., 먹으러 오다 - to come to eat).
This is always paired with a verb of movement like 가다 (to go) or 오다 (to come). For general intention, we use (으)려고, meaning 'intending to...'. Like the ability pattern, if the verb stem ends in a vowel, you add -려고 (e.g., 보려고 - intending to see), and if it ends in a consonant, you add -으려고 (e.g., 먹으려고 - intending to eat).
This pattern can stand alone or be followed by another clause. Mastering these A2 Korean grammar points will significantly improve your expressive power.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 커피 싶어요. (I coffee want.)
✓ Correct: 저는 커피를 마시고 싶어요. (I want to drink coffee.)
*Explanation:* The -고 싶다 pattern attaches to a verb stem. You cannot attach it directly to a noun. You need to use an appropriate action verb like 마시다 (to drink) or 가지다 (to have).
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 한국어를 말 수 있어요. (I can speak Korean.)
✓ Correct: 한국어를 말할 수 있어요. (I can speak Korean.)
*Explanation:* When using (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다, if the verb stem ends in a vowel (like 말하- from 말하다), you must use -ㄹ 수 있다/없다. Don't forget the ㄹ!
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 공부하려고 도서관에 가요. (I go to the library intending to study.) - grammatically okay but less natural for purpose of movement
✓ Correct: 공부하러 도서관에 가요. (I go to the library to study.)
*Explanation:* While (으)려고 expresses intention, (으)러 가다/오다 is specifically used when the purpose is directly tied to the action of going or coming. (으)러 is more natural for explaining the reason for movement.

Real Conversations

A

A

오늘 저녁에 뭐 먹고 싶어요? (What do you want to eat for dinner tonight?)
B

B

음... 비빔밥 먹고 싶어요! (Hmm... I want to eat bibimbap!)
A

A

한국어 할 수 있어요? (Can you speak Korean?)
B

B

네, 조금 할 수 있어요. (Yes, I can speak a little.)
A

A

지금 어디 가요? (Where are you going now?)
B

B

책을 빌리러 도서관에 가요. (I'm going to the library to borrow a book.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How is -고 싶다 different from just saying I want [noun] in Korean?

-고 싶다 specifically expresses the desire to *perform an action* (e.g., 먹고 싶다 -

I want to *eat*
). To say I want [noun], you typically use (을/를) 원하다 or simply state the noun with (을/를) 가지고 싶다 (I want to have [noun]), but -고 싶다 is strictly for verbs.

Q

Can (으)ㄹ 수 있다 be used to express possibility in general, not just personal ability?

Yes, (으)ㄹ 수 있다 can also indicate general possibility or feasibility. For example, 내일 비가 올 수 있어요 (It might rain tomorrow / It's possible it will rain tomorrow). This expands its use beyond just what *you* can do.

Q

What's the main difference between (으)러 가다/오다 and (으)려고?

(으)러 가다/오다 is specifically used to state the *purpose of going or coming* to a location (e.g., 커피 마시러 카페에 가요 - I go to the cafe *to drink coffee*). (으)려고 expresses a broader intention or plan, which doesn't necessarily involve movement (e.g., 한국어를 공부하려고 노력해요 - I try *to study Korean*).

Cultural Context

In Korean culture, directly stating I want with -고 싶다 is common and perfectly polite. However, when offering something or making suggestions, it's often softened. For abilities, (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 is frequently used for self-introduction or when politely declining.
The purpose expressions (으)러 가다/오다 and (으)려고 are integral to daily conversation, providing clarity on one's actions or plans, making interactions smooth and understandable.

Exemples clés (8)

1

주말에 영화 보고 싶어요.

Je veux voir un film ce week-end.

-고 싶다 (Vouloir faire) : Exprimer vos désirs
2

아이스 아메리카노 마시고 싶어.

Je veux boire un Americano glacé.

-고 싶다 (Vouloir faire) : Exprimer vos désirs
3

한국에 가고 싶어요.

Je veux aller en Corée.

Dire 'je veux...' : La structure ~고 싶다
4

지금 떡볶이 먹고 싶어.

Je veux manger des tteokbokki maintenant.

Dire 'je veux...' : La structure ~고 싶다
5

지금 통화할 수 있어?

Tu peux parler au téléphone maintenant ?

Pouvoir / Ne pas pouvoir ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)
6

매운 음식을 먹을 수 있어요?

