This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
~고 싶다

A2 auxiliary 10 min read

~고 싶다

go sipda

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ~고 싶다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation ~고 싶다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to '~고 싶다' as a basic way to express their primary needs and desires. The focus is on first-person statements like 'I want to eat' (먹고 싶어요) or 'I want to go' (가고 싶어요). At this stage, students learn the simple mechanics of attaching '고 싶다' to a verb stem. They learn that the '다' at the end of a verb is replaced by '고 싶다'. The instruction emphasizes that this is only for actions, not objects. A1 learners also learn to ask simple questions to others, such as 'What do you want to do?' (뭐 하고 싶어요?). The focus is on the polite '~어요' ending, as it is the most versatile for beginners. They are taught to recognize this pattern in simple dialogues about food, hobbies, and daily routines. The goal is to enable the learner to communicate basic preferences in a survival-level Korean context.

At the A2 level, the use of '~고 싶다' expands to include past tense and basic negative forms. Learners are taught how to say 'I wanted to' (하고 싶었다) and 'I don't want to' (하고 싶지 않다 or 안 하고 싶다). A crucial addition at this level is the introduction of the third-person form '~고 싶어하다'. Students learn that they cannot use '~고 싶다' when talking about a friend or family member's desires. This is a major milestone in Korean grammar as it introduces the concept of psychological distance—not speaking for someone else's internal state directly. A2 learners also start to use the structure with a wider variety of verbs and in slightly more complex sentences, such as 'I want to go to Korea to study' (공부하러 한국에 가고 싶어요). They also learn the honorific form '~고 싶으시다' for asking questions to elders or superiors.

At the B1 level, learners explore the nuances of '~고 싶다' in social interactions and various registers. They begin to understand the difference between '~고 싶다' (direct desire) and '~으면 좋겠다' (hope/wish), learning when to use the latter to sound more polite or less demanding. B1 students are expected to use the third-person '~고 싶어하다' fluently and without hesitation. They also learn to combine this grammar with connectors like '~지만' (but) or '~어서/아서' (because), for example: '가고 싶지만 시간이 없어요' (I want to go but I don't have time). The register becomes more varied, as students practice using the formal '~고 싶습니다' in professional settings and the informal '~고 싶어' with friends. They also start to encounter the expression in more varied media, such as news interviews or blog posts, where desires are expressed in the context of social issues.

At the B2 level, the learner masters the subtle pragmatic implications of using '~고 싶다'. They understand that repeatedly stating one's desires with this form can sometimes come across as self-centered in Korean culture, and they learn to use more indirect or humble alternatives when appropriate. B2 students can use the structure in complex hypothetical sentences, such as 'If I could go back to the past, I would want to...' (과거로 돌아갈 수 있다면... 하고 싶다). They also learn to use '~고 싶다' in nominalized forms or as part of larger noun phrases, like 'the thing I want to do most' (가장 하고 싶은 일). At this level, the focus shifts to stylistic choices—knowing when to use this auxiliary versus '원하다' or '소망하다' in written essays versus spoken conversation. They also become familiar with idiomatic uses and slang variations.

At the C1 level, learners use '~고 싶다' with high precision and rhetorical flair. They can analyze literary texts where this structure is used to convey deep existential longing or philosophical desire. C1 students are aware of the historical development of the word and can recognize it in older or more formal texts. They use it to express complex emotional states, often combining it with advanced vocabulary and sophisticated sentence structures. For instance, they might use it in a rhetorical sense to challenge an audience or to express a collective desire of a group. They are also adept at using the honorific and humble variations to navigate the most complex social hierarchies in Korea. Their usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the correct use of particles (이/가 vs 을/를) to shift emphasis in nuanced ways.

At the C2 level, the learner has a near-native grasp of the auxiliary's role in the Korean language system. They can discuss the linguistic properties of '싶다' as a 'subjective adjective' and how it differs from other auxiliary verbs. C2 learners can use '~고 싶다' in highly specialized contexts, such as academic linguistics, legal interpretations of intent, or high-level creative writing. They understand the psychological implications of the first-person restriction and how it reflects Korean cultural concepts of 'self' and 'other'. They can effortlessly switch between various levels of formality and nuance, using the structure to imply sarcasm, irony, or profound sincerity. At this level, the learner doesn't just use the grammar; they understand its deep-seated role in the architecture of Korean thought and social relations.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

~고 싶다 in 30 Seconds

Used to express 'wanting to do' an action. Attach it to the verb stem by dropping '다' and adding '고 싶다'.
Primarily for 1st person (statements) and 2nd person (questions). Use '고 싶어하다' for 3rd person (he/she/they).
Functions as an adjective, so it uses adjective conjugation rules. Negative forms include '안 ...고 싶다' and '...고 싶지 않다'.
Extremely common in daily conversation, K-pop lyrics (especially '보고 싶다'), and expressing personal goals or cravings.

