🌟 How to Use “싶다” to Express Desire in Korean
One of the most common ways to express what you *want to do* in Korean is by using the verb ending 싶다. It’s simple and powerful — and you’ll hear it all the time in everyday conversations, K-dramas, and even K-pop lyrics! 🎧
📌 What is “싶다”?
“싶다” is a verb that means “to want to do” something. It is always used in conjunction with another verb's stem. This structure expresses the subject's desire to perform an action.
🧱 Structure
Verb stem + -고 싶어요
“-고 싶어요” is the polite present tense form of “싶다.”
| Verb | Verb Stem | Form with 싶어요 |
|---|---|---|
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | 먹고 싶어요 |
| 가다 (to go) | 가 | 가고 싶어요 |
| 보다 (to see/watch) | 보 | 보고 싶어요 |
🗣️ Example Sentences
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 영화를 보고 싶어요. | yeonghwareul bogo sipeoyo | I want to watch a movie. |
| 한국에 가고 싶어요. | hanguge gago sipeoyo | I want to go to Korea. |
| 김치찌개를 먹고 싶어요. | kimchijjigaereul meokgo sipeoyo | I want to eat kimchi stew. |
📘 Negative Form
To express something you don’t want to do, use ~고 싶지 않아요.
- 운동하고 싶지 않아요. (undonghago sipji anayo) → I don’t want to exercise.
- 공부하고 싶지 않아요. (gongbuhago sipji anayo) → I don’t want to study.
🧠 Cultural Note
In Korean culture, it’s often seen as polite and indirect to use “싶다” when expressing your wishes. It’s softer than imperative forms and shows a respectful attitude, especially in conversation with elders or superiors.
👩🏫 Practice Makes Perfect
Want to confidently use “싶다” in real conversations? Join my personalized Korean classes on italki where we practice grammar points like this through real-life roleplays and dialogues. I’ll help you speak naturally and accurately. 😊
Leave your answer in Korean below using “-고 싶어요.”
Let’s practice together in the comments!
