VS + 고 싶어요

At the request of my paid subscribers, I’ll also be introducing some easier grammar points. Even if you already know them, think of it as a great chance to review—so study hard!

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1. Title

How to Use -고 싶어요 to Express Desire in Korean

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2. Grammar Explanation

The Korean expression -고 싶어요 is used to express a desire or wish to do something. It attaches to the verb stem of an action verb.

• Structure:
  Verb stem + -고 싶어요
  → “I want to VERB”

• Conjugation Notes:
  You drop 다 from the verb’s dictionary form and add -고 싶어요.
  Examples:

  • 가다 (to go) → 가고 싶어요 (I want to go)

  • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹고 싶어요 (I want to eat)

• Subject Usage:
  Normally used for 1st person (I/we) or asking 2nd person (you) questions.
  You typically don’t use -고 싶어요 for 3rd person unless making assumptions, in which case use -고 싶어 해요.

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3. Example Sentences

(Note: These are all original sentences not from the script.)

1. 저는 오늘 일찍 자고 싶어요.
   (I want to go to bed early today.)

2. 친구랑 제주도에 가고 싶어요.
   (I want to go to Jeju Island with my friend.)

3. 요즘 날씨가 좋아서 등산하고 싶어요.
   (The weather is nice these days, so I want to go hiking.)

4. 저는 불고기를 먹고 싶어요.
   (I want to eat bulgogi.)

5. 이번 주말에 영화 보고 싶어요.
   (I want to watch a movie this weekend.)

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4. Sample Dialogues

Dialogue 1
A: 주말에 뭐 하고 싶어요?
B: 저는 친구를 만나고 싶어요.

(A: What do you want to do this weekend?
B: I want to meet a friend.)

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Dialogue 2
A: 어디에서 점심 먹고 싶어요?
B: 저는 한식당에 가고 싶어요.

(A: Where do you want to have lunch?
B: I want to go to a Korean restaurant.)

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Dialogue 3
A: 방학 때 뭐 하고 싶어요?
B: 여행을 가고 싶어요.

(A: What do you want to do during the vacation?
B: I want to go on a trip.)

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5. Make Korean Sentences from English!

Translate the following into Korean using -고 싶어요:

1. I want to learn Korean.

2. My mom wants to rest today.

3. My friend wants to try kimchi.

4. I want to read this book.

5. My brother wants to play soccer.

6. I want to go shopping tomorrow.

7. My sister wants to drink coffee.

8. A student wants to go home.

9. I want to take a break.

10. My uncle wants to drive a new car.