How to say "I want to" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "I want to" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
하고 싶어
hago sipeo
Literally: Want to do.
When to use it
Attach 고 싶어 to any verb stem and you have want to. One ending, endless sentences - this is one of the highest-value patterns in beginner Korean.
Polite form
- 하고 싶어요hago sipeoyoUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 먹고 싶어meokgo sipeo= I want to eat먹다 (eat) plus the same ending.
- 가고 싶어gago sipeo= I want to go가다 (go) plus the same ending.
- 하고 싶지 않아hago sipji ana= I don't want toAdd 지 않아 to negate it.
In a sentence
- 한국에 가고 싶어요.hanguge gago sipeoyo.I want to go to Korea.
- 오늘은 쉬고 싶어.oneureun swigo sipeo.I want to rest today.
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
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