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

Korean Grammar Point: ~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.

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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:

Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem	+ 고 싶다	Meaning
먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹고 싶다	Want to eat
가다 (to go)	가	가고 싶다	Want to go
읽다 (to read)	읽	읽고 싶다	Want to read
마시다 (to drink)	마시	마시고 싶다	Want to drink
배우다 (to learn)	배우	배우고 싶다	Want to learn

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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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

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