The Korean auxiliary verb construction ~고 싶다 is the primary way to express a speaker's desire or wish to perform a specific action. In English, this is directly equivalent to the phrase 'to want to [verb].' It is essential to understand that this structure is strictly used for actions (verbs) and cannot be used with nouns to say 'I want an object' (for which you would use the verb '원하다' or '갖고 싶다'). The grammar is formed by taking the verb stem and attaching the connective ending '-고' followed by the auxiliary adjective '싶다.' This construction is incredibly common in daily life, ranging from simple expressions of hunger to deep philosophical aspirations.

Grammatical Category: Auxiliary Adjective (보조 형용사)
Usage Constraint: Primarily used for 1st person (I want) or 2nd person in questions (Do you want?).

저는 한국에 가고 싶어요. (I want to go to Korea.)

One of the most fascinating aspects of this expression is how it interacts with Korean social hierarchy. While the core meaning remains 'wanting,' the level of politeness changes based on the ending attached to '싶다,' such as '싶습니다' (formal), '싶어요' (polite), or '싶어' (informal). It is the cornerstone of expressing personal agency and preference in the Korean language. Without this structure, a speaker would struggle to order food, plan a trip, or share their feelings with friends. In daily conversation, you will hear this word in almost every context. For instance, a student might say they want to sleep (자고 싶다), a worker might say they want to quit (그만두고 싶다), or a lover might say they want to see their partner (보고 싶다). The latter is particularly famous because '보고 싶다' is the standard way to say 'I miss you' in Korean, literally translating to 'I want to see [you].' This cultural nuance highlights how Korean often expresses emotions through desired actions rather than abstract states of being.

Sentence Structure: [Subject] + [Object] + [Verb Stem] + 고 싶다

무엇을 먹고 싶어? (What do you want to eat?)

Furthermore, the versatility of '~고 싶다' allows it to be combined with other grammatical structures. For example, you can use it in the past tense '싶었다' to say 'I wanted to' or with the conditional '싶으면' to say 'if you want to.' This flexibility makes it one of the top ten most useful grammar patterns for any beginner or intermediate student. By mastering this, you unlock the ability to describe your internal world and your future intentions with clarity and precision.

Using ~고 싶다 correctly requires understanding its role as an auxiliary. It always follows a verb. The process is simple: take the dictionary form of a verb, drop the '다', and add '고 싶다'. For example, the verb '먹다' (to eat) becomes '먹고 싶다' (to want to eat). The verb '하다' (to do) becomes '하고 싶다' (to want to do). This rule is incredibly consistent and does not have the irregular exceptions that plague other Korean grammar points.

Subject-Object Markers: In '~고 싶다' sentences, the object of the verb can take either the object marker (을/를) or the subject marker (이/가). Both '물을 마시고 싶어요' and '물이 마시고 싶어요' are correct, though the latter often emphasizes the object itself.

새 차를 사고 싶습니다. (I want to buy a new car.)

When conjugating for politeness levels, only the '싶다' part changes. The 'Verb Stem + 고' remains static. If you are speaking to a teacher or boss, you would use '싶습니다' or '싶어요'. If you are speaking to a younger sibling or a close friend, '싶어' is appropriate. It is also important to note how to make negative sentences. You can either use '안 [Verb]고 싶다' or '[Verb]고 싶지 않다'. For example, '안 먹고 싶어요' or '먹고 싶지 않아요' both mean 'I don't want to eat.'

Tense Markers: Past tense: 싶었다 (I wanted to). Future tense: 싶을 것이다 (I will want to - though rare).

어제는 영화를 보고 싶었어. (I wanted to watch a movie yesterday.)

