Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

-고 싶다

Used to express the speaker's wish, hope, or desire to do something. For questions, it asks about the listener's desire.

Summary

Equivalent

To want to / Would like to

Also: -(으)면 좋겠다 (It would be nice if... / Hope to...)

Example

I want to watch a movie on the weekend.

주말에 영화를 보고 싶어요.

Grammar rules

  • Attach directly to the verb stem regardless of vowel/consonant endings.
  • When talking about a third person's desire (he/she/they want to), you MUST use '-고 싶어 하다'.
  • This pattern is ONLY used with verbs. To express wanting a noun, use the verb '가지다' (to have) or use the pattern 'N이/가 갖고 싶다' (I want to have N). Using 'N을/를 원하다' (to want a noun) is grammatically correct but sounds very formal/unnatural in casual speech.

    저는 새 차를 고 싶어요 (X) -> 저는 새 차를 갖고 싶어요. (O) (I want a new car.)

Patterns

1

All Verbs (1st/2nd Person)

Present · Verb Stem + 고 싶다

2

All Verbs (3rd Person)

Present · Verb Stem + 고 싶어 하다

Example sentences

All Verbs (3rd Person) · Present · Verb Stem + 고 싶어 하다

I want to watch a movie on the weekend.

주말에 영화를 보고 싶어요.

All Verbs (3rd Person) · Present · Verb Stem + 고 싶어 하다

I really want to eat pizza.

피자가 너무 먹고 싶어요.

All Verbs (3rd Person) · Present · Verb Stem + 고 싶어 하다

Sumi wants to go to Korea. (Third-person usage)

수미 씨는 한국에 가고 싶어해요.

Conversation

A: What do you want to eat for lunch today?

오늘 점심에 뭐 먹고 싶어요?

B: I want to eat bibimbap.

저는 비빔밥을 먹고 싶어요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct expression of desire.

Resting.

Third person.