-고 싶다 (want to)
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-고 싶다 attaches to a verb stem to mean “want to [verb].” Drop 다 from the dictionary form, add 고 싶다: 가다 → 가고 싶다.
In polite speech you will mostly hear 고 싶어요: 한국에 가고 싶어요 (I want to go to Korea). For formal: 고 싶습니다.
Past “wanted to” uses 고 싶었어요. Future intention is often just present 고 싶어요 in context, or separate plans with -(으)ㄹ 거예요.
Negatives: 고 싶지 않아요 is the clear full form. Casual speech may shorten; as a learner, prefer the full polite negative first.
Subject of wanting is usually the speaker. To ask about someone else politely, 고 싶으세요? is a common honorific question pattern.
Do not confuse with 원하다 (to want a noun) or English “I want you to…,” which needs different Korean patterns (e.g. -아/어 줬으면 좋겠어요).
Examples
물 마시고 싶어요.
I want to drink water.
영화 보고 싶었어요.
I wanted to watch a movie.
지금 쉬고 싶지 않아요.
I don’t want to rest right now.
뭐 먹고 싶으세요?
What would you like to eat? (polite)
Common mistakes
- Attaching -고 싶다 to a full conjugated verb (가요고 싶어요) — use the stem.
- Using 고 싶다 for wanting nouns — use 을/를 원해요 or 이/가 필요해요 depending on meaning.
How to practice
- Make 10 wants about your real weekend: 가고 싶어요 / 먹고 싶어요 / 만나고 싶어요.
- Then negate three of them with 고 싶지 않아요.
Check yourself
Question 1 of 1
Correct polite form of “I want to go”?
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