Processing keyword: ~고 말다 [go malda] (End up)

Korean Grammar Point: ~고 말다 [go malda] (End up)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~고 말다 is used to express that an action has been completed eventually or inevitably, often with a sense of regret, unintended outcome, or inevitability. It can be translated as "end up doing," "finally do," or "eventually do" something.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~고 말다 indicates that an action is completed, sometimes against one's intention or expectations.
• It often conveys feelings such as regret, frustration, or inevitability about the outcome.

Structure

The structure combines the verb stem with ~고 말다.

[Verb Stem] + 고 말다

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem + 고 말다

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without 다.
• 고 말다: Attached to express the completion of an action.

Usage Notes

• Past Tense: When conjugated in the past tense, it emphasizes that the action has been completed.

  [Verb Stem] + 고 말았다
  

• Future Tense: It can also be used in future tense to express determination, often in the form ~고 말겠다.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~아/어 버리다: Also expresses the completion of an action, often with a sense of relief or regret.
  • Difference: ~고 말다 often implies that the action was inevitable or unintended, whereas ~아/어 버리다 emphasizes the action's completion with emotional nuance.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 공부를 안 해서 시험에 떨어지고 말았어요. Gongbureul an haeseo siheome tteoreojigo marasseoyo.
   • I ended up failing the exam because I didn't study.
2. 비밀을 지키지 못하고 말았습니다. Bimireul jikiji mothago marasseumnida.
   • I couldn't keep the secret in the end.
3. 버스를 놓치고 말았어요. Beoseureul nochigo marasseoyo.
   • I ended up missing the bus.
4. 그들은 결국 이혼하고 말았다. (Written, formal) Geudeureun gyeolguk ihonhago maratda.
   • They eventually ended up divorcing.
5. 무리한 운동을 하다가 병이 나고 말았어요. Murihan undongeul hadaga byeongi nago marasseoyo.
   • I overexerted myself exercising and ended up getting sick.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~고 말다 can be used in various speech levels by conjugating 말다 appropriately.
  • Informal: 말았어
  • Polite: 말았어요
  • Formal: 말았습니다

Idiomatic Expressions

• 죽고 말다
  • Literally "end up dying," but can be used idiomatically to express doing something to death or with intense emotion.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing with ~아/어 버리다
   • Tip: Remember that ~고 말다 often carries a sense of inevitability or unintended results.
2. Incorrect Verb Stem Attachment
   • Tip: Ensure you attach ~고 말다 directly to the verb stem without any tense markers.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Think of 말다 as "to stop," but when combined as ~고 말다, the action proceeds to completion despite intentions, hence "end up doing."

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~고 말다 expresses that an action has been completed, often inevitably or unintentionally.
• It is used to convey regret, frustration, or inevitability.
• Attach ~고 말다 directly to the verb stem.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you express "I ended up telling the truth" using ~고 말다?
   • Answer: 진실을 말하고 말았어요.
2. What feeling is often associated with ~고 말다?
   • Answer: Regret, frustration, or a sense of inevitability.
3. How is ~고 말다 different from ~아/어 버리다?
   • Answer: ~고 말다 implies inevitability or unintended outcome, whereas ~아/어 버리다 emphasizes completion with emotional nuance.

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Congratulations! You've learned how to use ~고 말다 to express actions that end up happening, often with a sense of inevitability or regret.

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