How to Express Desire and Intention in Korean

Understanding Desire in Korean

To express desire in Korean, learners should familiarize themselves with specific words and grammar structures that convey wish or want. Two commonly used verbs to express desire are "원하다" (wonhada) and "싶다" (sipda).

Using "-고 싶다" Structure

The structure "-고 싶다" is used to express the speaker's desire to do something. It is similar to saying "I want to" in English.

Expressing Intention in Korean

Intention is often expressed in Korean using certain grammatical structures. The "려고 하다" (lyeogo hada) form denotes intention, future plans, or sometimes preparation for something.

Usage of "-려고 하다"

When you want to express intention or plan, "-려고 하다" can be added to the verb stem. This construction can imply that the subject is planning or intending to perform an action.

Distinguishing Between Desire and Intention

It's crucial to differentiate between expressions of desire and intention to effectively communicate in Korean. While "-고 싶다" is more about personal want, "-려고 하다" leans towards planning or intending.

By distinguishing between these expressions, you can convey nuances about whether you're simply desiring to do something or whether you have firm plans to act on that desire.