Processing keyword: ~기로 되다 [giro dweda] (It is decided/settled)

Korean Grammar Point: ~기로 되다 [giro dweda] (It is decided/settled)

~기로 되다 [giro dweda] (It is Decided/Settled)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing decisions or arrangements that have been made often involves specific grammatical constructions. One such construction is ~기로 되다, which is used to indicate that something has been decided or settled, usually by external factors or mutual agreement. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~기로 되다, helping you understand its formation, meaning, and how it differs from similar expressions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~기로 되다 is attached to the verb stem to express that it has been decided or arranged for something to happen. The decision is often beyond the speaker's control or is a result of a mutual agreement.

• 기로: A grammatical particle that means "decide to" when combined with verbs.
• 되다: Means "to become" or "to be done." Combined, ~기로 되다 translates to "it has been decided to..." or "it is arranged that..."

Structure

The structure of ~기로 되다 is straightforward:

1. Verb Stem + -기로 되다

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 기로 되다

• 가다 (to go) → 가기로 되다 (It is decided to go)
• 회의하다 (to have a meeting) → 회의하기로 되다 (It is decided to have a meeting)

Visual Aid: Conjugation Table

3. Comparative Analysis

~기로 하다 vs. ~기로 되다

• ~기로 하다: Indicates a personal decision or intention. The subject decides to do something.
  • Example: 저는 내일부터 운동하기로 했어요. (I decided to exercise from tomorrow.)
• ~기로 되다: Indicates that something has been decided or arranged, often by external factors or agreement.
  • Example: 회의는 다음 주에 열기로 되었습니다. (It has been decided that the meeting will be held next week.) Key Difference: ~기로 하다 implies the subject's own decision, while ~기로 되다 suggests that the decision has been made by others or as a result of circumstances.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 회의는 월요일에 열기로 되었습니다.
   • It has been decided that the meeting will be held on Monday.
2. 새로운 정책은 다음 달부터 시행되기로 되었다.
   • It has been settled that the new policy will be implemented starting next month.

Informal Context

1. 우리 내일 만나기로 됐어.
   • It's been decided that we'll meet tomorrow.
2. 영화는 취소되기로 됐다고 들었어.
   • I heard that the movie has been decided to be canceled.

Written Context

1. 공사는 이번 주말에 시작되기로 되었다.
   • It has been arranged that the construction will start this weekend.

Spoken Context

1. 파티는 저녁 7시에 시작하기로 됐어요.
   • It's been decided that the party will start at 7 PM.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

In Korean, politeness levels are crucial. ~기로 되다 can be used in both formal and informal situations, but the verb 되다 can be conjugated accordingly.

• Formal Polite: 되었습니다, 되었다
• Informal Polite: 됐어요, 됐다
• Informal: 됐어

Cultural Relevance

Using ~기로 되다 reflects a passive stance, indicating that the speaker is referring to a decision made by a group or external factors, which aligns with the collectivist nature of Korean society where group decisions are common.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mixing up with ~기로 하다: Learners often confuse ~기로 되다 with ~기로 하다. Remember that ~기로 하다 is for personal decisions, while ~기로 되다 is for external or agreed-upon decisions.
• Incorrect Verb Stem Usage: Ensure you attach 기로 되다 directly to the verb stem without any additional particles.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate 되다 with "become" or "be done" to remember that ~기로 되다 implies the decision has been made by others or circumstances.
• Practice with Common Verbs: Use frequently used verbs to form sentences, which will help internalize the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~기로 되다 is used to express that it has been decided or arranged for something to happen.
• The decision is typically made by external factors or mutual agreement, not solely by the speaker.
• It differs from ~기로 하다, which indicates personal decision or intention.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you express "It has been decided to travel next month" using ~기로 되다?
2. What is the key difference between ~기로 하다 and ~기로 되다?
3. Fill in the blank: 회의는 오후 3시에 시작_______.

Answers:

1. 다음 달에 여행하기로 되었어요.
2. ~기로 하다 indicates a personal decision; ~기로 되다 indicates a decision made by others or by agreement.
3. 시작되기로 되었습니다.

By mastering ~기로 되다, you'll be able to accurately describe decisions or arrangements that have been made, enhancing both your understanding and communication in Korean.