Core Pattern Rule: Expressing Unwillingness with -기 싫어
This pattern is a direct way to say you don't want to do something. It combines a verb with -기 싫다.
Formation
It's formed by attaching -기 to a verb stem, which turns the verb into a noun (e.g., 가다 → 가기, "going"). Then, you add 싫다, which means "to be disliked" or "to hate."
Verb Stem + -기 싫다
This works for all verb stems, whether they end in a vowel or a consonant.
먹다 (to eat) → 먹기 싫다
보다 (to see) → 보기 싫다
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "I don't want to [verb]" or "I hate [verb]ing." It carries a strong, emotional nuance of aversion or dislike.
When to use: Use it when you want to express a strong feeling of not wanting to do an activity. It's very common in casual, everyday speech, especially when complaining or expressing reluctance.
학교 가기 싫어. / 일하기 싫어. / 혼자 먹기 싫어. / 청소하기 싫어.
Synonyms & Differences: -기 싫다 vs. -고 싶지 않다
Learners often confuse -기 싫다 with -고 싶지 않다. While both express not wanting to do something, they have different nuances.
-기 싫다
Nuance: Emotional and strong. It focuses on the feeling of dislike or aversion toward the action itself. It's like saying, "The act of doing this is unpleasant to me."
Example: 운동하기 싫어. (I hate exercising; the thought of it is unpleasant.)
-고 싶지 않다
Nuance: More neutral and factual. It focuses on the lack of desire or will to do something at that moment. It's less about hating the action and more about simply not feeling like it.
Example: 운동하고 싶지 않아. (I don't want to exercise; I don't have the desire to right now.)
Tip: Use -기 싫다 when you want to emphasize your negative feelings (like complaining). Use -고 싶지 않다 for a calmer, more straightforward refusal.
숙제하기 싫어. / 숙제하고 싶지 않아. / 그 사람 만나기 싫어. / 그 사람 만나고 싶지 않아.