Another advanced usage involves honorifics. If you are asking a person of higher status what they want to do, you should use the honorific infix '-시-'. The form becomes '~고 싶으세요?' or '~고 싶으십니까?'. For example, '어디에 가고 싶으세요?' (Where would you like to go?). This shows respect to the listener's desires. In written Korean, particularly in diaries or essays, the plain form '싶다' is used to express one's internal thoughts. '나는 성공하고 싶다' (I want to succeed) is a common way to state a goal in a journal. Understanding these nuances allows a speaker to move from basic communication to natural, culturally aware Korean speech.

You will encounter ~고 싶다 in virtually every corner of Korean life, from the lyrics of K-pop ballads to the high-stakes dialogue of K-dramas. In the music world, the phrase '보고 싶다' (I want to see you / I miss you) is perhaps the most frequent lyric in the history of the genre. It captures the essence of longing that is so central to Korean emotional expression. When you walk into a restaurant in Seoul, you might hear a group of friends debating what to eat, with one person saying '치킨 먹고 싶다!' (I want to eat chicken!). This is the natural, everyday way to voice a craving.

In K-Dramas: Protagonists often use this to express hidden desires, such as '너랑 같이 있고 싶어' (I want to be with you).
In Commercials: Advertisements frequently ask '여행 가고 싶으세요?' (Do you want to go on a trip?) to pique the interest of consumers.

드라마 대사: 혼자 있고 싶어요. (Drama line: I want to be alone.)

In professional settings, while '원하다' might be used in formal documents, '~고 싶다' is still the standard for verbal communication during meetings or casual office talk. A manager might ask an employee, '어떤 프로젝트를 하고 싶어요?' (What project do you want to do?). This shows that the grammar is not limited to personal or childish desires but is a sophisticated tool for professional interaction. Social media is another place where this structure shines. On platforms like Instagram or KakaoTalk, Koreans often post photos of food or travel destinations with the caption '~고 싶다...'. It functions as a sigh of longing or a statement of a 'bucket list' item.

In News and Media: Reporters might quote citizens saying '경제가 좋아졌으면 좋겠고, 잘 살고 싶습니다' (I hope the economy gets better and I want to live well).

SNS 캡션: 제주도 가고 싶다! (SNS Caption: I want to go to Jeju Island!)

In schools, teachers use it to encourage students: '발표하고 싶은 사람?' (Anyone who wants to give a presentation?). This demonstrates its role in managing classroom participation. Even in religious contexts, prayers often involve the phrase '~고 싶습니다' to express a desire for spiritual growth or peace. The sheer frequency of this grammar point cannot be overstated; it is the heartbeat of Korean volitional expression, bridging the gap between internal thought and external communication across all demographics.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with ~고 싶다 is using it for third parties. In English, you can say 'I want to eat,' 'You want to eat,' and 'He wants to eat' using the same verb. In Korean, '~고 싶다' is reserved for the first person (statements) and second person (questions). If you want to say 'He wants to eat,' you must use '~고 싶어하다.' Saying '제 친구가 피자를 먹고 싶어요' is grammatically incorrect and sounds very unnatural to native speakers. Instead, you should say '제 친구가 피자를 먹고 싶어해요.'

Third Person Rule: Use '~고 싶어하다' when the subject is 'he', 'she', 'they', or a specific person's name.

Wrong: 민수 씨가 집에 가고 싶어요. (X)
Right: 민수 씨가 집에 가고 싶어해요. (O)

Another common error is trying to use '~고 싶다' with nouns. Beginners often try to say '사과를 고 싶어요' for 'I want an apple.' This is incorrect because '~고 싶다' is an auxiliary that must attach to a verb stem. To say you want an object, you should use the verb '갖고 싶다' (want to have) or '원하다' (to desire/want). Thus, '사과를 갖고 싶어요' (I want to have an apple) is the correct way to express this.

Particle Confusion: While both '을/를' and '이/가' are acceptable, overusing '이/가' in complex sentences can be confusing. Stick to '을/를' as a beginner for clarity.

Wrong: 저는 콜라를 싶어요. (X)
Right: 저는 콜라를 마시고 싶어요. (O)

Confusion also arises with adjectives. You cannot say '예쁘고 싶어요' to mean 'I want to be pretty.' Because '~고 싶다' attaches to verbs, you must turn the adjective into a verb first using the '~어/아지다' (to become) pattern. So, the correct expression is '예뻐지고 싶어요' (I want to become pretty). This distinction between state-of-being and action is a key hurdle for many learners. Finally, some learners forget to conjugate '싶다' itself. They might say '먹고 싶' without an ending. Remember that '싶다' must always carry a sentence-ending particle to be complete in speech. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural and grammatically sound.

