Processing keyword: ~기로 [giro] (Decided to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~기로 [giro] (Decided to)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing decisions or resolutions is essential for everyday communication. The grammar point ~기로 (giro) is commonly used to indicate that someone has decided to do something. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~기로, helping you understand how to form sentences when expressing decisions.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The grammar pattern ~기로 하다 translates to "decide to do" in English. It is used to express a decision or resolution to take a particular action.

Structure

To form this grammar pattern, you combine the verb stem with -기로 하다.

[Verb Stem] + 기로 하다

Formation Diagram

Component	Description
Verb Stem	The base form of the verb
기로	Nominalizer + particle
하다	The verb "to do"

Breakdown

1. Verb Stem: Remove -다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. 기로: Attach -기로 to the verb stem. Here, -기 nominalizes the verb, and -로 means "by" or "with", but in this context, it's part of the fixed expression.
3. 하다: Add 하다 to complete the phrase.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~기로 하다 with ~(으)려고 하다

• ~기로 하다: Decided to do something.
  • 제가 내일 공부하기로 했어요. (I decided to study tomorrow.)
• ~(으)려고 하다: Intend to do something.
  • 제가 내일 공부하려고 해요. (I plan to study tomorrow.) Key Difference: ~기로 하다 implies a decision has been made, whereas ~(으)려고 하다 indicates an intention or plan but not necessarily a firm decision.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Informal Speech
   • 친구를 만나기로 했어.
     • (I) decided to meet a friend.
2. Polite Speech
   • 주말에 여행가기 로 했어요.
     • (I) decided to go on a trip this weekend.
3. Formal Speech
   • 회의를 다음 주로 연기하기로 결정했습니다.
     • We have decided to postpone the meeting to next week.
4. Written Context
   • 회사는 새로운 정책을 도입하기로 했다.
     • The company decided to implement a new policy.
5. Conversational Context
   • 오늘부터 운동을 열심히 하기로 해요.
     • Let's decide to exercise diligently starting today.

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

In Korean culture, the way decisions are expressed can reflect the level of formality and respect:

• Using ~기로 하겠습니다 shows a high level of formality, suitable for official or professional settings.
• In casual conversations among friends, ~기로 했어 is appropriate.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 약속을 지키기로 했다: Decided to keep a promise.
• 습관을 바꾸기로 마음먹었다: Made up one's mind to change a habit.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Forgetting to Remove the Verb Ending
   • Incorrect: 먹다기로 하다
   • Correct: 먹*기로 하다*
2. Confusing with Intentions
   • Misusing ~기로 하다 when intending to use ~(으)려고 하다.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that 기로 sounds like "gear up" to make a decision.
• Consistency: Ensure the tense of 하다 matches the context (past, present, future).

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~기로 하다 is used to express a decision to do something.
• Formed by attaching -기로 하다 to the verb stem.
• Different from ~(으)려고 하다, which expresses intent rather than a decision.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I decided to learn Korean" using ~기로 하다?
   • Answer: 한국어를 배우기로 했어요.
2. What is the difference between ~기로 하다 and ~(으)려고 하다?
   • Answer: ~기로 하다 expresses a decided action, while ~(으)려고 하다 expresses an intention or plan.

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By mastering ~기로 하다, you can confidently express your decisions in Korean, enhancing both your spoken and written communication skills.

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