🌟 Expressing Hopes: Mastering "희망하다" and "바라다"

How do you say "I hope you succeed" in natural Korean? Teacher Hoon explains the subtle differences between Formal Hopes and Everyday Wishes for TOPIK Level 3-4.

Wooden word HOPE representing future wishes and goals

The Logic of "Wishing" (EEAT Tip)

As a teacher with 20 years of experience, I see many intermediate students use 희망하다 (Hope) and 바라다 (Wish) interchangeably. However, in Korean, 희망하다 is a Sino-Korean word (한자어) used mainly for personal goals in writing, while 바라다 is the heartbeat of daily spoken kindness. Let's decode the "Wishing Pattern."

📑 Tap to view Hope Mastery Roadmap

1. Key Vocabulary: Writing vs. Speaking
2. ⚠️ Pro Tip: The "Bara" vs "Barae" Mystery
3. 🗣 Natural Practice Dialogue: Support & Hopes
4. 💡 Cultural Insight: Signs of Sincerity

1. The Core Tools for Wishing

📚 희망하다 (Hui-mang-hada): Sino-Korean. Formal, academic, or used in job applications for your OWN goals.
(e.g., 저는 한국 유학을 희망합니다.)
🗣️ 바라다 (Ba-rada): Pure Korean. Versatile. Used to wish something for yourself OR others.
(e.g., 행복하시기를 바랍니다.)
🔗 ~기를 (Gi-reul): The essential connector that turns an action into a "Wish."

💡 Teacher Hoon's Pro Spelling Tip

This is the most common mistake for native speakers too!
❌ "행복하길 바래" (Haengbokhagil barae) - Incorrect Standard.
✅ "행복하길 바라" (Haengbokhagil bara) - Correct Standard.
Even though "Barae" is widely used in songs and K-dramas, the dictionary only accepts Bara. If you use Bara in your TOPIK essay, you'll earn full marks!

📝 Useful Patterns for High Scores

💪 건강하시기를 바랍니다. (I hope you stay healthy.)
🎯 시험에 합격하기를 희망합니다. (I hope to pass the exam.)
🌱 네가 잘 되길 바라. (I wish you all the best/to do well.)

🗣 Practice Dialogue: Exam Encouragement

A: 이번 시험 잘 보길 바라.
(I hope you do well on this exam.)

B: 고마워. 나도 좋은 결과를 희망해.
(Thanks. I'm also hoping for a good result.)

A: 나도 네가 원하는 회사에 꼭 가길 바라.
(I also wish you get into the company you want.)

💡 Did You Know? The Sincerity Factor

In Korean etiquette, expressing hope for others isn't just a courtesy; it's a Social Bonding tool. Using phrases like "좋은 성과 있으시기를 바랍니다" (I hope you have good results) in business emails shows deep respect and sincerity (진심). Master these to build stronger relationships with Koreans!

Ready to Talk About Your Dreams?

Discussing the future is the best way to practice Level 4 Korean. Book a 1:1 "Goals & Wishes" session with Hoon on italki. We'll practice mapping out your 2026 dreams using 희망하다 and 바라다 until your speech is fluent and polite.

🚀 Share Your Dreams with Hoon

More Intermediate Roadmap:
Basic Future Plans | Weekend Talk