Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to want" in Korean: 원하다
원하다wonhada
to want in Korean is 원하다 (wonhada). 원하다 takes what is wanted as an object; wanting to do an action often uses -고 싶어요.
to want: an everyday statement
저는 다른 방을 원해요.jeoneun dareun bangeul wonhaeyo.
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How to pronounce 원하다
Say it
wonhada
/wʌnhata/
Read 원하다 as wonhada. The spoken form 원해요 is wonhaeyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to want" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 원하다wonhada | to want Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 원해요wonhaeyo | to want (polite present) Use 원해요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 원해요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 원했어요wonhaesseoyo | to want (polite past) Use 원했어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 원했어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 원하다 in real life
- 1to want: an everyday statement
저는 다른 방을 원해요.
jeoneun dareun bangeul wonhaeyo.
I want another room.
원해요 is the present form of 원하다.
- 2to want: a different situation
처음에는 환불을 원했어요.
cheoeumeneun hwanbureul wonhaesseoyo.
At first I wanted a refund.
원했어요 is the past form of 원하다.
- 3to want: a question or request
어떤 것을 원해요?
eotteon geoseul wonhaeyo?
Which one do you want?
원해요 is the present form of 원하다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 원하다
Incorrect: 원하다.
Correct: 원해요.
When practicing to want, 원하다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 원해요.
Incorrect: 어제 원해요.
Correct: 어제 원했어요.
When practicing to want, for a completed event yesterday, use 원했어요; the present form 원해요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
원하다 takes what is wanted as an object; wanting to do an action often uses -고 싶어요. 원해요 is the polite conversational form of 원하다; 원했어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 원하다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
저는 다른 방을 원해요.
jeoneun dareun bangeul wonhaeyo.
I want another room.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
처음에는 환불을 원했어요.
cheoeumeneun hwanbureul wonhaesseoyo.
At first I wanted a refund.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to want" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to want" in Korean
How do I use 원하다 in polite speech?
원해요 is the polite conversational form of 원하다; 원했어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 원하다 in a past-tense sentence?
원했어요 is the polite past form. 원하다 takes what is wanted as an object; wanting to do an action often uses -고 싶어요.
What does 원해요 mean here?
원해요 is used for to want. For example, 저는 다른 방을 원해요. means “I want another room.”
What should I remember about 원하다?
원하다 takes what is wanted as an object; wanting to do an action often uses -고 싶어요.
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