“보고 싶다” [ 보고 십따 ] [ bogo shipda ]
I want to see. ( I miss you.)

“보고 싶다. 이렇게 말하니까 더 보고 싶다.”

BTS’s ‘봄날’ begins with the phrase “보고 싶다”, setting a tone of deep longing and love. This opening line allows listeners to delve further into the emotions of the song.

Lyrics Interpretation**: “보고 싶다”** expresses not only a simple longing, but also captures the moment when that longing intensifies.

1. Meaning of “보고 싶다”

The expression “보고 싶다” is used when you miss someone. It is commonly applied when recalling:

✦ Examples:

• 친구 (Friend) : “내 친구가 보고 싶다.”
• 연인 (Lover) : “너를 너무 보고 싶다.”
• 가족 (Family) : “우리 어머니가 보고 싶다.”

2. Variations of “보고 싶다”

While “보고 싶다” is a simple expression, it can be expanded in various ways depending on the intensity of emotion or the context. Consider the following variations:

• More earnestly: “정말 보고 싶다.”
• After a long time: “오랜만에 보고 싶다.”
• Linked with a specific place or situation: “여름에 갔던 바다가 보고 싶다.”

3. Pronunciation of “보고 싶다”

Let’s practice the pronunciation of “보고 싶다”. In Korean, the final consonant sound ‘ㅍ’ does not exist; when it appears at the end of a word, it is pronounced as ‘ㅂ’.

✦ Example:

• “친구들이 너무 보고 싶다.”[ 친구들이 너무 보고 십따 ]

Page 70. “오징어한글” Don’t forget 7 Final Consonant Sounds!

4. The Structure of “보고 싶다”

In Korean, the expression “보고 싶다” is formed by combining “보다” (to see) with “싶다” (I want).

• 보다: “to see”
• 싶다: “I want”

Here, “보고” is a form of “보다” that conveys a sense of ongoing action. Essentially, “보고 싶다” translates to “I want to see,” expressing a desire to see someone or something.

5. Applications of “보고 싶다”

Using the “동사 (Verb) + 고 싶다” pattern, you can express various desires or intentions with different verbs. Below are some common examples:

⬗ 걷다 + 싶다 → 걷고 싶다

• “I want to walk”

⬗ 자다 + 싶다 → 자고 싶다

• “I want to sleep”

⬗ 먹다 + 싶다 → 먹고 싶다

• “I want to eat”

⬗ 마시다 + 싶다 → 마시고 싶다

• “I want to drink”

⬗ 가다 + 싶다 → 가고 싶다

• “I want to go”

⬗ 하다 + 싶다 → 하고 싶다

• “I want to do”

⬗ 듣다 + 싶다 → 듣고 싶다

• “I want to listen”

⬗ 사다 + 싶다 → 사고 싶다

• “I want to buy”

4. Conclusion

The “동사 (Verb) + 고 싶다” structure—as seen in “보고 싶다”—is extremely effective in expressing feelings and desires directly in Korean. Mastering this pattern can significantly enrich your ability to express yourself in the language.

Final Thoughts

The expression “보고 싶다” encapsulates a short yet profound emotion. As you explore and learn more about various emotional expressions, you will come to appreciate the beauty of the Korean language even more.

< Image Source: BTS “Spring Day” music video on YouTube.>