Intermediate (JSON) Estimated read: 3 mins

-기 싫다

Expresses an aversion or reluctance toward performing an action. Stronger than simply not wanting to do something — implies genuine dislike.

Summary

Equivalent

Hate to / Dislike doing / Don't feel like doing

Also: -고 싶지 않다 (Don't want to — '-기 싫다' is stronger: a genuine aversion, not just absence of desire)

Example

I hate getting up early every morning, but there's nothing I can do.

매일 아침 일찍 일어나 싫은데 어쩔 수 없어요.

Grammar rules

  • '-기 싫다' is adjective-like: '운동하기 싫어요' (I hate exercising).
  • It is about feeling averse to the process, not just the outcome.
  • Compare: '운동하고 싶지 않아요' (I don't feel like exercising — milder).

Patterns

1

Verbs (Dislike/Reluctance)

Present · Verb Stem + 기 싫다

Example sentences

Verbs (Dislike/Reluctance) · Present · Verb Stem + 기 싫다

I hate getting up early every morning, but there's nothing I can do.

매일 아침 일찍 일어나 싫은데 어쩔 수 없어요.

Verbs (Dislike/Reluctance) · Present · Verb Stem + 기 싫다

I hate cleaning so I keep putting it off.

청소하 싫어서 계속 미루고 있어요.

Verbs (Dislike/Reluctance) · Present · Verb Stem + 기 싫다

I hate having to do all this work alone. Please help.

혼자 이 일을 다 하 싫어요. 도와줘요.

Conversation

A: Why did you come so late?

왜 이렇게 늦게 왔어요?

B: Honestly, I dawdled because I dreaded attending the meeting.

솔직히 회의에 참석하 싫어서 꾸물댔어요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Express aversion to an action.

Doing homework.

Waking up.