Korean Dictionary
How to say "Eager" in Korean
“Eager” in Korean is 간절하다 (pronounced "Ganjeolhada").
간절하다
Ganjeolhada
Usage & Context
Expresses a sincere, earnest desire for something. Stronger than simply wanting — implies deep longing or desperate hope. Korean students often feel 간절함 (eagerness) before major exams like the 수능. Very emotionally weighted.
Example Sentence
꼭 합격하고 싶은 간절한 마음이에요.
I have an eager, desperate wish to pass.
How to use 간절하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Eager” is 간절하다, romanized as Ganjeolhada.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 간절하다.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'gahn-juhl-hah-dah' — four syllables, all soft. 'Gahn' rhymes with 'gone,' 'juhl' is a quick 'jull,' and the ending 'hada' flows together like 'hah-dah.'
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
간절합니다
ganjeolhamnida
Formal form used in speeches, prayers, or written appeals
Casual (반말)
간절해
ganjeolhae
Casual form used between close friends when sharing deep feelings
More Example Sentences
talking about the emotional weight of suneung
수능 전날엔 모든 부모가 간절한 마음이 돼요.
The day before the college entrance exam, every parent becomes earnestly prayerful.
talking about a dream job during an interview
저는 그 회사에 들어가고 싶은 마음이 정말 간절해요.
I really, desperately want to get into that company.
encouraging a friend who is losing hope
간절히 바라면 이루어진대요.
They say if you wish earnestly, it comes true.
Cultural Context
간절하다 carries spiritual weight that plain 'eager' doesn't — it's the feeling behind mothers lined up at Buddhist temples during 수능 day, bowing 108 times for their child's exam score. Christian prayers frequently use 간절히 기도하다 (to pray earnestly), and K-ballads lean on it to describe love so deep it aches. It implies the desire has been held patiently, not an impulsive want. Koreans rarely describe small desires with 간절하다 — that would feel melodramatic.
Editorial note
We review entries like 간절하다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
간절히 바랍니다.
I earnestly wish for it.
간절한 마음
An earnest/desperate heart
간절히 기도하다
To pray earnestly
Related Expressions
절실하다
jeolsilhada
to be desperate / deeply needed
소망
somang
hope / earnest wish
바라다
barada
to hope / wish for
무관심
mugwansim
indifference (antonym)
More Emotions Words
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