Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to think" in Korean: 생각하다
생각하다saenggakhada
to think in Korean is 생각하다 (saenggakhada). 생각하다 takes a topic with 에 대해 or an embedded statement with -다고.
to think: an everyday statement
다음 여행에 대해 생각해요.daeum yeohaenge daehae saenggakaeyo.
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How to pronounce 생각하다
Say it
saenggakhada
/sɛŋkakʰata/
Read 생각하다 as saenggakhada. The spoken form 생각해요 is saenggakaeyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to think" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 생각하다saenggakhada | to think Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 생각해요saenggakaeyo | to think (polite present) Use 생각해요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 생각해요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 생각했어요saenggakaesseoyo | to think (polite past) Use 생각했어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 생각했어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 생각하다 in real life
- 1to think: an everyday statement
다음 여행에 대해 생각해요.
daeum yeohaenge daehae saenggakaeyo.
I think about the next trip.
생각해요 is the present form of 생각하다.
- 2to think: a different situation
좋은 방법이라고 생각했어요.
joeun bangbeobirago saenggakaesseoyo.
I thought it was a good method.
생각했어요 is the past form of 생각하다.
- 3to think: a question or request
어떻게 생각해요?
eotteoke saenggakaeyo?
What do you think?
생각해요 is the present form of 생각하다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 생각하다
Incorrect: 생각하다.
Correct: 생각해요.
When practicing to think, 생각하다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 생각해요.
Incorrect: 어제 생각해요.
Correct: 어제 생각했어요.
When practicing to think, for a completed event yesterday, use 생각했어요; the present form 생각해요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
생각하다 takes a topic with 에 대해 or an embedded statement with -다고. 생각해요 is the polite conversational form of 생각하다; 생각했어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 생각하다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
다음 여행에 대해 생각해요.
daeum yeohaenge daehae saenggakaeyo.
I think about the next trip.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
좋은 방법이라고 생각했어요.
joeun bangbeobirago saenggakaesseoyo.
I thought it was a good method.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to think" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to think" in Korean
How do I use 생각하다 in polite speech?
생각해요 is the polite conversational form of 생각하다; 생각했어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 생각하다 in a past-tense sentence?
생각했어요 is the polite past form. 생각하다 takes a topic with 에 대해 or an embedded statement with -다고.
What does 생각해요 mean here?
생각해요 is used for to think. For example, 다음 여행에 대해 생각해요. means “I think about the next trip.”
What should I remember about 생각하다?
생각하다 takes a topic with 에 대해 or an embedded statement with -다고.
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