Meaning and Usage
"희망하다" is a formal verb meaning "to hope" or "to wish for" something. It is often used in written or polite spoken Korean, especially in formal contexts such as applications, announcements, or polite conversations.
Common Collocations
- 희망하다 + (object): to hope for something specific, e.g., 희망하는 학교 (the school one hopes to attend).
- 희망하는 직업 (desired job): used when talking about career aspirations.
- ~기를 희망하다: a common grammatical pattern to express hope for an action or event.
Nuances
Using "희망하다" implies a sincere or formal wish, often with a sense of planning or intention. It is more formal than simply saying "바라다" (to wish).
Register
This verb is polite and formal, suitable for written language, official documents, or respectful speech. In casual conversation, Koreans might prefer "바라다" or "원하다".
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "희망하다" with "희망" (hope as a noun). Remember that "희망하다" is a verb and requires an object or a clause to express what is hoped for. Avoid using it without specifying what you hope for.