While ~고 싶다 is the most common way to express desire, several alternatives exist depending on the context and the intensity of the feeling. The most direct alternative is '원하다,' which is often used for nouns and in more formal or written contexts. While you might say '커피를 마시고 싶어요' in conversation, a formal document might use '커피를 원합니다.' However, '원하다' for actions (using ~하기를 원하다) can sound a bit translated or stiff.

~고 싶어하다: The essential variant for third-person subjects. It shifts the perspective from an internal state to an observed behavior.
~으면 좋겠다: Translates to 'It would be nice if...' and is used to express a hope or wish that is less certain or more polite than a direct 'I want to.'

비가 왔으면 좋겠어요. (I wish it would rain.)

Another alternative is the ending '~려고 하다,' which expresses an intention or a plan. While '~고 싶다' focuses on the feeling of wanting, '~려고 하다' focuses on the active plan to do it. For example, '공부하고 싶어요' means 'I want to study,' but '공부하려고 해요' means 'I am planning/intending to study.' Choosing between these depends on whether you are talking about your heart or your schedule.

~고 싶어 죽겠다: An idiomatic expression meaning 'I want to do [verb] so much I could die.' Very common in informal, hyperbolic speech.

빨리 보고 싶어 죽겠어! (I'm dying to see you!)

In humble or highly respectful situations, speakers might avoid '~고 싶다' altogether and use indirect expressions like '~고자 합니다' (I intend to do...). This is common in public speeches or presentations. Understanding these alternatives allows you to adjust your tone to fit the social context perfectly. While '~고 싶다' is your 'all-purpose' tool, knowing when to use '~으면 좋겠다' for politeness or '~려고 하다' for planning will make your Korean sound much more sophisticated and natural.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Middle Korean, this word was often used to describe a physical leaning or a mental inclination before it became a standardized grammar point for 'wanting'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡo sʰip̚.t͈a/

US /ɡoʊ sʰɪp̚.dɑ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable of the auxiliary '싶'.

Rhymes With

깊다 (deep) 입다 (to wear) 집다 (to pick up) 씹다 (to chew) 밉다 (to be hateful) 굽다 (to bake) 돕다 (to help) 줍다 (to pick up)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '싶' as 'sip' without the aspirated 's' sound.
Forgetting the tense 't' sound in '다' (it should be [p.t͈a]).
Merging '고' and '싶' into one syllable.
Pronouncing the 'p' in '싶' clearly rather than as a stopped 'p'.
Treating '싶다' as a verb instead of an adjective in terms of rhythm.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize the '~고 싶다' pattern in text.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but requires remembering to drop '다' and use the correct third-person form.

Speaking 2/5

Simple to use, but must be careful with politeness levels.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound that is easy to catch in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Verb stems Polite endings (~아요/어요) Object markers (을/를) Subject markers (이/가) Basic verbs (먹다, 가다, 하다)

Learn Next

~고 싶어하다 ~으면 좋겠다 ~려고 하다 ~기 싫다 ~어/아지다

Advanced

~고자 하다 ~기를 갈망하다 ~기를 소망하다 ~려무나 원하다

Grammar to Know

~고 싶어하다

친구가 오고 싶어해요.

~기 싫다

공부하기 싫어요.

~으면 좋겠다

행복하면 좋겠어요.

~려고 하다

내일 가려고 해요.

~어/아지다 (with adjectives)

예뻐지고 싶어요.

Examples by Level

밥을 먹고 싶어요.

I want to eat rice/a meal.

Basic 'Verb + 고 싶어요' form.

학교에 가고 싶어요.

I want to go to school.

Movement verb '가다' used with desire.

잠을 자고 싶어요.

I want to sleep.

Noun '잠' + Verb '자다' + 고 싶다.

뭐 하고 싶어요?

What do you want to do?

Question form for 2nd person.

영화를 보고 싶어요.

I want to watch a movie.

Action verb '보다' used with desire.

물을 마시고 싶어요.

I want to drink water.

Standard object-verb-desire structure.

한국어를 배우고 싶어요.

I want to learn Korean.

Expressing a goal or hobby.

친구를 만나고 싶어요.

I want to meet a friend.

Expressing social desire.

어제는 쉬고 싶었어요.

I wanted to rest yesterday.

Past tense form '싶었다'.

