Processing keyword: ~기로 하다 [giro hada] (Decide to do)
Korean Grammar Point: ~기로 하다 [giro hada] (Decide to do)
1. Introduction
In Korean, expressing decisions or planned actions is crucial for effective communication. The grammar pattern ~기로 하다 is commonly used to indicate that someone has decided to do something. This lesson will help you understand how to use ~기로 하다 to express your decisions naturally in Korean.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The pattern ~기로 하다 is used to express a decision or resolution to perform a certain action. It translates to "to decide to do" in English.
Structure
Verb Stem + 기로 하다
- Verb Stem: Obtain the verb stem by removing -다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
- 기로 하다: Add 기로 하다 to the verb stem.
Formation Diagram
| Step | Example Verb (가다 - to go) | Example Verb (먹다 - to eat) |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary Form | 가다 | 먹다 |
| Remove -다 | 가 | 먹 |
| Add 기로 하다 | 가기로 하다 | 먹기로 하다 |
| Meaning | Decide to go | Decide to eat |
Conjugation Patterns
Present Tense
- Informal Low: 가기로 해
- Informal Polite: 가기로 해요
- Formal Polite: 가기로 합니다 Past Tense (Commonly used to express a past decision)
- Informal Low: 가기로 했어
- Informal Polite: 가기로 했어요
- Formal Polite: 가기로 했습니다
3. Comparative Analysis
~기로 하다 vs. ~(으)려고 하다
| Grammar Pattern | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| ~기로 하다 | Decide to do | Firm decision made |
| ~(으)려고 하다 | Intend/Plan to do | Intention or plan, but not definite |
- ~기로 하다 implies that a decision has been made and is more definite.
- ~(으)려고 하다 indicates an intention or plan that might change. Example:
- 한국어를 배우기로 했어요.
- I decided to learn Korean. (Decision made)
- 한국어를 배우려고 해요.
- I'm planning to learn Korean. (Intention)
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
- 내일 일찍 일어나기로 했어요.
- I decided to wake up early tomorrow.
- 친구와 함께 여행 가기로 했습니다.
- I decided to go on a trip with a friend.
- 주말에 집에서 쉬기로 했어요.
- I decided to rest at home over the weekend.
- 그 책을 읽기로 했어.
- I decided to read that book.
- 다이어트를 시작하기로 합니다.
- I decide to start a diet.
Context Variations
- Formal Setting:
- 회의를 다음 주에 열기로 했습니다.
- We decided to hold the meeting next week.
- 회의를 다음 주에 열기로 했습니다.
- Casual Conversation:
- 영화를 보기로 했어.
- I decided to watch a movie.
- 영화를 보기로 했어.
- Expressing Collective Decisions:
- 우리는 매주 운동하기로 했어요.
- We decided to exercise every week.
- 우리는 매주 운동하기로 했어요.
5. Cultural Notes
Politeness and Formality
- The ending -습니다 is used for formal situations.
- Using ~기로 하다 shows a firm decision, which is important in professional and social contexts in Korea.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 마음을 먹다 (To make up one's mind) is similar in meaning.
- 예: 새로운 일을 시작하기로 마음먹었어요.
- I've made up my mind to start a new job.
- 예: 새로운 일을 시작하기로 마음먹었어요.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Using ~기로 하다 with Adjectives
- Incorrect: 행복하기로 했어요.
- Happiness is a state, not an action.
- Correct: 행복해지기로 했어요.
- I decided to become happy.
- Incorrect: 행복하기로 했어요.
- Confusing ~기로 하다 with ~기 때문에
- Incorrect: 일이 많기로 회의에 못 갔어요.
- Correct: 일이 많기 때문에 회의에 못 갔어요.
- I couldn't attend the meeting because I had a lot of work.
Tips
- Remember: Use action verbs with ~기로 하다.
- To express a decision involving an adjective, convert it into a verb (e.g., 커지다 - to become bigger).
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~기로 하다 is used to express a definite decision to perform an action.
- Attach 기로 하다 to the verb stem.
- Conjugate 하다 according to tense and politeness level.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Form a sentence using ~기로 하다 with the verb 쓰다 (to write) in informal polite past tense.
- Answer: 쓰기로 했어요. (I decided to write.)
- What's the difference between 가기로 했어요 and 가려고 했어요?
- Answer: 가기로 했어요 means "I decided to go," whereas 가려고 했어요 means "I intended to go."
- How do you say "We decided to study Korean" in formal polite form?
- Answer: 저희는 한국어를 공부하기로 했습니다.
By mastering ~기로 하다, you'll be able to express your decisions clearly and confidently in Korean. Keep practicing with different verbs to become more familiar with this grammar pattern!