Processing keyword: ~고 싶다 [go sipda] (Want to do)

Korean Grammar Point: ~고 싶다 [go sipda] (Want to do)

~고 싶다 [go sipda] (Want to do)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing a desire to perform an action is often conveyed using the grammar pattern ~고 싶다 [go sipda], which translates to "want to do" in English. This structure is fundamental in daily conversation and is essential for expressing personal wishes and intentions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~고 싶다 is used to express the speaker's desire to do something. It denotes wanting to perform the action of the preceding verb.

Structure

Attach ~고 싶다 to the stem of an action verb.

[Verb Stem] + 고 싶다

Formation Diagram

Let's break down the formation:

1. Start with the verb in its dictionary form.
2. Remove the '다' to find the verb stem.
3. Add '고 싶다' to the verb stem.

Example:

Conjugation

The verb 싶다 behaves like an adjective and should be conjugated accordingly based on tense and politeness level.

Present Tense

• Informal Low (Casual):
  • ~고 싶어: 나도 가고 싶어. (I want to go too.)
• Informal High (Polite):
  • ~고 싶어요: 책을 읽고 싶어요. (I want to read a book.)
• Formal High (Honorific):
  • ~고 싶습니다: 한국어를 배우고 싶습니다. (I want to learn Korean.)

Past Tense

• ~고 싶었다: 어제는 집에 가고 싶었어요. (Yesterday, I wanted to go home.)

Future Tense

• Generally, ~고 싶다 in the present tense implies a future desire. To emphasize future intention, you can use ~고 싶을 것이다.

3. Comparative Analysis

~고 싶다 vs. ~고 싶어하다

• ~고 싶다: Used to express the speaker's own desires or when directly asking someone about their desires.
  • 제가 먹고 싶어요. (I want to eat.)
  • 뭐 하고 싶어요? (What do you want to do?)
• ~고 싶어하다: Used to express a third person's desires.
  • 동생이 놀고 싶어해요. (My younger sibling wants to play.)

~고 싶다 vs. ~고 싶습니다만

• ~고 싶다: Simple expression of desire.
  • 여행을 하고 싶어요. (I want to travel.)
• ~고 싶습니다만: Polite way to express a desire that may not be fulfilled due to circumstances.
  • 참석하고 싶습니다만, 시간이 없습니다. (I would like to attend, but I don't have time.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Situations

1. 회의에 참여하고 싶습니다.
   • I want to participate in the meeting.
2. 이 자료를 검토하고 싶어요.
   • I want to review these materials.

Informal Situations

1. 영화 보고 싶어.
   • I want to watch a movie.
2. 맛있는 거 먹고 싶다!
   • I want to eat something delicious!

Questions

1. 뭐 하고 싶어요?
   • What do you want to do?
2. 주말에 어디 가고 싶으세요?
   • Where do you want to go on the weekend?

Negative Form

1. 지금은 이야기하고 싶지 않아요.
   • I don't want to talk right now.
2. 그곳에 다시는 가고 싶지 않아요.
   • I don't want to go there again.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, expressing one's desires can vary in formality depending on the situation and the listener.
• Using the appropriate level of politeness is crucial. For example, ~고 싶어요 is a polite way to express desire in most situations.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Formal High (존댓말): Use with elders, superiors, or in formal settings.
  • ~고 싶습니다
• Informal High (폴라이트): Use with strangers or acquaintances.
  • ~고 싶어요
• Informal Low (반말): Use with close friends, family, or those younger.
  • ~고 싶어

Idiomatic Expressions

• 보고 싶다: Literally "want to see," but idiomatically means "I miss you."
  • 친구가 보고 싶어요. (I miss my friend.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using ~고 싶다 for Third Person Desires
   • Incorrect: 철수는 영화를 보고 싶어요. (Cheolsu wants to watch a movie.)
   • Correct: 철수는 영화를 보고 싶어해요. Tip: Use ~고 싶어하다 when talking about someone else's desires.
2. Mixing Politeness Levels
   • Incorrect: 어머니, 이거 먹고 싶어?
   • Correct: 어머니, 이거 드시고 싶으세요? Tip: Always match the speech level to the person you're speaking to.
3. Using 싶다 with Nouns Without a Verb
   • Incorrect: 새 차를 싶어요.
   • Correct: 새 차를 사고 싶어요. Tip: ~고 싶다 must follow a verb. If expressing desire for a noun, include a relevant action verb.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 고 as a link between the action and the desire (고 means "and" or links actions).
• Practice Conjugation: Regularly conjugate different verbs with ~고 싶다 in various tenses and politeness levels to become familiar.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~고 싶다 is used to express the speaker's own desire to perform an action.
• Attach ~고 싶다 to the verb stem of an action verb.
• Conjugate 싶다 according to the appropriate tense and politeness level.
• Use ~고 싶어하다 to express someone else's desire.
• Be mindful of the cultural importance of politeness levels in Korean.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate: "I want to learn Korean."
2. Correct the sentence if needed: "제인은 책을 읽고 싶어요."
3. How do you politely ask someone what they want to do?
4. Translate: "They want to rest."

Answers:

1. 한국어를 배우고 싶어요.
2. Incorrect usage for third person. Correct sentence: "제인은 책을 읽고 싶어해요."
3. 뭐 하고 싶으세요?
4. 그들은 쉬고 싶어해요.

By mastering ~고 싶다, you enhance your ability to express your desires and intentions clearly in Korean, allowing for more meaningful and accurate communication.