저는 매운 음식을 먹고 싶지 않아요.

I don't want to eat spicy food.

Long negative form '싶지 않다'.

제 친구는 우유를 마시고 싶어해요.

My friend wants to drink milk.

Third-person form '싶어하다'.

어디에 가고 싶으세요?

Where would you like to go?

Honorific question form '싶으시다'.

새 옷을 사고 싶었지만 돈이 없어요.

I wanted to buy new clothes, but I have no money.

Combining desire with '하지만' (but).

동생이 게임을 하고 싶어해요.

My younger sibling wants to play a game.

Third-person '싶어하다' with a family member.

지금은 아무것도 하고 싶지 않아요.

I don't want to do anything right now.

Negative desire with '아무것도'.

선생님, 질문을 하고 싶습니다.

Teacher, I want to ask a question.

Formal polite form '싶습니다'.

나중에 커서 의사가 되고 싶어요.

I want to become a doctor when I grow up.

Using '되다' (to become) with desire.

부모님께 선물을 드리고 싶어해요.

He wants to give a gift to his parents.

Third-person desire with honorific verb '드리다'.

그 영화가 너무 보고 싶어서 극장에 갔어요.

I wanted to see that movie so much that I went to the theater.

Using '어서' to show cause and effect.

내일은 좀 일찍 퇴근하고 싶네요.

I'd really like to leave work a bit early tomorrow.

Adding the suffix '-네' for a soft, personal realization.

어떤 선물을 받고 싶으신지 말씀해 주세요.

Please tell me what kind of gift you would like to receive.

Indirect question with honorific '싶으신지'.

실패하고 싶어하는 사람은 아무도 없어요.

There is no one who wants to fail.

Using '싶어하다' in a relative clause.

더 넓은 세상으로 나가고 싶다는 생각을 했어요.

I had the thought that I want to go out into a wider world.

Quoting a thought with '~고 싶다'.

이 일은 꼭 제가 직접 하고 싶습니다.

I really want to do this work myself.

Expressing strong personal will in a formal setting.

남들이 어떻게 생각하든 저는 제 길을 가고 싶어요.

No matter what others think, I want to go my own way.

Expressing desire despite external factors.

그는 자신의 잘못을 숨기고 싶어하는 것 같아요.

It seems like he wants to hide his mistake.

Combining '싶어하다' with '것 같다' (it seems).

누구나 행복하게 살고 싶어하기 마련이죠.

It's natural for everyone to want to live happily.

Using '~기 마련이다' to express a natural tendency.

진실을 알고 싶지만 두려운 마음도 듭니다.

I want to know the truth, but I also feel afraid.

Contrasting desire with fear.

한 번쯤은 아무도 모르는 곳으로 떠나고 싶을 때가 있죠.

There are times when you want to leave for a place where no one knows you.

Describing a recurring feeling with 'ㄹ 때가 있다'.

이 책은 제가 꼭 한 번 읽고 싶었던 책이에요.

This is a book I've really wanted to read once.

Retrospective desire '싶었던' modifying a noun.

그녀는 더 이상 그 사람과 엮이고 싶어하지 않아요.

She doesn't want to be involved with that person anymore.

Third-person negative '싶어하지 않다'.

우리는 이 프로젝트를 성공시키고 싶다는 강한 의지가 있습니다.

We have a strong will to make this project a success.

Using desire as a noun modifier for '의지' (will).

인간은 누구나 자아를 실현하고 싶어하는 욕구가 있다.

Every human has a desire to realize their self.

Academic use of '싶어하다' with '욕구' (desire).

그는 평생 동안 고향으로 돌아가고 싶어했으나 끝내 이루지 못했다.

He wanted to return to his hometown all his life, but ultimately couldn't.

Long-term past desire '싶어했다' in a narrative.

누구에게도 구속받지 않고 자유롭게 살고 싶다는 것이 그의 철학이다.

His philosophy is that he wants to live freely without being bound by anyone.

Describing a life philosophy.

작가는 이 작품을 통해 독자들과 소통하고 싶었음을 밝히고 있다.

The author is stating that they wanted to communicate with readers through this work.

Nominalized past desire '싶었음'.

죽기 전에 꼭 해보고 싶은 일들을 적은 것이 버킷리스트다.

A bucket list is a list of things you really want to try before you die.

Using '해보고 싶다' (want to try doing).

