Processing keyword: ~하고 싶다 [hago sipda] (Want to do)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하고 싶다 [hago sipda] (Want to do)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing desires or wants is an essential part of communication. The grammar pattern ~하고 싶다 (hago sipda) translates to "want to do" in English. It is used to convey the speaker's desire to perform a particular action. This lesson will explore how to use ~하고 싶다 effectively, ensuring your expressions sound natural and are culturally appropriate.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~하고 싶다 is used to express a desire to do something. It attaches to the stem of a verb to indicate that the speaker wants to perform that action.

Structure

The basic structure is:

[Verb Stem] + 고 싶다

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb (remove 다 from the dictionary form).
• 고 싶다: Means "want to do."

Formation Diagram

Let's break it down:

Step	Example Verb (가다 - "to go")	Explanation
Dictionary Form	가다	Base form of the verb
Verb Stem	가	Remove 다 to get the verb stem
Add 고 싶다	가고 싶다	Attach 고 싶다 to the verb stem

Conjugation According to Speech Levels

Speech Level	Present Tense	Past Tense
Informal Polite	가고 싶어요	가고 싶었어요
Formal Polite	가고 싶습니다	가고 싶었습니다

• Present Tense: Expresses current desires.
• Past Tense: Expresses past desires.

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3. Comparative Analysis

~고 싶다 vs. ~고 싶어하다

• ~고 싶다: Used for first person (I, we) and second person questions.
  • Example: 저는 자고 싶어요. (I want to sleep.)
• ~고 싶어하다: Used for third person (he, she, they).
  • Example: 동생은 자고 싶어해요. (My younger sibling wants to sleep.)

~려고 하다 (ryeogo hada)

• Means "intend to" or "plan to."
• Focuses on intention rather than desire.
  • Example: 저는 한국어를 배우려고 해요. (I plan to learn Korean.)

~(으)ㄹ래요 (eurraeyo)

• Used to express willingness or to ask someone's preference.
  • Example: 커피 마실래요? (Do you want to drink coffee?)

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4. Examples in Context

Informal Polite Speech

1. 저는 영화를 보고 싶어요.
   • I want to watch a movie.
2. 무엇을 먹고 싶어요?
   • What do you want to eat?
3. 주말에 여행하고 싶어요.
   • I want to travel on the weekend.

Formal Polite Speech

1. 저는 한국어를 공부하고 싶습니다.
   • I want to study Korean.
2. 어디에 가고 싶으십니까?
   • Where do you want to go?

Negative Form

1. 집에 돌아가고 싶지 않아요.
   • I don't want to go back home.
2. 그 영화를 보고 싶지 않습니다.
   • I don't want to watch that movie.

Past Tense

1. 어렸을 때 피아노를 배우고 싶었어요.
   • When I was young, I wanted to learn piano.
2. 지난주에 바다에 가고 싶었어요.
   • I wanted to go to the sea last week.

Third Person Using ~고 싶어하다

1. 친구는 새 차를 사고 싶어해요.
   • My friend wants to buy a new car.
2. 학생들은 일찍 집에 가고 싶어합니다.
   • The students want to go home early.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Politeness is crucial in Korean culture.
• ~고 싶어요: Informal polite; used in everyday conversations.
• ~고 싶습니다: Formal polite; used in formal settings or with seniors.
• Using the correct level shows respect and awareness of social hierarchies.

Expressing Desires Modestly

• Koreans often avoid direct statements to be polite.
• Instead of ~하고 싶다, sometimes ~하면 좋겠다 (It would be nice to...) is used.
  • Example: 내일 날씨가 좋으면 좋겠어요. (I hope the weather is nice tomorrow.)

Idiomatic Expression: 보고 싶다

• 보고 싶다: Literally "want to see," commonly means "I miss you."
  • Example: 부모님이 보고 싶어요. (I miss my parents.)

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ~고 싶다 for Third Person
   • Incorrect: 그는 게임을 하고 싶어요.
     • (He wants to play a game.)
   • Correct: 그는 게임을 하고 싶어해요.
2. Forgetting to Adjust Speech Levels
   • Incorrect: 밥을 먹고 싶다.
     • (This can sound blunt or rude.)
   • Correct: 밥을 먹고 싶어요. / 밥을 먹고 싶습니다.
3. Confusing with Future Tense (~겠어요)
   • Incorrect: 저는 내일 영화 보겠어요.
     • (I will watch a movie tomorrow.)
   • Correct: 저는 내일 영화를 보고 싶어요.

Tips

• Remember the Subject Perspective: Use ~고 싶다 for yourself or when asking someone directly; use ~고 싶어하다 for others.
• Associate 고 싶다 with Desire: The 고 connects the action to the desire 싶다.
• Practice with Common Verbs: Start by expressing desires with verbs like 먹다 (to eat), 가다 (to go), 하다 (to do).

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하고 싶다 is used to express "want to do" an action.
• Attach 고 싶다 to the verb stem.
• Use ~고 싶어하다 when talking about the desires of others.
• Politeness levels are essential; use ~고 싶어요 or ~고 싶습니다 as appropriate.
• Be mindful of cultural nuances when expressing desires.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: "I want to learn Korean" in Korean is 저는 한국어를 ________.
   • Answer: 배우고 싶어요.
2. Choose the Correct Sentence to express "She wants to drink tea." a) 그녀는 차를 마시고 싶어요. b) 그녀는 차를 마시고 싶어해요.
   • Answer: b) 그녀는 차를 마시고 싶어해요.
3. True or False: Using ~고 싶다 with third person subjects is grammatically correct.
   • Answer: False. Use ~고 싶어하다 for third person.
4. Translate to Korean: "Do you want to go to the bookstore?"
   • Answer: 서점에 가고 싶어요?
5. Correct the mistake: 친구는 영화를 보고 싶어요.
   • Corrected Sentence: 친구는 영화를 보고 싶어해요.

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By mastering ~하고 싶다, you can express your desires and understand others better, enhancing your Korean communication skills.

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