싶다 (sip-da, sipda) · 원하다 (won-ha-da, wonhada)
싶다 mainly expresses subjective, emotional desire, while 원하다 indicates objective, concrete wishes.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Expression of subjective and emotional desire
When to use
personal desire, emotion-centered hope, spontaneous wish
The nuance
싶다 is used to express the speaker's internal wishes or hopes. It attaches to verb stems and emphasizes feelings or emotions.
Expression of objective and concrete wishes or demands
When to use
clear demand, formal situations, objective wish
The nuance
원하다 is used to express clear and concrete wishes or demands, often with nouns. It carries a formal and rational nuance.
나는 지금 밥을 먹고 싶다.
na-neun ji-geum bap-eul meok-go sip-da., na neun ji geum bap eul meok go sip da.
A natural sentence expressing a subjective desire.
나는 지금 밥을 먹고 원한다.
na-neun ji-geum bap-eul meok-go won-han-da., na neun ji geum bap eul meok go won han da.
원하다 is mainly used with nouns and sounds unnatural for spontaneous desires.
그는 새 차를 원한다.
geu-neun sae cha-reul won-han-da., geu neun sae cha reul won han da.
Correct sentence expressing a clear and concrete wish.
그는 새 차를 사고 싶다.
geu-neun sae cha-reul sa-go sip-da., geu neun sae cha reul sa go sip da.
Naturally expresses a personal and emotional desire.
나는 너를 사랑하고 싶다.
na-neun neo-reul sa-rang-ha-go sip-da., na neun neo reul sa rang ha go sip da.
Appropriate for expressing emotion-centered desire.
나는 너를 사랑하고 원한다.
na-neun neo-reul sa-rang-ha-go won-han-da., na neun neo reul sa rang ha go won han da.
원하다 sounds unnatural for emotional expressions like love.
우리는 평화를 원한다.
u-ri-neun pyeong-hwa-reul won-han-da., u ri neun pyeong hwa reul won han da.
Suitable for expressing a formal and objective wish.
우리는 평화를 이루고 싶다.
u-ri-neun pyeong-hwa-reul i-ru-go sip-da., u ri neun pyeong hwa reul i ru go sip da.
A natural sentence expressing internal hope.
Which sentence should use '싶다'?
Which sentence is appropriate with '원하다'?
Which sentence is wrong if '싶다' is replaced by '원하다'?