그의 눈빛은 마치 무언가를 간절히 말하고 싶어하는 듯했다.

His eyes looked as if he desperately wanted to say something.

Describing an observed state with '듯하다'.

현대인들은 복잡한 도시를 벗어나 자연 속에서 살고 싶어하는 경향이 있다.

Modern people have a tendency to want to live in nature, away from complex cities.

Sociological observation using '경향이 있다'.

우리가 진정으로 추구하고 싶은 가치가 무엇인지 고민해 봐야 합니다.

We must ponder what the values we truly want to pursue are.

Reflective question in a formal speech.

본질적으로 인간은 타인에게 인정받고 싶어하는 사회적 동물이다.

Essentially, humans are social animals that want to be recognized by others.

Universal truth expressed with '싶어하다'.

그의 문체에서는 과거의 영광을 되찾고 싶어하는 처절한 몸부림이 느껴진다.

In his writing style, one can feel a desperate struggle to regain past glory.

Metaphorical use of desire in literary criticism.

권력의 속성은 끊임없이 팽창하고 싶어하는 데에 있다.

The nature of power lies in its desire to constantly expand.

Personification of an abstract concept (power).

때로는 진실보다 자신이 믿고 싶은 것만을 보려는 것이 인간의 심리다.

Sometimes, it is human psychology to try to see only what one wants to believe rather than the truth.

Psychological analysis of selective perception.

정치적 야망을 숨기고 싶어했던 그의 의도는 결국 탄로나고 말았다.

His intention to hide his political ambitions was eventually revealed.

Complex noun phrase with past desire.

전통을 보존하고 싶어하는 보수층과 변화를 갈망하는 진보층의 갈등이 깊어지고 있다.

The conflict between conservatives who want to preserve tradition and progressives who crave change is deepening.

Contrasting '싶어하다' with '갈망하다' (crave).

예술가는 자신의 내면을 작품에 투영하고 싶어하는 본능에 충실해야 한다.

An artist must be faithful to the instinct of wanting to project their inner self into their work.

Prescriptive statement about artistic instinct.

그가 정말로 말하고 싶었던 것은 비판이 아니라 위로였을지도 모른다.

What he really wanted to say might have been comfort, not criticism.

Speculative conclusion about past intent.

Common Collocations

보고 싶다

먹고 싶다

가고 싶다

하고 싶다

자고 싶다

사고 싶다

쉬고 싶다

만나고 싶다

되고 싶다

알고 싶다

Common Phrases

집에 가고 싶다

— Commonly said when tired or bored. It means 'I want to go home'.

아, 피곤해. 집에 가고 싶다.

보고 싶어 죽겠다

— An exaggerated way to say 'I miss you so much'. Literally 'I want to see you to death'.

자기야, 보고 싶어 죽겠어!

그만두고 싶다

— Often used by stressed employees. 'I want to quit'.

내일 당장 그만두고 싶어요.

놀고 싶다

— Used by students or workers. 'I want to play/hang out'.

시험 끝나고 실컷 놀고 싶다.

죽고 싶다

— A heavy phrase used in extreme distress. 'I want to die'. (Use with caution).

너무 힘들어서 죽고 싶어.

살고 싶다

— Expressing a desire for a certain lifestyle. 'I want to live [like this]'.

부자로 살고 싶어요.

다시 보고 싶다

— Used for movies or people. 'I want to see [it/you] again'.

이 영화는 다시 보고 싶다.

혼자 있고 싶다

— When one needs space. 'I want to be alone'.

지금은 혼자 있고 싶어.

성공하고 싶다

— A common ambition. 'I want to succeed'.

나중에 꼭 성공하고 싶어요.

결혼하고 싶다

— Expressing a desire for marriage. 'I want to get married'.

그 사람과 결혼하고 싶어.

Often Confused With

~고 싶다 vs 원하다

Used for nouns (I want an apple) or formal desires. ~고 싶다 is for actions (I want to eat).

~고 싶다 vs ~고 싶어하다

Used for third parties. Using ~고 싶다 for others is a common error.

~고 싶다 vs ~으면 좋겠다

Expresses a wish or hope (I wish it would...), whereas ~고 싶다 is a direct desire (I want to...).

Idioms & Expressions

"눈을 감고 싶다"

— To want to ignore a harsh reality. Literally 'to want to close one's eyes'.

이 현실에서 눈을 감고 싶어요.