Tu peux manger épicé ?

Pouvoir / Ne pas pouvoir ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)
7

내일 파티에 갈 수 없어요.

Je ne peux pas aller à la fête demain.

Pouvoir et Ne Pas Pouvoir en Coréen (ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다)
8

저는 한국어를 조금 할 수 있습니다.

Je peux parler un peu coréen.

Pouvoir et Ne Pas Pouvoir en Coréen (ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다)

Conseils et astuces (4)

💡

Le raccourci pour dire 'Tu me manques'

보고 싶다 veut dire littéralement je veux voir, mais c'est l'expression standard pour dire que quelqu'un te manque : «정말 보고 싶어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: -고 싶다 (Vouloir faire) : Exprimer vos désirs
🎯

L'astuce pour dire 'Tu me manques'

En coréen, on n'utilise pas un verbe spécial pour le manque. On dit simplement «보고 싶어» (je veux te voir). C'est la façon la plus naturelle de dire que quelqu'un te manque.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Dire 'je veux...' : La structure ~고 싶다
⚠️

Attention à l'espace

On écrit toujours 수 있다, jamais 수있다. 수 est un nom qui veut dire 'moyen', il reste seul : «할 수 있어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Pouvoir / Ne pas pouvoir ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)
⚠️

Attention à l'espace !

Laisse toujours un petit espace avant le mot 수. Écrire '할수있어요' est une faute, pense à l'écrire comme ça : «할 수 있어요».
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Pouvoir et Ne Pas Pouvoir en Coréen (ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다)

Vocabulaire clé (5)

먹다 (meokda) to eat 가다 (gada) to go 한국어 (hangugeo) Korean language 배우다 (baeuda) to learn 수영하다 (suyeonghada) to swim

Real-World Preview

coffee

Planning a Weekend

Review Summary

  • Verb stem + -고 싶다
  • Verb stem + (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다
  • Verb stem + (으)러 가다/오다
  • Verb stem + (으)려고 하다

Erreurs courantes

Confusing desire (-고 싶다) with ability (-(으)ㄹ 수 있다).

Wrong: 저는 한국어를 말하고 싶어요 (I want to speak Korean - grammatically okay, but contextually awkward if you mean 'I can speak')
Correct: 저는 한국어를 말할 수 있어요

Using intention (-(으)려고) instead of purpose (-(으)러) with movement verbs.

Wrong: 공부하려고 가요
Correct: 공부하러 가요

Using the 3rd person form (-고 싶어하다) for yourself.

Wrong: 먹고 싶어해요
Correct: 먹고 싶어요

Règles dans ce chapitre (7)

1

-고 싶다 (Vouloir faire) : Exprimer vos désirs

A2
Transforme n'importe quel verbe d'action en une envie irrésistible en remplaçant '다' par «-고 싶다». C'est ton outil magique pour dire je veux.
주말에 영화 보고 싶어요.
12 exemples
2

Dire 'je veux...' : La structure ~고 싶다

A2
Il suffit de coller «~고 싶다» à la racine d'un verbe pour dire ce que tu as envie de faire.
한국에 가고 싶어요.
12 exemples
3

Pouvoir / Ne pas pouvoir ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)

A2
Utilise «(으)ㄹ 수 있다» pour dire que tu PEUX, et «(으)ㄹ 수 없다» pour dire que tu NE PEUX PAS.
지금 통화할 수 있어?
11 exemples
4

Pouvoir et Ne Pas Pouvoir en Coréen (ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다)

A2
Utilise la structure «-ㄹ/을 수 있다» pour dire que tu peux faire quelque chose, et remplace par «없다» pour dire que c'est impossible.
내일 파티에 갈 수 없어요.
10 exemples
5

Aller pour : (으)러

A2
Utilise (으)러 avec les verbes de mouvement pour dire que tu vas quelque part pour faire quelque chose. Tes outils : «(으)러 가다» et «(으)러 오다».
Chingu mannareo kape-e gayo.
10 exemples
6

Aller faire quelque chose (-(으)러 가다/오다)

A2
Connecte ton action à ton déplacement pour dire exactement pourquoi tu bouges avec «-(으)러 가다».
친구를 만나러 카페에 가요.
11 exemples
7

Dans l'intention de... (으)려고

A2
Utilise «(으)려고» pour partager tes projets personnels ou tes objectifs comme «살을 빼려고» ou «취직하려고».
한국 친구랑 이야기하려고 한국어를 배워요.
11 exemples

Next Steps

You've leveled up! Use these new patterns to connect with Korean speakers and share your world. See you in the next chapter!

