How To Say “Hope” In Korean

It’s time to buckle down again and learn another word in Korean. In today’s lesson, we’ll go over the options for how to say “hope” in Korean. We sure hope you’re as happy to learn this word!

‘Hope’ in Korean

There are two ways to say “hope” in Korean. The word you choose depends on whether you wish to include it in the sentence as a noun or a verb.

The noun for the word “hope” in Korean is 희망 (huimang).

희망 (huimang)

Hope

Although it is possible to use this also as a verb by adding 하다 (hada), which means “to do,” after 희망 (huimang), it is much rarer to see in use than 희망 (huimang) on its own.

 

If you want to use “hope” as a verb, the word most often used is 바라다 (barada).

바라다 (barada)

to hope

Note that when in use the verb changes from its stem into 바래요 (baraeyo) and 바래 (barae), depending on the level of formality. In its polite form, it remains as 바랍니다 (baramnida). Keep in mind also that it’s possible for this verb to follow another verb. In that case the verb preceding 바라다 (barada) must end with the 기 (gi) suffix, which changes it into a noun.

Alternatively, the dictionary will also offer you 기대 (gidae) and 기대하다 (gidaehada) as options for the word “hope.” However, this word is more often used to express the meaning of anticipation or expectation rather than hope.

If you liked these, then go here for more fantastic Korean vocabulary words.

A word of caution about Romanization

While it is possible for you to study the words in this article simply by reading the Korean romanization, it will come in handy for you to be able to read Hangeul if you ever wish to come to Korea. Hangeul is the Korean alphabet, and not difficult to learn. In fact, you can learn it in just 90 minutes.

After you’ve familiarized yourself with Hangeul, life in Korea will suddenly seem so much easier and the country won’t appear so foreign for you. So, if you’re serious about learning Korean, why not learn Hangeul today?

Sample Sentences

Standard Korean Example Sentences

You can use these sentences in just about every situation, they’re considered polite. 

1. 다음주에 런던으로 여행 가서 그때 비가 안 내리기 바래요. → I hope it doesn’t rain when I travel to London next week.

(daeumjue reondeoneuro yeohaeng gaseo geuttae biga an naerigi baraeyo.)

2. 이제 마음에서 희망을 지워 없앴어요. → I have now erased hope from my mind.

   (ije maeumeseo huimangeul jiwo eopsaesseoyo.)

Informal Korean Example Sentences

This style of speaking is used with friends, family, or others that you're close with.

1. 할 수 있는 것도 없으니까 희망을 갖고 좀 기다려 봐. → Since there isn’t anything you can do, just try to have hope and wait a while.

   (hal su inneun geotdo eopseunikka huimangeul gatgo jom gidaryeo bwa.)

2. 그 시험을 빨리 합격 할 수 있기 바래. → I hope you can pass that exam quickly.

(geu siheomeul ppalli hapgyeok hal su itgi barae.)

We hope you had a great time learning this new word! What would you hope for us to teach you next? Tell us about your hopes and dreams in the comments below! And check out more great Korean learning from us.