Literary

"도망치고 싶다"

— To want to escape from a difficult situation.

책임감 때문에 도망치고 싶을 때가 많아요.

Neutral

"숨고 싶다"

— To feel embarrassed and want to hide. 'I want to hide in a hole'.

너무 창피해서 쥐구멍에라도 숨고 싶다.

Informal

"때려치우고 싶다"

— A very rough way to say 'I want to quit/throw it all away'.

회사를 확 때려치우고 싶네.

Slang/Informal

"미치고 싶다"

— To want to let loose or go crazy (usually in a fun context).

오늘 밤은 미치고 싶어!

Slang

"날아가고 싶다"

— To feel so happy or free that one wants to fly.

기분이 좋아서 하늘을 날아가고 싶어요.

Poetic

"다시 태어나고 싶다"

— To want a fresh start in life. 'I want to be reborn'.

다시 태어나면 새로 살고 싶다.

Neutral

"잊고 싶다"

— To want to forget a painful memory.

그 기억은 이제 잊고 싶어요.

Neutral

"잡고 싶다"

— To want to hold onto a person or a fading opportunity.

떠나는 그녀를 잡고 싶었다.

Literary

"꿈꾸고 싶다"

— To want to dream or hope for something better.

더 나은 내일을 꿈꾸고 싶습니다.

Formal

Easily Confused

~고 싶다 vs 원하다

Both mean 'to want'.

원하다 is a verb usually for nouns. ~고 싶다 is an auxiliary for verbs.

돈을 원해요 (I want money) vs 돈을 벌고 싶어요 (I want to earn money).

~고 싶다 vs 바라다

Both express desire.

바라다 is 'to hope' for a situation. ~고 싶다 is a personal urge to act.

평화를 바라요 (I hope for peace).

~고 싶다 vs 희망하다

Both mean desire/hope.

희망하다 is very formal and often used for 'hope' in a general sense.

취직을 희망합니다 (I hope/desire to get a job).

~고 싶다 vs 하고 싶다

Used as a general 'want to do'.

This is just one specific use of the ~고 싶다 pattern with the verb 하다.

운동하고 싶어요 (I want to exercise).

~고 싶다 vs 갖고 싶다

Used to say 'I want [object]'.

This is how you use the pattern to express wanting a noun (want to have).

새 차를 갖고 싶어요 (I want to have a new car).

Sentence Patterns

N + 을/를 + V-고 싶어요

피자를 먹고 싶어요.

V-고 싶어요?

가고 싶어요?

V-고 싶어해요

동생이 자고 싶어해요.

V-고 싶지 않아요

일하고 싶지 않아요.

V-고 싶었지만...

만나고 싶었지만 바빴어요.

V-고 싶으세요?

뭐 드시고 싶으세요?

V-고 싶을 때

쉬고 싶을 때 쉬세요.

V-고 싶어하는 N

성공하고 싶어하는 사람들

Word Family

Nouns

싶음 (the state of wanting - nominalized)

Verbs

싶어하다 (to want - 3rd person)

Adjectives

싶다 (auxiliary adjective)

원하다

바라다

희망하다

소망하다

갈망하다

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily life, media, and literature.

Common Mistakes

친구는 가고 싶어요. → 친구는 가고 싶어해요.
You cannot use '싶다' for a third person's desire.
사과를 고 싶어요. → 사과를 먹고 싶어요 / 사고 싶어요.
'고 싶다' must follow a verb stem, not a noun.
행복하고 싶어요. → 행복해지고 싶어요.
'행복하다' is an adjective; use '아/어지다' to make it a verb first.
먹고 싶는다. → 먹고 싶다.
'싶다' is an adjective, so it doesn't take '는' in the plain form.
저는 가고 싶어해요. → 저는 가고 싶어요.
Do not use '싶어하다' for yourself; it's only for others.

Tips

Verb Stem Only

Always drop the '다' from the verb before adding '고 싶다'. Never say '먹다 고 싶다'.

Third Person Rule

Remember to use '~고 싶어하다' for others to sound like a natural speaker.

Missing Someone

Use '보고 싶다' to say 'I miss you'. It literally means 'I want to see you'.

Honorifics

Use '싶으세요?' when asking someone older or higher in status what they want to do.

Softening Wishes

If '~고 싶다' feels too strong, use '~으면 좋겠다' for a softer 'I wish' or 'It would be nice'.