Write 5 sentences about what you can do and what you want to do this weekend.

Continue to: Life Experiences and Trying Things

Pratique rapide (10)

Quelle phrase est correcte pour parler d'une amie ?

Comment dire 'Minji veut partir' ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 민지는 가고 싶어해요.
Quand le sujet est une tierce personne (Minji), il faut obligatoirement utiliser '고 싶어하다'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Dire 'je veux...' : La structure ~고 싶다

Trouve l'erreur dans cette phrase.

Find and fix the mistake:

밥을 먹었으러 식당에 갔어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 밥을 먹으러 식당에 갔어요.
On ne met pas de passé sur la partie qui exprime le but. Garde '먹으러' et mets le passé à la fin '갔어요'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Aller faire quelque chose (-(으)러 가다/오다)

Complète la phrase avec la bonne forme.

저는 오늘 친구를 ____(만나다) 시내에 가요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 만나러
'만나다' finit par une voyelle, donc on ajoute '-러'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Aller faire quelque chose (-(으)러 가다/오다)

Quelle phrase est grammaticalement correcte ?

Choisis la bonne phrase :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 커피를 마시려고 카페에 갔어요.
La première est fausse car c'est un ordre. La troisième est fausse car on ne met pas de passé sur '려고'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Dans l'intention de... (으)려고

Trouve l'erreur dans cette phrase.

한국어를 공부하러 책을 샀어요. (J'ai acheté un livre pour étudier le coréen.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Change 공부하러 en 공부하려고
샀어요 (acheter) n'est pas un verbe de mouvement. On ne peut pas utiliser (으)러 ici.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Aller pour : (으)러

Complète la phrase pour dire 'Je peux lire le Hangeul'.

저는 한글을 ___ 수 있어요. (읽다 - lire)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 읽을
Comme 읽다 finit par une consonne, on ajoute 을 avant 수 있다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Pouvoir / Ne pas pouvoir ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)

Quelle phrase exprime correctement 'Mon ami veut manger' ?

Choisis la phrase grammaticalement correcte :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 제 친구가 먹고 싶어해요.
Quand on parle du désir d'une tierce personne (mon ami), il faut utiliser la forme -고 싶어하다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: -고 싶다 (Vouloir faire) : Exprimer vos désirs

Complète la phrase pour dire 'Je veux y aller'.

저는 한국에 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가고 싶어요
Comme c'est toi qui parles ('Je veux'), on utilise la forme standard -고 싶어요. '-고 싶어해요' est pour les autres.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: -고 싶다 (Vouloir faire) : Exprimer vos désirs

Quelle phrase signifie correctement 'Je suis allé manger' ?

Choisis la bonne option :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 밥 먹으러 갔어요.
먹 finit par une consonne, donc on utilise 으러. On ne met jamais le premier verbe au passé.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Aller pour : (으)러

Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans cette phrase.

Find and fix the mistake:

저는 영화를 보 싶어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 영화를 보고 싶어요.
Il ne faut pas oublier le '고' après la racine du verbe '보'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Dire 'je veux...' : La structure ~고 싶다

Score: /10

Questions fréquentes (6)

Non, tu ne peux pas accrocher -고 싶다 directement à un nom comme l'eau (물). Tu dois ajouter une action, comme 'Je veux BOIRE de l'eau' : «물을 마시고 싶어요».
C'est super simple : utilise exactement la même forme mais monte le ton à la fin de la phrase. Exemple : «가고 싶어요?» (Tu veux y aller ?).
Non, ça ne se colle qu'aux verbes. Pour dire 'Je veux un café', dis plutôt «커피 마시고 싶어요» (Je veux boire un café).
Les deux s'utilisent ! «을/를» met l'accent sur l'objet, mais «이/가» est fréquent car '싶다' agit comme un adjectif : «피자가 먹고 싶어요».
못 해요 est plus courant à l'oral et suggère un blocage. 할 수 없어요 est plus descriptif ou insiste sur l'impossibilité : «지금은 할 수 없어요.»
Oui ! Même si 써도 돼요? est plus standard, dire «쓸 수 있어요?» pour demander si on peut utiliser quelque chose est très fréquent.
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