Negative Forms

'안 ...고 싶다' is more common in speech, while '...고 싶지 않다' is more common in writing.

Desiring States

To want to be a certain way (e.g., happy), use '~어/아지고 싶다'.

Journaling

Use the plain form '싶다' in your diary to express your inner thoughts and goals.

K-pop Lyrics

Pay attention to ballads; you will hear '보고 싶다' almost every time!

Ordering Food

When ordering, saying '...먹고 싶어요' is a friendly way to express your choice.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Go' (고) as 'going' to get what you 'Sip' (싶). You want to 'go sip' some tea!

Visual Association

Imagine a thought bubble above your head with an icon of the action you want to do (like a pizza) and the word '고 싶다' written inside the bubble.

Word Web

먹다 가다 자다 하다 보다 사다 만나다 배우다

Challenge

Try to list five things you want to do this weekend using only '~고 싶어요'. Then, try to change them into 'I don't want to' using '~고 싶지 않아요'.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Korean '싧다', which meant 'to be inclined' or 'to be to one's liking'. Over time, it evolved into an auxiliary to express desire.

Original meaning: To be inclined towards or to have a mind to do something.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '죽고 싶다' (I want to die) as it is a common but heavy exaggeration for being tired or stressed.

English speakers often forget the third-person rule because 'want' is used for everyone in English. It takes practice to separate 'my feelings' from 'their observed feelings'.

The song '보고 싶다' by Kim Bum-soo The K-drama 'I Want to Know that' (그것이 알고 싶다) K-pop lyrics by BTS and BLACKPINK frequently use this.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

In a restaurant

메뉴를 보고 싶어요.
이걸 먹고 싶어요.
물을 마시고 싶어요.
계산하고 싶어요.

With friends

영화 보고 싶어?
어디 가고 싶어?
뭐 하고 싶어?
노래방 가고 싶다.

At work

휴가를 가고 싶습니다.
회의를 하고 싶어요.
일찍 퇴근하고 싶어요.
이직하고 싶다.

Expressing feelings

보고 싶어요.
혼자 있고 싶어요.
쉬고 싶어요.
울고 싶어요.

Future goals

부자가 되고 싶어요.
한국에서 살고 싶어요.
성공하고 싶어요.
여행하고 싶어요.

Conversation Starters

"이번 주말에 뭐 하고 싶어요? (What do you want to do this weekend?)"

"한국에 가면 어디에 제일 가고 싶어요? (If you go to Korea, where do you want to go most?)"

"오늘 점심으로 뭐 먹고 싶어? (What do you want to eat for lunch today?)"

"나중에 어떤 사람이 되고 싶어요? (What kind of person do you want to become later?)"

"지금 가장 보고 싶은 사람이 누구예요? (Who is the person you want to see/miss the most right now?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 죽기 전에 꼭 해보고 싶은 일 5가지 (5 things I definitely want to try before I die)

오늘 하루 중 가장 하고 싶었던 일 (The thing I wanted to do most during the day today)

내가 미래에 살고 싶은 집의 모습 (What the house I want to live in in the future looks like)

돈이 아주 많다면 무엇을 사고 싶은가? (If I had a lot of money, what would I want to buy?)

지금 당장 떠나고 싶은 여행지 (A travel destination I want to leave for right now)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you must use ~고 싶어하다 when the subject is someone else. For example, '제 친구가 먹고 싶어해요' (My friend wants to eat).

No, it only attaches to verb stems. To say you want a noun, use 'N + 을/를 + 갖고 싶다' (I want to have N) or 'N + 을/를 + 원하다'.

Both are grammatically correct. '을/를' is more common for the object, while '이/가' can be used to put more emphasis on the object itself.

Since 'pretty' (예쁘다) is an adjective, you must turn it into a verb first: '예뻐지고 싶어요' (I want to become pretty).

It is most commonly used for people (I miss you/want to see you), but it can also be used for movies or shows (I want to watch it).

Add '었' to '싶다' to make '싶었다'. Example: '가고 싶었어요' (I wanted to go).

Yes, but use the '싶습니다' or '하고자 합니다' form for a more professional tone.

In Korean grammar, it describes an internal state of being (the state of wanting), so it follows adjective conjugation rules.

Put '안' before the verb: '안 가고 싶어요' (I don't want to go).

Use 'V-고 싶으면'. Example: '먹고 싶으면 먹어' (If you want to eat, eat).